Post by caly on Mar 14, 2007 19:20:31 GMT -5
Caly
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A mottled cloud of black and dark brown turns out, at closer inspection, to actually be a horse, if not exactly the prettiest of equine kind. He stands at just over 15.2 hh, a decent average height for mustangs, and his coloration is mostly black, though it fades into a dirt brown down his chest, in a couple of broad spots along his back, and the socks on all four legs. Whether the brown actually IS dirt is hard to tell at a distance (though most likely it is). His mane is not ONE big knot, but close enough, hanging in knotty strands that still lets it shield him from flies, though just barely, and he carries a few choice scars of someone who doesn't back down from a fight easily. All in all he seems to be going for that whole 'bully' look, though the soft brown eyes tend to betray him if you come close enough to see those.
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Sable
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Sable is a spry, clever little mustang. Though, size-wise, she's about average for a young adult. Her frame is compact, muscular, powerful. Intelligence gleams in her chestnut brown eyes. She is a blue roan in color, her sleek coat the shade of dark, thundering storm clouds gathering over the prairie. Her lower legs, muzzle, and tail and mane are black, though the end of her tail is paler, almost white, as if dipped in bleach. She always seems to have a spring in her step, a flick in her tail. www.sidian.net/sablehoss.jpg
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Rojo
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Rojo seems a bit small for the average mustang, standing shorter than most and built a little more thinly. Still, she seems healthy, a little bit shaggy around the edges and coloured a rich red roan.
Her head is coarse, like most mustangs, with coarser fur at the jowls. Her muzzle and ears both fade to a dark reddish brown. Falling long and fine, Rojo's mane is her pride, thick and fine, each pale hair fading to a dark brown at the top, giving a frosted look to it. Her eyes are dark, as well, and she has a bit of a Roman nose.
The darker colours on Rojo's coat form several markings of interest over her body. Darker reddish-roan forms zebra stripes on her legs, and a dark dorsal stripe runs from the base of her neck to the base of her tail. Her legs are dark, almost black, but there's a reddish undertone to the colour.
Much like her mane, Rojo's tail is based on a pale colour, fading to a darker hue at the tip of each coarse hair. It's long and thick; her pride, much like her mane, flowing like a flag behind her whenever she runs.
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Musket
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Standing about 17 hands tall, this rough-and-tumble stallion is happy to have finally grown into his long, gangly colt-legs. Aren't all equines? An Appaloosa pattern splashed all over his pale body; his base coat is a very pale cream, with faint red stockings sweeping over his legs and completely over the crest of his head. A thin "beard" having developed on Musket's lower jaw and a set of wild blue eyes to complete the semi-crazed look of an otherwise well-tempered animal...well, as far as wild horses go. His coat is finished off with a series of small dark spots crisscrossing his body, primarily his back and neck; with one particular spot over his left eye. His mane and tail start off white, and fade into red at the tips. There are faint scars on this animal's shoulders and neck from an attempted capture by man years ago.
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Caly has been hanging around the large herd for a few days, keeping far enough away to avoid the anger of the herd's stallion, but close enough that he doesn't feel alone and can be warned by the herd if predators approach. He has been slowly drifting closer, though, trying his luck now and then, but been chased away each time when the herd stallion spots him. That doesn't stop him from trying again a few hours later, though, cautiously chatting up whoever's closest when he dares try. It's been a few hours since last time he tried, and when he spots the stallion dozing in the warm spring sun, he again slips closer, practically sneaking towards the herd.
Sable has seen the scruffy-looking stallion lingering around the fringes of the herd. The first few times he approached, she ignored him, but when he came near again and again, she started to get curious and began drifting farther out toward the edges of the group. Finally, she leaves the rest of the herd behind, cautiously moving out toward the male, not looking directly at him but moving sort of sideways in his direction.
Rojo didn't seem to notice the stallion, at first. She was more towards the outskirts of the herd, comfortably sprawled in the sunshine. If trouble happened to rear its ugly head, why, she could just listen for a warning sign from the rest of the herd. It would be a shame to waste such a pleasantly sunny day and not nap in that warm sunshine, wouldn't it? So, the red roan is asleep -- but quite far from the herd, as well; near enough that the stallion could easily wake her and entice her over into his fledgling herd, if he wanted to.
Caly perks his ears when one of the mares breaks off from the rest of the herd, and he changes his direction slightly to get closer to her, only offering a greeting nicker when he's certain the herd's stallion can't hear him. He pauses there, just on the very edge of what's considered an acceptable distance to a herd that's not his, not daring immediately to step closer. He's already got a couple of bite marks from times he didn't get away fast enough, and he really isn't in the mood to earn another ... unless the risk turns out to be worth it, of course.
Sable pauses a few yards from the new stallion, nostrils flaring as she tilts her head to snuffle the air in his direction, neck stretched out. She leans forward toward him, trying to get a good bead on his scent without crossing the invisible "you're too close!" line. Eventually, though, she realizes how silly that is, and with a snort, she crosses the 'line', taking a few steps closer.
