xx.death does not become me [[open]]

[xx.shuffle]

FOX

The trail the mare left behind was covered in scuffs an rough lines. Her hooves drug the ground carelessly. She was tired, and she was upset, and there was only one thing she wanted at that moment. One thing she couldn't have, and never would have again. But she knew, somewhere way, way, way back in her mind, that she needed some form of protection. She had heard of this mountain before. They called it the claiming mountain. She couldn't care any less. If that was how things worked in this place, then that was how they worked. She wasn't here to change anything. She wouldn't be here if it weren't for the backstabbing, undermining, mutinous little bitches from her home land.

That was how things were working right now. There was a fine line between her anger and her depression, and she was straddling that line. One moment, she wanted to step off the side of the mountain, and the next she wanted to storm back home and stomp the face of the traitor that started the entire mess. The mess that left her in a strange land where she knew no one and knew nothing, alone, with her baby dead and left for the scavengers. Oh, how she just wanted her baby girl back. How could any mare even hatch a plan that would put such a young one in such a stressful, dangerous environment?! She couldn't figure out how the mare would still be able to sleep at night. If she ever crossed paths with her again, the mare wouldn't live to see the light of another day.

She huffed out a mighty sigh when she finally found a place she decided was worth stopping at. Here was a good a place as any. Her surroundings weren't going to make her feel any better, or change her outlook on things. She still wanted to destroy the mare, and she still wanted to take that first step off the cliffs. At least it was warm and the lands were pretty. That was about the only good thing going on. She figured she could at least be grateful for that.

[saetta]

Marauder was still trying to get his bearings about him, around every corner something new was to be discovered. He had finally rediscovered his first true love Zilla out wandering about here. Marauder though wanted more and that was a home to call his own, and the only way to get it was to get a few mares to call his own. He knew from past dealings that Zilla got jealous when he spent time with other mares. This was just something that the draft mare have to look past, as this was about Mardy's future around here. Zilla would just have to get over herself and eventually see things the large sorrel roan Belgian's way.  So Marauder was here at the place called the claiming mountain, where it seemed all the single and herdless mares gathered. Marauder did know where mares gathered there was also the chance stallions was around. Again he was confident that he would be one of the bigger horses around and so would at least make a challenger think twice in confronting the big 17.2 hh stallion.


Marauder then stopped when he got to the center of the land and slowly scanned from left to right. He was just seeing on who was around and if anything caught his eyes for further inspection. He then looked over a very small leopard paint appalossa she seemed to be at least mostly mustang. Marauder also seen that something was bothering her, but what it was, was anyone guess at this moment. The Belgian draft decided to walk up and try to be friendly at least, who knows maybe she would talk back. The Belgian draft then slowly and methodically walked up to the much smaller mare. He then dipped his head in greeting and then softly spoke so as not to frighten the poor thing.

" Hello there, seen that you was by yourself and so thought I would come over and try to be sociable. My name is Marauder and I guess I'm relatively new around here also. So do you know the area around here real good, as I'm afraid I am lost."

He then took one step back so as not to scare this mare, he knew that there was a big size difference and so he didn't want to put undue stress on this mare if he could help it. Mardy then just stood there swiveling his ears around so as to be able to hear anyone coming up or to pick up the words this mare spoke. He really was hoping this mare was going to be sociable, but if she did turn mean and attack him he would just turn around and leave rather than make a scene or attract the wrong attention around here. The last thing he wanted was some stallion butting in and so try to defend this mare from Marauder.

[xx.shuffle]

FOX

She had heard the sounds of another approaching long before he actually reached her. She expected a stallion in search of someone to add to his harem. But she didn't expect the stag to be as big as he was. It was startling, to say the least. She wasn't a large mare herself, but she wasn't small, either. So, to see one so much taller, and thicker, and just plain bigger than herself was kind of frightening. Her eyes widened and she took a startled step back before she could collect herself. She felt her jaw drop momentarily before she realized she was gawking. She averted her eyes while she took in her situation. Here she was, moping around, jumping back and forth between blind fury and wanting everything over, and this stag still approached her. Either he was desperate, he didn't care, or he did.

