Dropped & Forgotten...

[Ana]

[bg=4f7f54] Dropped & Forgotten

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On an Island, empty of anything but the forgotten or neglected, a young mare steps into the grasses of this Valley. She is tired, footsore from standing in muck for days on a tipsy ship, and hungry for the company of others. Her family is dead, forgotten, and lost. She made it through the hazardous and exhausting journey, along with her father Jacob. But on their arrival she was seperated from her father and longs to see him again. But this won't keep her down. She's not one for being knocked around and staying miserable. Her strong will and dreams for a better life keep her bright eyes sparkling with hope and determination. She is EliZa, and she will survive!

She raises her head to view her new surroundings. The land is lush and fertile, a good starting place for her new beginning. She does not see a soul around, but the edge of this land is hidden and therefore a complete mystery, an adventure waiting to happen! She noses the grass, and takes a nibble. Wonderful! She keeps grazing for a few moments, yet always wary of her surroundings, taking in the sounds and smells. After her short meal, she walks around the green land, in search for some water to refresh her dry and chapped mouth. She may not look her best at the moment, covered in muck and slim and sweat, but a few days in the lush land will help bring back her gleaming chocolate coat.

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[Issalyn]

[bg=191f35][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] The valley near the shore was something he had heard about, but never seen. At least, that he could remember. He'd probably stumbled across it once or twice in the past, but was too young to take note or realize that it was anything different from any other land. But he'd been paying more attention over the past couple years of his life and had heard whispers about the valley. The place where lone animals often wandered, seeking refuge. It was an unclaimed territory and an unspoken agreement was that it would remain as such. A sanctuary of sorts for those who didn't wish to be bound by a leader's rules or alliances. The young stallion wasn't venturing to the valley to become one of those though. No, he had made the journey for an entirely different purpose. Mares. He wanted to find some mares to call his own and start the foundation of a herd with. Perhaps he was jumping the gun a little, since he hadn't yet staked a claim to any sort of territory...but that would come later. A sinking disappointment washed over him as he moved through a break in a small grove of trees at the valley's edge. His creamy golden hide caught glints of sunlight as he stepped out of the shadows, making his appearnace quite obvious against the lush greenery. He drew in a shallow breath and then exhaled into a soft sigh. It was nothing like he'd pictured in his mind. He's somehow had visions of stepping out amid a large group of mares, having the chance to pick and choose those he wanted. But that wasn't the picture that lay before him at all. There was one lone brown speck against the grasses, and she had the ragged appearance of one who had been traveling a little too long. Deciding one was better than none, he moved away from the shadows of the trees and walked toward the mare slowly. She wasn't facing him directly, and his steps were light and deliberate, so she may not have heard him coming until he got quite close. However, deciding to give her the benefit of the doubt, he lifted his dark muzzle into the air and let out a shrill whinny, removing all doubt about his presense. Then he moved into a trot, his blackened legs stepping out rhythmically, flashing his white markings with each stride. The young stallion grew closer to the mare, noting that she was a sort of rusty brown with a lighter mane and tail. Plain, to an extent, for no markings marred her coloration. He paused when he was a few feet away, reminding himself that she was the only option he had in the valley and he certainly didn't want to scare her away. He stood with his head held high, tawny brown eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement. "Hi there. I'm Vitalis," he spoke, before gazing around the open valley and then bringing his stare back to her again. "Looks like it's just the two of us,"

[/color] he noted, again feeling a twinge of discoruagement. He sighed silently, promising himself that he'd just make the most of it.
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Muse; Feeling him out still!
Words; 600
Notes; None
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[Ana]

[bg=4f7f54] Now I Am Found

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She had her head bent, her light mane cascading across her eyes. The grass was so delicious and her hunger so strong that she hardly noticed the striking stallion that was now approaching her. At his whinny she was starled and immediately on the defense. She pricked her head up, mid-bite, and stared at the new comer. She probably looked foolish, with pieces of grass still clinging to her lips. As she watched him come closer, she settled a bit. He had taken her by surprise.
She stands still, surveying him and the surrounding land to be sure she is not being ganged up on. She takes a deep breath in, evaluating the scents on the air and the scents on this interesting young stud. She can gather no other scents but his own, which comforts her. She relaxes even more and finishes her bite of grass that remains in her mouth. Once swallowed, she nickers a greeting to him, "Well hello to you. My name is EliZa."
She can tell he is of a sturdy stock, and she rather enjoys his glowing coat and dark trusses. She takes a slow, yet deliberate step forward, to communicate to him that she is not shy, and not scared. She has had to put up with plenty to make it to this Island alive and is more sure of herself now than she ever was. She is however, somewhat ashamed of her bland and unpolished appearance. His coat glistens, while hers is marred by week old muck and mud. But she is not one who purely relies on her looks. After all, she doesn't have the flashy markings or bold facial splotches that can easily be picked out of a herd and draw certain studs. She is bold, and paws at the ground, encouraging and inviting this stud to stay. She needs a friend, and he is the first she has seen and met from this new land.