Rojo rolls just far enough to let all four legs dangle in the air, tail splayed out to one side, nose up a bit to give a peaceful siiiigh... except that something's different when she takes another breath. She can smell all the mares in her herd, but there's one scent different. With another sigh, almost a kind of grumble, the red roan mare rolls onto her feet, climbing up to all fours and shaking the grass out of her pelt. Her head comes up, dark eyes fixing on Caly. Her head turns towards the stallion -- asleep in the sun and paying no attention to his mares again, the oaf -- before turning towards Caly again. Almost tenuously, she gives a whicker of greeting, taking a step towards him with a flick of the tail.
Caly extends his muzzle to the grey mare as she draws nearer, and as she comes even closer he pulls it back again, letting his neck arch and muscles ripple down along it; basically showing off. He's just about to reach his muzzle to her again to share breath when another mare's voice reaches his ears, taking his attention for just a moment to see the red one moving closer, too - and the stallion still sleeping in the sun. Ah well, if he can't keep an eye on his herd, he deserves to find it a little smaller when he wakes. First things first, though, as his attention returns to the grey mare in front of him, brushing his muzzle against her until his nostrils meet hers. "Hey there," he nickers softly.
Sable inches closer until she's standing near the new male at an angle, just sort of sidling up bit by bit till she's alongside him. She whuffles softly, stretching her neck out to the side to snuffle at his snout, nostrils flaring and ears swiveling. She doesn't notice the other female coming closer, her attention wholly focused upon this new, and therefore interesting, stallion. She flicks her ears back briefly as he speaks to her. "Hello.." she responds, her expression and voice shy, despite the courage it took to approach.
Rojo flicks her tail, watching the other two horses go about their greetings. Her ears are pricked in interest, though. Finally, some stallion that seems to know what he's doing... unlike the lead stallion, sleeping in the sun a goodly distance away. Hmmph. That's not how to keep a herd intact, is it? The red roan mare tilts her head just far enough to look at the sleeping stallion over her shoulder, snorting. Lazy oaf. Her attention is quick to turn back to the newcomer. Where the darker mare seems hesitant, there's no fear in the red roan. She perks up a little towards the new stallion. "Finally. Someone who seems to knwo what they're doing." She glances back to the old stallion once before looking back to Caly. "Better not make too much noise... but I doubt you'll wake him up, on a day like this."
Caly breathes warmly against Sable's muzzle, about to introduce himself when the red mare's voice reaches him. He looks to her for a moment, eyes darting towards the sleeping stallion, but when that one remains with his back turned and head low, Caly gives a slight toss of his head, inviting the red mare closer as well; the more the merrier. As he waits for Rojo to get closer, he again returns his attention to Sable, nickering softly. "I'm Caly," he finally introduces himself. "Thank you for the warm welcome."
Sable nickers softly, a shudder running along her hide. She paws lightly at the ground, sidling a bit closer, running her nose along his jaw and neck, testing his scent and even nibbling lightly, experimentally. She snorts as her exploration of this new stallion is interrupted by the approach of another mare, flicking her tail in irritation, ears laying back briefly. But then Caly distracts her with his introduction. "Sable.." she replies, dipping her head lightly.
Rojo glances over towards the old stallion again. Yup, he's out like a light. Warm sun, a peaceful pasture, and surrounded by his herd of mares? Small wonder the old horse pays so little attention to his herd. He's gone soft, it would seem. No herd is safe from rogue stallions. The red roan turns her dark eyes to the new stallion, content to watch and let the two lovebirds go about their business. Fine, she'll back off a little. Snort.
Caly smiles widely, reaching to lightly nose through Sable's mane. "A very pretty name," he comments. "And one definitely suiting you." Yes, yes, the usual flattery, it all has to be said. "It's a very nice day today, isn't it? Warm sun, no wind, fresh grass growing by our hooves ..." He glances to the sleeping stallion again, this is almost too easy. In doing so he sees the red mare's stopped, though, and gives another light toss of his head, as if inviting her closer without wanting to yell it out and risk waking his potential rival.
Sable makes a contented little rumbling sound, quite happy with the flattery. That's how it should be. A stallion should appreciate his mares. She tilts her head to nibble along the arch of his neck, at his mane, standing shoulder to shoulder with him now. She didn't really care for the stallion who'd recently annexed her herd. He'd never even spoken to her. She snorts lightly, twitching her hide. "The company has left much to be desired, though...until now anyway.." she dips her head low, glancing back toward the other mare. She doesn't offer any objection to Rojo's approach this time.
Rojo glances over one last time towards the old stallion. No, he had paid little attention to the mares under his control. Beyond the occasional dash around the perimeter to ensure that they were all there, he certainly left much to be desired. So, the red roan approaches, this time, steps light as she makes her way over. Tossing her head, her thick mane falls over her face a bit, the forelock dense enough to cover an eye. Her nostrils flare as she scents the newcomer, ears pricked as she approaches. "Hello," she finally ventures. "I thought I saw you slinking around the outskirts yesterday."
Caly nods a bit too energetically at Sable's comment, nibbling gently against her back until Rojo gets close enough for a real greeting. "Not so much slinking as trying to stay out of sight," he smiles, reaching his muzzle to her as well in an offer to share breath. "Name's Caly," he introduces himself again, smiling widely. Woot, already lured two mares away, though he probably should consider that enough and get himself and the mares away before their herd stallion wakes up and notices.