But he had spoken, and she was being rude. Despite what she felt now, she had a duty to answer when she was being spoken to. Her mother would be ashamed at her manners. "Hello," she replied, looking back to him. Now that she had collected her thoughts, she could look at him like he deserved. After all, he hadn't been mean to her yet. "I'm Fox, and no, I'm sorry. This is the only place I've come to." She felt bad for not being able to give him a proper answer. She couldn't even give the poor fella directions.

[saetta]

Marauder seen that this mare was a big deal smaller than him, she was what people called a light breed and it showed. His Belgian blood was to do heavy work that a normal horse could never hope to accomplish. Mardy's thoughts though went right back to the small dove of a mare in front of him, he did have a soft spot for Appalossa spots and this mare had a few on her prestine white pelt. He quickly shook off the thought as his mind was racing far ahead of himself. He then seen her take one step back before he said. " It is alright I'm not going to hurt you."

Marauder then heard her speak and saying hello and that her name was Fox. That was an easy enough name to remember, the bigger question though was if Zilla and her could get along and not kill each other. Marauder still seen that something was wrong and was sort of eating away with this mare. He then also heard that just like him she was new around here also and so have no idea just where she was. It was still fine with Mardy and he then spoke.

" It is good to meet you Fox, and you can call me Mardy for short if you like. So is something the matter? And if so you can tell me if you want to or not, I'll understand either way."

If Fox opened up to him it was fine, if she didn't it was still fine. He was just trying to find out who was about and if they wanted to be friendly and outgoing. His thoughts was now back on Zilla and if she wanted to be his lead or not, but one thing was for sure he wanted to put down roots around here and he just hope Fox was going to help him with this.

[xx.shuffle]

FOX

Despite his size, his voice was kind. She was apt to believe him when he said he wasn't going to hurt her. After all, he could have already done it if he wanted to. It wasn't like she could put up much of a fight. In light of the recent happenings of her life, though, she wasn't sure she would even try.

Mardy. She could handle that. It was short, and it was easy. But he wanted to know what was going on. Could she handle telling him? She barely knew this stag, and he was asking her to spill her guts to him over a very personal matter. Was she ready to talk to someone about what had happened? She knew it would hurt. It would hurt like hell. But she had always been told that talking about what was bothering you was better in the long run. So she had a decision to make. Could she really trust this horse she had just met her life story? She wasn't sure if it was all a ruse to gather her trust, then leave her high and dry once he had gotten what he wanted, or if he was truly sincere in his questioning.

What the hell. It was eating her up inside, so she might as well go for it. Either he would stick around, or he would decide she wasn't worth the trouble and bail. She inhaled, and her chest puffed out. The air rushed from her lungs in a deep sigh before she looked away from him again. No way she could look someone in the eye and tell her story. "I was happy in my old home. But I guess they weren't happy with me. So they ran me and my baby off about a month ago. Now I'm here." There. That was the only way she could put it without straight out saying that her only baby was dead, and she was not. At least she hadn't broken down in front of the male she didn't know.

[saetta]

Marauder stood attentively taking in on what this mare said. He couldn't believe it when she said she was happy but somehow the others in the herd was not, and so they chased her and her foal off. She added that it happened about a month ago and she has ended up here. The two of them had a lot in common as the same thing happened to Marauder only that it was stallions always wanting what Mardy had, be it land or mares. He then decided right here and now that he would see if Fox would want to be with him or not. If she said no he would thank her for her time and move on. But if she said yes then he would have to make sure Zilla and Fox would not kill each other, and then go and find a territory to allow the three of them to live in. He already had plans on making Zilla lead mare and to have Fox help her in what ever needed done to ensure the survival of the herd. Marauder then spoke


" We are very similar as the same thing happen to me Fox. I was constantly attacked or challenged for my mares or land, and so was driven off time and time again. But now I am bond and determined to make a stand and to die here rather than retreat. So I want you if you want to, come and live with me and my other mare Zilla. She was one of my original mares that I had in my herd from my old home, she some how ended up here also. If you don't want to again I understand and so will bother you no more if that is your wish Fox."

