Large, cloven hooves carried a great beast through the forest, crunching any blade of grass or flower unfortunate enough to find itself under them.

Drake stilled himself as he came to a stream and swiveled his ears around, checking for predators that may be in his vicinity. Being alone had taught the young draft to be mindful of his surroundings. A serene oasis may seem friendly from afar, yet up close it may be festering with ravenous fiends.

The great beast snorted once he was sure that he was alone, Drake dipped his head down and lapped up the cool water, wetting his dry throat. He had come from a long journey, and during that journey taking a sip of water was a luxury.

But now, it seemed like to him the journey should come to an end. There was nothing to benefit from running any further. The beast lifted his head and shook his mane before moving on, climbing up the mountain. His cloven hooves came in handy as he scaled the mountain's rocky side.

The scents of other horses filled his nostrils, some more stale than others. One or two had been recent, however Drake paid no mind to them. The unicorn didn't want to get tangled into any trouble. Though it'd be nice to see another, Drake did not know the nature of the beings who lived in this land. His father would know the the other draft was not with him.

Not that Drake would want that stallion by his side. It was he Drake was running from. Jupiter was a vile unicorn and though he and Drake's mother seemed to be very much in love, the so called 'impure' unicorn wouldn't be surprised if their meeting was anything less than romantic.

Drake grunted as he pulled himself up the mountain, high enough to see the vast lands below that had been hiding behind the great mountain. The draft gazed in awe while his coarse mane whipped in the mountain's winds.

"I can't believe father lived here at one point." Drake huffed.

Drake smiled at the beauty, flicking his ears towards the sounds of rushing waters. A great emotion welled up inside Drake, too much to keep to himself.

The beast threw back his head and let out a roaring whinny, shaking his head some and stomped his hooves upon the ground. For the first time in his life, he felt free.

words: 406