Sable has functionally forgotten the existence of the other male, and the herd in general. THIS stallion paid attention to her. THIS stallion appreciated her. She doesn't even look back as she nibbles exploratively over Caly's neck and jaw, snuffling into his mane. She spares a glance back toward Rojo, registering now that she's seen the other mare around, but never actually spoken to her. She hadn't spoken to many since her herd was annexed.
Rojo flares her nostrils, sharing a breath with the stallion. Well, he smells sweet, doesn't he? Certainly more of a greeting than she had gotten from the other stallion. "Well, there's that... but you wouldn't have to try hard." She gives a chuff of amusement. "These days, he spends more time sleeping than watching his herd." Her tail flicks, and she raises her head to study him; proud. "Rojo. Nice to meet you." And, if he doesn't shrug it off, she inclines her head to nibble at the other side of his neck, lightly sorting out his mane a bit. Ech, what a mess. "You should take better care of your mane... here, let me fix that."
Caly mmms, now this is a stallion's life, a mare on each side, and all he has to do is shift his gentle nibbling from one to the other every few seconds to keep them happy. Right now, anyway. He knows it's not ALWAYS that easy. "I take it neither of you are quite happy with your herd's stallion?" he comments, really -struggling- to make it sound casual. "If that's so, why don't we three go for a little walk, and you can tell me all about his ... shortcomings." He smiles, stepping in between the two mares and out on the other side, only to circle behind them and slip back in between them, now facing the same way and carefully leading them away from the herd. "I'd love to hear about it." Hey, he deserves a point for being smooth, doesn't he?
Sable exchanges nibbles and light touches with the stallion for a moment before he moves, lifting her head and perking her ears toward him, watching. As he begins moving along, she instinctually moves along with him, quite enjoying the idea of a mild constitutional. "Lazy, he is...cares nothing for us, really." She doesn't even look back as the scruffy new male leads her and her fellow mare away. "He's got his favorites, and they're all he really pays attention to. I dont' think he ever even asked my name..."
(Musket poses in) Hm. He liked these open hills, yes he did. Not really any interest in finding a herd to join, although the equine was just content enough to find the wide open country to live at peace. He trotted gaily through the grass, a slight canter, head up, ears forward. He stopped and chuffed at the air. He could have sworn he heard voices.
Rojo tosses her head, trying to flip her forelock out of her eyes. "It's just like she says. He's a lazy lout, and old, to boot." This, with a glance towards the dozing stallion, who is... predictably, still sleeping. "I haven't even talked to him, myself. I guess I don't have any interest in it. And why should I? He doesn't care." She moves to Caly's other side, absently sorting out his mane a bit. Still a mess, though; it's more something to do as they walk than an actual effort. "As for you, on the other hand... you seem to care," she comments lightly.
Caly smiles and nods again, definitely agreeing with every word spoken, and every few seconds one of the mares get a gentle lick wherever he can easily reach as he subtly leads them away, ignoring the first instinct to break into a gallop and get away fast. The thunder of hooves would certainly rouse the entire herd, and worst, the stallion he's stealing from. No, nice and easy, slow walk, take it calmly. "A stallion should be able to recite the names of his mares in his sleep," he states, emphasizing it with a nod. "Anything less just won't do."
Sable snorts in agreement, then tilts her head. "Well...he's not THAT old...I mean he's strong enough...I think he's just overconfident. I mean, he beat out that last stallion and merged the two herds. I think it went to his head." She remains close enough as they walk to occasionally brush against the stallion.
Oh, whoa. Another herd. Musket needed to be quiet now...although it seemed that they were idling for now. Maybe Musket could make his getaway without being spotted... Wait... His thick head turned toward three particular animals, moving away from the immediate group... Musket moved quietly, waiting until they were far enough from the herd to start up conversation.
Rojo tosses her head. "True. He isn't that old. He sure acts like an old stallion, though. Content and complacent, without lifting a hoof. Too content for his own good... eh?" She pauses in step, backing one ear uncertainly and testing the wind. "I smell something." That would be Musket. She flicks her tail dismissively, before moving to join Caly's other side again. Eh, well! "Anyway... you've got the right of it. A stallion should know his mares."
Caly lets his ears swivel, looking around at Rojo's warning, but he can't quite spot anything. Of course, what he's mostly looking for is an angry-looking dust cloud heading his way from the herd, but as none such is coming, he just smiles and nods, looking towards the top of the hill he and the mares are climbing. Just gotta get them past that little ridge, and they'll all three be out of sight. Just a little further. "Complacency is no reason for a stallion not to show his mares the love and attention they deserve," he agrees with Sable. "Certainly not mares as beautiful as the two of you." Oh yes, he's laying it on thick.
Sable lifts her head to peer around as well, but if she sees Musket at all, she doesn't register his presence as a male or what it could mean..she's far too preoccupied with Caly and his flattering words. She nickers a soft giggle, bumping her snout along his jaw. "He didn't know what he had under his nose..."
The spotted male was close enough to catch some of their conversation as he too moved away from the herd. Ugh...Mush talk. He trotted hastily, wanting to get away from the larger herd, which was now a fair distance off. He could meet up with the others in the safe-zone.