And so the large sorrel roan Belgian waited and nervously pawed at the ground a few seconds with his left front hoof. He always hated this as he was afraid of the mare saying no, and so going off and then getting into trouble that Mardy could of help avoid if he was with them. He really did hope this little mustang flicka would accept and so make his herd complete, as he really didn't want to be a vagabond just wandering from place to place aimlessly.

[xx.shuffle]

FOX

She was quite astonished by his quick invitation. Not only had they met just moments ago, but he was inviting her along when she was clearly as broken as she was. She hadn't expected that. Truth be told, she hadn't much expected anyone to come to see the lonely, crazy-eyed, semi-suicidal mare that didn't look inviting in the least bit right now. He must be desperate, to hand out such a serious invitation to someone he didn't know. She could try to kill him in his sleep, for all he knew. Or vice versa. She didn't know anything about this stag. Sure, she knew his name, and that he was driven from his old home.

She hesitated, thinking it through. Either it would go south, or it would work out. Either way, she didn't much care. She was going to die one day, anyway. Might as well take a chance, and maybe have a decent home to live in before the time came. So, her mind was made up. She would accept his invitation, and she would meet this Zilla, and she would b an additional inhabitant in these lands he was to claim, and she would live her life as best as she could. Maybe one day, she would feel some semblance of happiness again.

"Okay," she answered. Nothing more, nothing less. She felt he didn't need a longer response, and they hadn't bee through a lengthy enough conversation to where she felt he deserved a longer reply. Perhaps one day she would be able to hold a decent conversation with the stag, but for now, she knew she was being used to acquire a home for the stud and his other mare. Strangely enough, she was okay with it, if only for now. She could deal with it, with the feeling of not being wanted. She had grown used to such a feeling over the years. This seemed no different. She would go with him, and do whatever was asked of her, and maybe it would be enough to numb everything else she was feeling.

[saetta]

Marauder was sort of liking that this mare sported spots on her pelt, he always had a weak spot for Appaloosa markings. Marauder though was making sure to pay attention enough so as to respond to what ever the small Mustang mare had to say. He really would do anything that Fox asked of him to do. The large sorrel roan stallion was slightly shocked when the only word to come from Fox was a simple "OKAY." He knew that he could of walked up to any other mare around, but there was just something about Fox that the Belgian could not quite put his hoof on. Mardy though would have time later to get to know this mare better and to make sure she was happy and content. He had a few mares where they either caused trouble or found it by not listening or taking advise well. Fox though didn't seem to be that type thankfully.

Marauder looked around just to make sure there was no one that was going to either butt in or try anything between the two. Mardy decided to at least put this mares mind at ease by speaking to her.


" I think you'll like Zilla, yes she is a draft just like me but both of use do not bully horses just for fun. No we only get mean if we absolutely have to against horses that want to cause us harm. If anything bothers you, you can come and see me anytime. And I love your spots."

Marauder then clammed up and ducked his head down to the ground. The draft horse was totally embarrassed about letting that slip. Now he would not be surprised if Fox totally rejected him and left for this careless outburst. He then looked up with just his eyes to see her legs and expecting her to now leave him for good.

[xx.shuffle]

FOX

She noticed that more often than not, his eyes were on her. However, she couldn't tell if his attention was on her, or if his attention was caught on her body. Either way, she didn't care much. If he liked her for her body, then so be it. At least she would have somewhere to sleep tonight without worry of any sneak attacks. But she knew, based on the number of times he had brought up this Zilla, that she was the one he cared about. Fox was just a means to an end, another mare to add to his harem. At this point, she didn't care about that, much less anything else. She supposed she could have attracted much worse than the stag in front of her.

