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Dawn was rising. The inky skies were slowly changing, evolving into a mixture of dancing colours and light as the sun began to peak its head over the horizon. Pinks and oranges began to wash over the navy sky, painting the sunrise and beginning to blot out all traces of the night. The stars gleamed dismally, one by one losing their fight against the sun as they began to fade, hidden under the rays. How could such tiny dancing fires even begin to compete with the blazing ball that was the sun? They tries each day, only to be sent into oblivion, banished until the sun slept once more. Only then, could the stars come out from hiding. Slowly, the ascent of the sun sent trails of light cascading over the land, warming the earth. Clouds marred the skies after the evenings rainfall, their forms soft and faded pale white. Bright chocolate orbs watched the sun rise, following the path of the light as it made its path up toward the hilltop and warming her tall, muscular body. Her silver coat danced with colour as her knees brushed lightly against the tall grasses. Taking in a deep breath, she took in the sweet smell of dew, ears pricked and alert, yet oddly serene. Wind stroked her mane and tail, sending waves of liquid silver dancing over her flanks and neck. The long braid moved slowly, caressing her dappled grey pelt. What a beautiful dawn to begin a new life. Her eyes softened, head lowering slightly. She was not sure if she was ready for this. She was young, yet easily mistaken for a stallion, as broad and muscular as she was. Apprehension was overwhelming her, yet the need for companionship trumped all doubts. She had been alone for too long, and though she feared rejection, she had nothing to lose. She knew that well enough. Sighing softly, she turned to face the forest. A face greeted her, with dark eyes gleaming and scars blemishing the otherwise old ad handsome face. "Are you sure you are ready for this, daughter of mine?" It spoke, without moving. She took a step backwards, hoof slipping slightly on the edge of the hillside. Debris shifted under foot and she stumbled slightly. As suddenly as he appeared, the stallion lunged and the mare reared back in shock, hooves slipping on the wet and readily shifting earth. She was falling, sliding down the steep hillside with her heart in her throat. She expected to land, but she continued falling, falling, until she could hear water rushing below. With a shout, her eyes snapped open. Her body was sweating and her muscles were shaking; twitching uncontrollably. The sun was gone, and night lingered, as it had been for some time. The stars danced triumphantly in the never lifting darkness as the mare longed for daylights welcome warmth. The mares heart was hammering as she stared ahead blankly, trying to calm her nerves. Her fathers herd was miles away, she told herself with a shudder, stumbling to her feet. Her body was smeared with dirt from where she had been laying. She waited in silence for some time, before looking up toward the hillside, the forest looming not far from where she was. Was she ready for this? She had been alone for so long. She was nervous, yet her mind was haunted. Maybe she would be at ease if she was no longer alone? The gloom of the trees was not inviting, yet reluctantly she shifted her body and began to walk into the dense foliage. Trees brushed her shoulders and flanks as she passed and dew from high leaves rained down upon her back in a sudden gust of wind. She whinnied, half surprised and half pleased at the sudden coolness on her body. Her tail flicked over her hind quarters as she sped slightly. The feathers on her legs were quickly muddied by the soft, damp earth formed by the rain, though she did not mind. The masculine mare was not one for appearances and cared little for what she looked like. Beside, she knew she had no place in a herd, and had no wish to become a harem mare, after the stories her mother span for her. No, she wanted something, anything, but that. So she braved the threshold, not knowing what to expect within. |
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