Rojo backs one ear, listening behind her as they walk. You know, just in case. "No, he shouldn't have ignored us." He's laying it on thick, and it seems the two mares are just eating it up. "Beautiful, are we?" She ducks her head to glance at Sable from beneath his jaw, showing teeth in a grin. "He's handsome /and/ considerate! So much more than that lummox back there."
Caly mmhmms, giving each of the mares a lick on the muzzle. "I can assure you both that I'm quite well aware what I've got under my nose," he nickers, casting a final glance back as they cross the top of the hill. The stallion is still fast asleep, the rest of his mares grazing. Maybe he could've gotten away with more, but then, two mares are two more than he had an hour ago. "And yes, most definitely you are beautiful. He's a fool for not seeing that."
Sable lifts her head proudly at the praise, looking quite happy with herself. She'd been the first one to approach the stallion, afterall, and look what a prize he is! She prances a bit, a skip in her step. "Well, he knows a good thing when he sees it." She'd never really been vain, or thought of herself as beautiful, but flattery does wonders to even a shy female.
Finally...away from the threat. Musket snorted and lightly shook his head in relief before moving in their direction slowly. He's not looking to steal and will make the point clear if asked. Although some chatting sounds nice right now. "Hullo there, you three!"
Rojo pricks her ears forward, quite pleased with herself at the praise. My, this one's certainly a keeper, isn't he? Certainly worlds better than the last stallion to have taken her into herd. "Oh, he certainly knows what he's got. A wise stallion, no doubt!" Eh? Someone else is there. "I thought I smelled something." She lifts her head, whickering in greeting. "Hallo! We were just going for a walk. I don't believe I've seen you around these parts...?"
Caly perks his ears immediately at the call, and unfortunately for his self esteem completely misses the compliment. He quickly scans the area until he spots the other stallion, frowning and letting his ears lean back just a bit. "Hey," he answers cautiously, trying to sound as neutral as possible. He did NOT just sneak away two mares only to lose them to the first stallion they encounter.
Sable chuckles softly toward Rojo, and would speak a replpy, but the other voice reaches her...she lifts her head sharply with a snort, nostrils flaring as she eyeballs the new stallion. She doesn't say anything, as the others have already spoken up. She just watches him warily...two strange stallions so close to the herd? Wow...their stallion really had been an oaf.
Musket nodded his head. He saw the other stallion plainly. If he wanted the mares, so be it, it wasn't his problem. "I'm no threat," he assured. "Not much for doing much other than visiting."
Rojo seems to ease a little once she hears the newcomer isn't here to spirit them away. She tosses her head, clearing her forelock out of her eyes. A useless gesture, considering it falls right back where it was. In the meantime, she'll just let Caly handle the greetings, hanging back a bit near Sable.
Caly steps out between the mares, keeping them still close but standing half a bodylength in front of them. "A friendly visitor is not for me to chase away," he offers, biting back the suggestion to go 'visit' the herd beyond the hill. "We were on our way ... away from here, though," he continues, glancing back at the mares to see if putting it that bluntly is going to send them running back to their herd, just in case they hadn't realized what he was doing. He doesn't think that'll be the case, though. He chose well.
Sable leaves the males to deal with...male things. She swings her head over to whuffle at Rojo, head lifting to snort breath at that errant and annoying forelock, trying to help blow it out of the other mare's eyes. She doesn't react to Caly's statement implying they're off to form their own herd, their old one be-damned. She's probably figured it out by now anyway.
Rojo probably knew all along. She's hardly stupid, by the look of it; merely going along with the banter. She flicks her tail, grinning at the help from Sable. "Always in my eyes... the curse of a good mane." As to Caly, she swings her head sidelong, casting him a glance. "Well? Let's be off, shall we?" And leave that lummox and his over-large herd behind. Well... large, minus two mares, that is~
Caly gives a short bow of his head to the other stallion, then carefully guides his two mares around him, down the other side of the hill from where they came, picking up the pace now to a somewhat faster walk. Out of sight, out of earshot - now just gotta get so far away that the oaf won't be able to figure out where his mares went ... if he even notices they're gone.
Sable resists the urge to reach over and chew that annoying forelock out of Rojo's eyes. They're on the move again anyway...She looks back toward Caly and the rolling hills and...well, they may be content to walk, but she's got an itch in her legs, and with a jump, she breaks into a gallop, weaving to and fro merrily before the other two horses. She's in good spirits, off on an adventure.
Rojo throws her head up and squeals in surprise as the other mare breaks into a gallop. Hey! Not to be outdone, the red roan lunges forward, breaking into a headlong, heedless gallop over the plains. She may be small, but she's quick, catching up to Sable and keeping pace. It takes everything just to keep up with the bigger mare, but dagnabbit, a good run is always fun... and they're putting distance between themselves and the old herd. Off to new beginnings!