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Muse: Just starting to get her character development going
Word count: 326
FYI: none

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[Issalyn]

[bg=191f35][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] The mare returned his greeting, her voice coming out in a nickering tone. Sweet, yet holding more depth behind the words than the shrill squeals mares often made. It suited her, and helped Vitalis begin to see that beneath the caked layers of mud lived an intriguing individual. He felt her eyes wash over his body, and he held his cool, yet confident pose, not wanting to fall short of her expectations. His height wouldn't give away the secret of his youth, but he still hadn't developed the strong muscles many stallions had. Then again, perhaps it wasn't in his blood to. He could be designed to be more sleek, with a hidden strength that no one would expect just looking at him. The mare pawed the ground as he watched her, his interest growing by the minute. She hadn't turned and ran, like a coward. She wasn't begging him to take pity on her. No, she seemed to be daring him. A mare standing up to him like an equal? Well, that was new. The buckskin snorted, dark nostrils flaring wide. He didn't know whether to find her behavior annoying or inviting. He wanted to know who the creature was that seemed fearless against a stallion, but at the same time something in the back of his mind told him she might not be the sort of mare he wanted to mess with. He took a step backward, arching his neck and pulling his front hooves off the ground into a rear. The white socks on his forelegs flashed as he pawed the air. He tossed his head, sending his black tresses flying in all directions. Then he landed, safe on the ground once more. He said nothing, but gave the mare a steady stare, daring her to make the next move. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Low, brain is tired!
Words; 350
Notes; None
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[Ana]

[bg=4f7f54] My thirst is Satisfied

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EliZa whinnied as the handsome stud reared, showing his full potential and high level of confidence. She nickered softly, and stepped gently forward. She relaxed entirely. This was a stud made of the same tough sinew that she was, and she was glad to have met him.
She took one more slow step forward, her stance now inviting instead of challenging. She was strong, but she didn't need to be defiant now that Vitalis has shown that he is a strong young gentleman with respect for her. She gave him a look that shown with relief and happiness. She was happy to be a friend of his now that she knew he would not be one to force her into anything.
She let out a soft sigh, and bent her head down to take another nibble at the grass, and looked up with one eye, inviting him to partake in a bit of breakfast with her. After all, she had a bit of recovery ahead of her from the terrible trip from the mainland. Her pasterns were swollen and red from the cuts and stress from standing for such a long time, and she had starved on her way over, so her weight was far from what she needed. And despite her strong demeanor, she was physically weak and exhausted. Lucky for her she doesn't let much show. But with this new friend she hoped he would help her to recover and get to know her new home. He seemed to know this land quite well, and she could use all the help she could get to get used to living wild and free.
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Muse: Think I've got her figured out. Strong on the outside, yet loving and dedicated on the inside.
Word count: 274
FYI: She likes him.

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[Issalyn]

[bg=191f35][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Vitalis held his cool stare for several minutes. The coppery mare seemed confident, unafraid. She moved closer to him and then began casually (though ravenously) grazing. Her attitude both confused and intrigued him. She wasn't like most mares he'd met. They'd all either been the old, cranky, needy type...or the young and hopeful. She seemed to fall into neither category. Her appearance showed the struggles of a long travel, perhaps a newcomer to the island who had suffered on the long ride from her homeland. Despite her neglected appearance, she wasn't pleading with him to protect or provide for her, nor was she pushing him away as if thinking she could tackle the world on her own. He stood upright in his dominant pose, watching over her like a lion might watch over it's prey. Hungrily, with eyes that spoke of pure necessity. He needed her like she needed up, for reasons entirely different yet all the same. She wasn't the prize he'd dreamed of finding, not one who looked like a strong leader or fighter. But she'd survived the trip over, if only just barely, and that told him she was at least one who had a will to thrive. Yes, she would do. Perhaps not his pick if he had other choices, but he wouldn't leave her stranded here alone. He moved toward her, coming quite close now that she seemed relaxed in his presence. He bent his head down to graze next to her. It was the first gesture he'd made that allowed her to be an equal, but he still kept a wary gaze upon her. If she startled and ran, he'd let her go. If she spun around to send hooves flying towards his hide, he'd quickly retaliate. Hoping neither of those would be the case, he lifted his head and spoke to her again. "I take it you're new here. It's unwise to travel alone, you know." The stallion paused, letting his words sink in, hoping the faint threat held within them wouldn't be lost upon her. "However, you're lucky today. I came here looking for mares to build up my herd. You'll go with me?"

[/color] His last words were more of a statement than a question, and if she argued he'd be quick to remind her of her place. Besides, she'd have to be a fool to think she'd survive alone, and should be glad someone as generous as he had happened upon her. Vitalis held his head high, holding a mighty pose as he awaited her response.
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Muse; ...
Words; 500
Notes; None
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[Ana]

[bg=4f7f54] A Helping Hand

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She was comforted by his move to graze beside her. She felt at peace at last, and was happy to have found someone who could perhaps help her learn the way of this land. She did not want to be alone. She could feel his tension as he grazed beside her, but she was intent upon filling her very empty belly before doing anything else. She was beginning to feel the onset of exhaustion. Her long journey had left her with little strength and enthusiasm. But Vitalis was like a breath of fresh air in a hot stall, and she was glad to be needed again.
Minutes passed while the pair grazed in silence, however he seemed to be finished and she heard him wonder that she must be new. Yes, I am from another place, a place where we had a bed of fluffy straw and were fed plenty of delicious oats. I have never been on my own, and would very much appreciate your help and protection. With her belly finally feeling full again, she stood up to look him in the eyes. He seemed a bit guarded perhaps, but she needed him. She wasn't sure of her feelings for him yet, but she smiled and nodded. Thank you, I will come with you. She took a step closer and nudged him gently, feeling a bit tired and ready to find a safe place to sleep. She would follow him, perhaps once she recovered she could help him gather a herd... But only time would tell.


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Muse: Feeling a bit tired today...
Word Count: 258
FYI:

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