When he spoke again, her curiosity was quenched. Her color had been what attracted him to her, like it had been for stallions before. She supposed she should be angry. Could be he was only recruiting her to further his lines, or to make his herd larger, or whatever. But she knew, for sure, that he hadn't extended an invitation to join him and Zilla based on her bubbly, happy-go-lucky personality. Because she didn't have that. He loved her spots.

At least she didn't get that creepy vibe when he talked to her. He appeared to be able to offer her a decent amount of protection. That was better than nothing. "Thank you. I like your...feathers." That was how this thing went, right? You get complimented, you compliment back. Or maybe it was just the stag that was supposed to compliment the mare. No matter, she had already released the words. Much unlike him, however, she wasn't embarrassed by what she had said. He appeared to be waiting for something to happen. She wasn't sure what to do, so she didn't move. He would eventually get over his embarrassment, and they could move on with this. She couldn't go anywhere until he showed her where they would all be living.

[saetta]

  Marauder was just going over and over and over again what he did wrong in letting that careless complement out of his mouth like he did. So he kept looking at her lower legs and hooves, expecting this mare to just trot off into the distance and not looking back a second time. So it totally shocked the sorrel roan stallion when Fox remained where she was and didn't move an inch. He now was wondering just what Fox was doing or going to do next. He need not have to wait long as she then said thank you and that she liked his feathers. Feathers? this caused Mardy to arch an eyebrow in curious fashion as Belgians didn't have feathers like a Shire or Clydesdale. Yes Belgians had a slight tuff of hair on their fetlocks but not the hairy feathers of the other previously mentioned breeds. So Marauder spoke in a slight surprised tone.

" Thanks I guess? But us Belgians are not known for our feathers as we really don't have any unlike a Shire or Clydesdale. So when ever you are ready let me know Fox."

He then took the few steps between him and Fox. the big 17.2 hand high stallion gingerly reached out and started to nibble and lightly groom the smaller Mustang mares mane. You could just tell that this mare had not been with another horse or horses for a while. If Fox did go and attack him then he would just back up and give the mare her space. But Mardy was counting that Fox would appreciate the gesture that the Belgian was showing her, and maybe she would also enjoy this attention he was showing her also.

[xx.shuffle]

FOX

He seemed quite surprised that she was still hanging around. What was she supposed to do, find her own way? She belonged to this stag now, didn't she? That's how she thought it all worked. He claimed her, in a sense. It was his duty now to protect her, and it was her duty to bear foals for him. How that would work out with the size difference, she hadn't figured that part out yet. But she didn't plan on opening that can of worms up any time soon. She had no intentions of offering to open her body up for the brute's offspring any time soon.

Soon, though, he was speaking again. She wasn't embarrassed in the least by her mistake. How was she supposed to know. It looked like feathers wrapping his legs to her. So she didn't really see any point in voicing her apologies. It didn't seem like that big of a deal to her. But he seemed to be intent on setting her straight, and explaining the differences between himself and other breeds. She wasn't too concerned. Her immediate plans for the future didn't involve getting to know every piece of information about his lineage. She knew what she needed to know, and he knew what he needed to know.

Her eyes widened and she felt her body tense when he started towards her. She had no idea what he was planning to do to her. His teeth had no sooner touched her mane than she had jerked away, ears pinned to her neck. She didn't want him - or anyone - touching her. She wasn't a touchy-feeling kind of mare, especially right now. So she was making her point clear without lashing at him. She didn't have any words to say that her tense posture, hard eyes, and locked auds didn't already tell. She knew he didn't mean to offend her, or push her past her limits, but she did have some.

"Whenever. We can go whenever." She just wanted out of this awkward situation. She wanted to be able to steal away on her own again, and to be left to her own thoughts and demons, without him breathing down her neck.