Caly isn't one to back down from a challenge or a race, and moments later he's hot on the heels of -his- two mares, following close behind without wanting to overtake them, content to run at the back where he can give a quick push from one side or the other whenever he'd like to see the direction change. Adventures indeed ... or maybe just quiet herd life with a stallion that pays attention. ;)
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A mottled cloud of black and dark brown turns out, at closer inspection, to actually be a horse, if not exactly the prettiest of equine kind. He stands at just over 15.2 hh, a decent average height for mustangs, and his coloration is mostly black, though it fades into a dirt brown down his chest, in a couple of broad spots along his back, and the socks on all four legs. Whether the brown actually IS dirt is hard to tell at a distance (though most likely it is). His mane is not ONE big knot, but close enough, hanging in knotty strands that still lets it shield him from flies, though just barely, and he carries a few choice scars of someone who doesn't back down from a fight easily. All in all he seems to be going for that whole 'bully' look, though the soft brown eyes tend to betray him if you come close enough to see those.
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Sable
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Sable is a spry, clever little mustang. Though, size-wise, she's about average for a young adult. Her frame is compact, muscular, powerful. Intelligence gleams in her chestnut brown eyes. She is a blue roan in color, her sleek coat the shade of dark, thundering storm clouds gathering over the prairie. Her lower legs, muzzle, and tail and mane are black, though the end of her tail is paler, almost white, as if dipped in bleach. She always seems to have a spring in her step, a flick in her tail. www.sidian.net/sablehoss.jpg
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Rojo
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Rojo seems a bit small for the average mustang, standing shorter than most and built a little more thinly. Still, she seems healthy, a little bit shaggy around the edges and coloured a rich red roan.
Her head is coarse, like most mustangs, with coarser fur at the jowls. Her muzzle and ears both fade to a dark reddish brown. Falling long and fine, Rojo's mane is her pride, thick and fine, each pale hair fading to a dark brown at the top, giving a frosted look to it. Her eyes are dark, as well, and she has a bit of a Roman nose.
The darker colours on Rojo's coat form several markings of interest over her body. Darker reddish-roan forms zebra stripes on her legs, and a dark dorsal stripe runs from the base of her neck to the base of her tail. Her legs are dark, almost black, but there's a reddish undertone to the colour.
Much like her mane, Rojo's tail is based on a pale colour, fading to a darker hue at the tip of each coarse hair. It's long and thick; her pride, much like her mane, flowing like a flag behind her whenever she runs.
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Musket
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Standing about 17 hands tall, this rough-and-tumble stallion is happy to have finally grown into his long, gangly colt-legs. Aren't all equines? An Appaloosa pattern splashed all over his pale body; his base coat is a very pale cream, with faint red stockings sweeping over his legs and completely over the crest of his head. A thin "beard" having developed on Musket's lower jaw and a set of wild blue eyes to complete the semi-crazed look of an otherwise well-tempered animal...well, as far as wild horses go. His coat is finished off with a series of small dark spots crisscrossing his body, primarily his back and neck; with one particular spot over his left eye. His mane and tail start off white, and fade into red at the tips. There are faint scars on this animal's shoulders and neck from an attempted capture by man years ago.
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Caly has been hanging around the large herd for a few days, keeping far enough away to avoid the anger of the herd's stallion, but close enough that he doesn't feel alone and can be warned by the herd if predators approach. He has been slowly drifting closer, though, trying his luck now and then, but been chased away each time when the herd stallion spots him. That doesn't stop him from trying again a few hours later, though, cautiously chatting up whoever's closest when he dares try. It's been a few hours since last time he tried, and when he spots the stallion dozing in the warm spring sun, he again slips closer, practically sneaking towards the herd.
Sable has seen the scruffy-looking stallion lingering around the fringes of the herd. The first few times he approached, she ignored him, but when he came near again and again, she started to get curious and began drifting farther out toward the edges of the group. Finally, she leaves the rest of the herd behind, cautiously moving out toward the male, not looking directly at him but moving sort of sideways in his direction.
Rojo didn't seem to notice the stallion, at first. She was more towards the outskirts of the herd, comfortably sprawled in the sunshine. If trouble happened to rear its ugly head, why, she could just listen for a warning sign from the rest of the herd. It would be a shame to waste such a pleasantly sunny day and not nap in that warm sunshine, wouldn't it? So, the red roan is asleep -- but quite far from the herd, as well; near enough that the stallion could easily wake her and entice her over into his fledgling herd, if he wanted to.
Caly perks his ears when one of the mares breaks off from the rest of the herd, and he changes his direction slightly to get closer to her, only offering a greeting nicker when he's certain the herd's stallion can't hear him. He pauses there, just on the very edge of what's considered an acceptable distance to a herd that's not his, not daring immediately to step closer. He's already got a couple of bite marks from times he didn't get away fast enough, and he really isn't in the mood to earn another ... unless the risk turns out to be worth it, of course.
Sable pauses a few yards from the new stallion, nostrils flaring as she tilts her head to snuffle the air in his direction, neck stretched out. She leans forward toward him, trying to get a good bead on his scent without crossing the invisible "you're too close!" line. Eventually, though, she realizes how silly that is, and with a snort, she crosses the 'line', taking a few steps closer.
Rojo rolls just far enough to let all four legs dangle in the air, tail splayed out to one side, nose up a bit to give a peaceful siiiigh... except that something's different when she takes another breath. She can smell all the mares in her herd, but there's one scent different. With another sigh, almost a kind of grumble, the red roan mare rolls onto her feet, climbing up to all fours and shaking the grass out of her pelt. Her head comes up, dark eyes fixing on Caly. Her head turns towards the stallion -- asleep in the sun and paying no attention to his mares again, the oaf -- before turning towards Caly again. Almost tenuously, she gives a whicker of greeting, taking a step towards him with a flick of the tail.
Caly extends his muzzle to the grey mare as she draws nearer, and as she comes even closer he pulls it back again, letting his neck arch and muscles ripple down along it; basically showing off. He's just about to reach his muzzle to her again to share breath when another mare's voice reaches his ears, taking his attention for just a moment to see the red one moving closer, too - and the stallion still sleeping in the sun. Ah well, if he can't keep an eye on his herd, he deserves to find it a little smaller when he wakes. First things first, though, as his attention returns to the grey mare in front of him, brushing his muzzle against her until his nostrils meet hers. "Hey there," he nickers softly.
Sable inches closer until she's standing near the new male at an angle, just sort of sidling up bit by bit till she's alongside him. She whuffles softly, stretching her neck out to the side to snuffle at his snout, nostrils flaring and ears swiveling. She doesn't notice the other female coming closer, her attention wholly focused upon this new, and therefore interesting, stallion. She flicks her ears back briefly as he speaks to her. "Hello.." she responds, her expression and voice shy, despite the courage it took to approach.
Rojo flicks her tail, watching the other two horses go about their greetings. Her ears are pricked in interest, though. Finally, some stallion that seems to know what he's doing... unlike the lead stallion, sleeping in the sun a goodly distance away. Hmmph. That's not how to keep a herd intact, is it? The red roan mare tilts her head just far enough to look at the sleeping stallion over her shoulder, snorting. Lazy oaf. Her attention is quick to turn back to the newcomer. Where the darker mare seems hesitant, there's no fear in the red roan. She perks up a little towards the new stallion. "Finally. Someone who seems to knwo what they're doing." She glances back to the old stallion once before looking back to Caly. "Better not make too much noise... but I doubt you'll wake him up, on a day like this."
Caly breathes warmly against Sable's muzzle, about to introduce himself when the red mare's voice reaches him. He looks to her for a moment, eyes darting towards the sleeping stallion, but when that one remains with his back turned and head low, Caly gives a slight toss of his head, inviting the red mare closer as well; the more the merrier. As he waits for Rojo to get closer, he again returns his attention to Sable, nickering softly. "I'm Caly," he finally introduces himself. "Thank you for the warm welcome."
Sable nickers softly, a shudder running along her hide. She paws lightly at the ground, sidling a bit closer, running her nose along his jaw and neck, testing his scent and even nibbling lightly, experimentally. She snorts as her exploration of this new stallion is interrupted by the approach of another mare, flicking her tail in irritation, ears laying back briefly. But then Caly distracts her with his introduction. "Sable.." she replies, dipping her head lightly.
Rojo glances over towards the old stallion again. Yup, he's out like a light. Warm sun, a peaceful pasture, and surrounded by his herd of mares? Small wonder the old horse pays so little attention to his herd. He's gone soft, it would seem. No herd is safe from rogue stallions. The red roan turns her dark eyes to the new stallion, content to watch and let the two lovebirds go about their business. Fine, she'll back off a little. Snort.
Caly smiles widely, reaching to lightly nose through Sable's mane. "A very pretty name," he comments. "And one definitely suiting you." Yes, yes, the usual flattery, it all has to be said. "It's a very nice day today, isn't it? Warm sun, no wind, fresh grass growing by our hooves ..." He glances to the sleeping stallion again, this is almost too easy. In doing so he sees the red mare's stopped, though, and gives another light toss of his head, as if inviting her closer without wanting to yell it out and risk waking his potential rival.
Sable makes a contented little rumbling sound, quite happy with the flattery. That's how it should be. A stallion should appreciate his mares. She tilts her head to nibble along the arch of his neck, at his mane, standing shoulder to shoulder with him now. She didn't really care for the stallion who'd recently annexed her herd. He'd never even spoken to her. She snorts lightly, twitching her hide. "The company has left much to be desired, though...until now anyway.." she dips her head low, glancing back toward the other mare. She doesn't offer any objection to Rojo's approach this time.
Rojo glances over one last time towards the old stallion. No, he had paid little attention to the mares under his control. Beyond the occasional dash around the perimeter to ensure that they were all there, he certainly left much to be desired. So, the red roan approaches, this time, steps light as she makes her way over. Tossing her head, her thick mane falls over her face a bit, the forelock dense enough to cover an eye. Her nostrils flare as she scents the newcomer, ears pricked as she approaches. "Hello," she finally ventures. "I thought I saw you slinking around the outskirts yesterday."
Caly nods a bit too energetically at Sable's comment, nibbling gently against her back until Rojo gets close enough for a real greeting. "Not so much slinking as trying to stay out of sight," he smiles, reaching his muzzle to her as well in an offer to share breath. "Name's Caly," he introduces himself again, smiling widely. Woot, already lured two mares away, though he probably should consider that enough and get himself and the mares away before their herd stallion wakes up and notices.
Sable has functionally forgotten the existence of the other male, and the herd in general. THIS stallion paid attention to her. THIS stallion appreciated her. She doesn't even look back as she nibbles exploratively over Caly's neck and jaw, snuffling into his mane. She spares a glance back toward Rojo, registering now that she's seen the other mare around, but never actually spoken to her. She hadn't spoken to many since her herd was annexed.
Rojo flares her nostrils, sharing a breath with the stallion. Well, he smells sweet, doesn't he? Certainly more of a greeting than she had gotten from the other stallion. "Well, there's that... but you wouldn't have to try hard." She gives a chuff of amusement. "These days, he spends more time sleeping than watching his herd." Her tail flicks, and she raises her head to study him; proud. "Rojo. Nice to meet you." And, if he doesn't shrug it off, she inclines her head to nibble at the other side of his neck, lightly sorting out his mane a bit. Ech, what a mess. "You should take better care of your mane... here, let me fix that."
Caly mmms, now this is a stallion's life, a mare on each side, and all he has to do is shift his gentle nibbling from one to the other every few seconds to keep them happy. Right now, anyway. He knows it's not ALWAYS that easy. "I take it neither of you are quite happy with your herd's stallion?" he comments, really -struggling- to make it sound casual. "If that's so, why don't we three go for a little walk, and you can tell me all about his ... shortcomings." He smiles, stepping in between the two mares and out on the other side, only to circle behind them and slip back in between them, now facing the same way and carefully leading them away from the herd. "I'd love to hear about it." Hey, he deserves a point for being smooth, doesn't he?
Sable exchanges nibbles and light touches with the stallion for a moment before he moves, lifting her head and perking her ears toward him, watching. As he begins moving along, she instinctually moves along with him, quite enjoying the idea of a mild constitutional. "Lazy, he is...cares nothing for us, really." She doesn't even look back as the scruffy new male leads her and her fellow mare away. "He's got his favorites, and they're all he really pays attention to. I dont' think he ever even asked my name..."
(Musket poses in) Hm. He liked these open hills, yes he did. Not really any interest in finding a herd to join, although the equine was just content enough to find the wide open country to live at peace. He trotted gaily through the grass, a slight canter, head up, ears forward. He stopped and chuffed at the air. He could have sworn he heard voices.
Rojo tosses her head, trying to flip her forelock out of her eyes. "It's just like she says. He's a lazy lout, and old, to boot." This, with a glance towards the dozing stallion, who is... predictably, still sleeping. "I haven't even talked to him, myself. I guess I don't have any interest in it. And why should I? He doesn't care." She moves to Caly's other side, absently sorting out his mane a bit. Still a mess, though; it's more something to do as they walk than an actual effort. "As for you, on the other hand... you seem to care," she comments lightly.
Caly smiles and nods again, definitely agreeing with every word spoken, and every few seconds one of the mares get a gentle lick wherever he can easily reach as he subtly leads them away, ignoring the first instinct to break into a gallop and get away fast. The thunder of hooves would certainly rouse the entire herd, and worst, the stallion he's stealing from. No, nice and easy, slow walk, take it calmly. "A stallion should be able to recite the names of his mares in his sleep," he states, emphasizing it with a nod. "Anything less just won't do."
Sable snorts in agreement, then tilts her head. "Well...he's not THAT old...I mean he's strong enough...I think he's just overconfident. I mean, he beat out that last stallion and merged the two herds. I think it went to his head." She remains close enough as they walk to occasionally brush against the stallion.
Oh, whoa. Another herd. Musket needed to be quiet now...although it seemed that they were idling for now. Maybe Musket could make his getaway without being spotted... Wait... His thick head turned toward three particular animals, moving away from the immediate group... Musket moved quietly, waiting until they were far enough from the herd to start up conversation.
Rojo tosses her head. "True. He isn't that old. He sure acts like an old stallion, though. Content and complacent, without lifting a hoof. Too content for his own good... eh?" She pauses in step, backing one ear uncertainly and testing the wind. "I smell something." That would be Musket. She flicks her tail dismissively, before moving to join Caly's other side again. Eh, well! "Anyway... you've got the right of it. A stallion should know his mares."
Caly lets his ears swivel, looking around at Rojo's warning, but he can't quite spot anything. Of course, what he's mostly looking for is an angry-looking dust cloud heading his way from the herd, but as none such is coming, he just smiles and nods, looking towards the top of the hill he and the mares are climbing. Just gotta get them past that little ridge, and they'll all three be out of sight. Just a little further. "Complacency is no reason for a stallion not to show his mares the love and attention they deserve," he agrees with Sable. "Certainly not mares as beautiful as the two of you." Oh yes, he's laying it on thick.
Sable lifts her head to peer around as well, but if she sees Musket at all, she doesn't register his presence as a male or what it could mean..she's far too preoccupied with Caly and his flattering words. She nickers a soft giggle, bumping her snout along his jaw. "He didn't know what he had under his nose..."
The spotted male was close enough to catch some of their conversation as he too moved away from the herd. Ugh...Mush talk. He trotted hastily, wanting to get away from the larger herd, which was now a fair distance off. He could meet up with the others in the safe-zone.
Rojo backs one ear, listening behind her as they walk. You know, just in case. "No, he shouldn't have ignored us." He's laying it on thick, and it seems the two mares are just eating it up. "Beautiful, are we?" She ducks her head to glance at Sable from beneath his jaw, showing teeth in a grin. "He's handsome /and/ considerate! So much more than that lummox back there."
Caly mmhmms, giving each of the mares a lick on the muzzle. "I can assure you both that I'm quite well aware what I've got under my nose," he nickers, casting a final glance back as they cross the top of the hill. The stallion is still fast asleep, the rest of his mares grazing. Maybe he could've gotten away with more, but then, two mares are two more than he had an hour ago. "And yes, most definitely you are beautiful. He's a fool for not seeing that."
Sable lifts her head proudly at the praise, looking quite happy with herself. She'd been the first one to approach the stallion, afterall, and look what a prize he is! She prances a bit, a skip in her step. "Well, he knows a good thing when he sees it." She'd never really been vain, or thought of herself as beautiful, but flattery does wonders to even a shy female.
Finally...away from the threat. Musket snorted and lightly shook his head in relief before moving in their direction slowly. He's not looking to steal and will make the point clear if asked. Although some chatting sounds nice right now. "Hullo there, you three!"
Rojo pricks her ears forward, quite pleased with herself at the praise. My, this one's certainly a keeper, isn't he? Certainly worlds better than the last stallion to have taken her into herd. "Oh, he certainly knows what he's got. A wise stallion, no doubt!" Eh? Someone else is there. "I thought I smelled something." She lifts her head, whickering in greeting. "Hallo! We were just going for a walk. I don't believe I've seen you around these parts...?"
Caly perks his ears immediately at the call, and unfortunately for his self esteem completely misses the compliment. He quickly scans the area until he spots the other stallion, frowning and letting his ears lean back just a bit. "Hey," he answers cautiously, trying to sound as neutral as possible. He did NOT just sneak away two mares only to lose them to the first stallion they encounter.
Sable chuckles softly toward Rojo, and would speak a replpy, but the other voice reaches her...she lifts her head sharply with a snort, nostrils flaring as she eyeballs the new stallion. She doesn't say anything, as the others have already spoken up. She just watches him warily...two strange stallions so close to the herd? Wow...their stallion really had been an oaf.
Musket nodded his head. He saw the other stallion plainly. If he wanted the mares, so be it, it wasn't his problem. "I'm no threat," he assured. "Not much for doing much other than visiting."
Rojo seems to ease a little once she hears the newcomer isn't here to spirit them away. She tosses her head, clearing her forelock out of her eyes. A useless gesture, considering it falls right back where it was. In the meantime, she'll just let Caly handle the greetings, hanging back a bit near Sable.
Caly steps out between the mares, keeping them still close but standing half a bodylength in front of them. "A friendly visitor is not for me to chase away," he offers, biting back the suggestion to go 'visit' the herd beyond the hill. "We were on our way ... away from here, though," he continues, glancing back at the mares to see if putting it that bluntly is going to send them running back to their herd, just in case they hadn't realized what he was doing. He doesn't think that'll be the case, though. He chose well.
Sable leaves the males to deal with...male things. She swings her head over to whuffle at Rojo, head lifting to snort breath at that errant and annoying forelock, trying to help blow it out of the other mare's eyes. She doesn't react to Caly's statement implying they're off to form their own herd, their old one be-damned. She's probably figured it out by now anyway.
Rojo probably knew all along. She's hardly stupid, by the look of it; merely going along with the banter. She flicks her tail, grinning at the help from Sable. "Always in my eyes... the curse of a good mane." As to Caly, she swings her head sidelong, casting him a glance. "Well? Let's be off, shall we?" And leave that lummox and his over-large herd behind. Well... large, minus two mares, that is~
Caly gives a short bow of his head to the other stallion, then carefully guides his two mares around him, down the other side of the hill from where they came, picking up the pace now to a somewhat faster walk. Out of sight, out of earshot - now just gotta get so far away that the oaf won't be able to figure out where his mares went ... if he even notices they're gone.
Sable resists the urge to reach over and chew that annoying forelock out of Rojo's eyes. They're on the move again anyway...She looks back toward Caly and the rolling hills and...well, they may be content to walk, but she's got an itch in her legs, and with a jump, she breaks into a gallop, weaving to and fro merrily before the other two horses. She's in good spirits, off on an adventure.
Rojo throws her head up and squeals in surprise as the other mare breaks into a gallop. Hey! Not to be outdone, the red roan lunges forward, breaking into a headlong, heedless gallop over the plains. She may be small, but she's quick, catching up to Sable and keeping pace. It takes everything just to keep up with the bigger mare, but dagnabbit, a good run is always fun... and they're putting distance between themselves and the old herd. Off to new beginnings!
Caly isn't one to back down from a challenge or a race, and moments later he's hot on the heels of -his- two mares, following close behind without wanting to overtake them, content to run at the back where he can give a quick push from one side or the other whenever he'd like to see the direction change. Adventures indeed ... or maybe just quiet herd life with a stallion that pays attention. ;)