Into the Night.

[Xenan]

The sun had set not too long ago, bringing some relief to the painted stallion. The blazing heat had absorbed right through his dominantly obsidian form throughout most of the day, nearly making him sweat without expending much energy at all. Xanthian shook his head, thick locks of black and pearly white whipping this way and that before falling back into place where it may. As twilight set in, a breeze passed through to help cool the earth as well as the two-toned horse as he stood beneath a giant tree which had been shading him. Inhaling deep the fresh air, Xan lifted his head to rest at its usual peak high atop a thick and slightly arched nape. Releasing his breath in a long, slow sigh, the stallion began his march forth through the forest. Often he tried to keep a smile upon his face, but more so he failed. As much as Ian would like to keep the past behind him, three years of solitude left far too much room to think, ponder, mourn, regret.. Suffer. His life had been filled with loss.. First the rejection of his sire from the moment of his birth, then the protection of his mother died along with her when she fell ill and left him a vulnerable yearling. Then as he joined another herd and met his beloved Jubilee, he thought her to be his salvation until she too passed away giving birth to their babe who had never gotten to see the light of day. Thinking he was doomed to loneliness and misery, Xanthian spent the following three years alone, thinking he could not take the loss of any other.

But now, as he stepped into the moonlight, the stag of black and white longed for company more than anything else. Anything except the ache deep in his soul where memories haunted the void left by the love he had lost. And greater yet, he ached to relieve the pressure still weighing down his heart ever since he had been robbed of the chance to be a father. Dark brown eyes glanced up to meet the moon as she peeked through the branches, and he wondered what his child would have even looked like. Would it grow to be a beautiful mare like its mother, or a strong stallion like its father? Would its traits reflect more of its dam, or resemble more of himself? Xanthian shook his great head once more, trying to shake the thoughts. He knew his Jubilee would want him to move on and continue living his life, try to be happy, not dwelling on memories or thoughts and wishes that could never be. He could see that even through the fear in her sapphire pools before she left him. Though Xan hadn't wanted to accept that then, he was ready to move on now and was determined to at least try. Pinning his ears back to his neck, Xan stopped and bunched his powerful hindquarters, contemplating his future as it would come, forelimbs pushing his front end up as he lifted himself into a tense rear. Releasing a cry to the heavens above, he landed himself and set forth again in a majestic trot. Stout though he was, the stocky steed weaved in and out through the expanse of trees, leaping over thicker patches of brush when they blocked his path. Soon, he could make out a good-sized clearing ahead of him and, senses alert for danger, Xanthian made his way to it. Once clear, he whipped his tail and came to a halt in the middle. Thick and long as it was, it grazed the grass as he stood. Twigs and leaves could be seen caught between the lengthy mass of both his mane and tail, but Xan had long since given up on worrying over such trivial matters. With another heart-felt sigh, the stag only hoped there was another who would heed his call.

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[Thoxic]

How many times had she not crossed countless meadows like this? How many times had the moonlight shone upon her star kissed back and turned her mane and tail to silver? So many times.. But wtiöl, every time felt special, even this night. Her jetblack coat was scattered with white spots, like stars over her face, neck, back and legs. Mane and tail were white and long, the tail dragging behind her on the ground, the forelock reaching her muzzle and mane touching her chest. Her gentle nature made her attractive to many, but she was a mare that believed in a life filled with love and passion, rather than power and high ranks.
No one would ever be able to persuade her about anything else.

Walking aimlessly over the meadow she never saw the stallion on the other end. Her eyes were almost closed, and she felt her surroundings, were she was and went, rather than seeing it.

[Xenan]

Deep chocolate gaze locked on the moon above, clearly visible now above the treetops from where the painted stallion stood in the small clearing. As the minutes flew by, the silver sphere slowly inched its way to the center of the dark blue velvet sky. Xanthian took into account the sparse clouds and briefly wondered when it would rain. The foliage especially in the greener areas needed it during these blistering summer months. Ebony ears flicked this way and that, but heard nothing but the soft breeze whispering through the leaves and the blades of grass. The occasional hoot of an owl sounded, the birds likely out and about hunting for prey this time a night. As his nares flared to inhale any change of scents around him and eyes thoroughly scanned the area, Xan soon realized that it was highly probable no one had heard his call. Heaving a heavy sigh, the stallion lifted his right forelimb and pawed at the ground once in frustration. It was just his luck. Sure it was getting rather late and most horses would be settling in to sleep, but Xanthian would have thought there would at least be one other out like him. Arching his neck and snorting loudly, the brute of black and white shifted his position and started walking on, crossing the small clearing and re-entering the large copse of trees.

Xanthian tried not to take the fact that his call went unanswered to heart. He shouldered it off, thinking that it was most likely that the circle of trees had blocked the carriage of his voice, plus he would not have been all too easy to spot through the thick expanse of trees standing closely together and shielding him from view. So, the painted stallion picked up his pace into a majestic trot, his long white mane and tail, as well as the feathering on each of his fetlocks, flowing in the breeze he created with his momentum. He knew it would not be too far ahead before he would exit the thickest part of the forest and come to a meadow where the trees were a bit more spread out. As the treeline came into view and the trees faded further and further apart, he saw her. A beautiful femme with coloring similar to his own was walking along the meadow about a hundred or so yards away. Xanthian broke through the treeline and took her into better focus, but not altering his steps. Her pattern was striking and her frame in itself very lovely, he had to admit to himself. And as he studied her more she almost appeared asleep, walking almost with no seemingly set destination and her lids lowered over her eyes. Xanth almost felt guilty interrupting her blissful expression, but he found he could not turn away. Inhaling sharply, he released a short whinny, not too loud but loud enough to catch the mare's attention with his deep masculine tone. Last thing he wanted to do was startle her or chase her away. Tossing his head to clear his vision from his forelock of jet black hue, the stag continued prancing toward her, careful not to appear threatening in any way though still carrying himself with all the pride of a large and muscular steed. Xanthian slowed his pace a bit as he neared her from her front, circling widely out to the side of her before rounding himself so that he would be standing parallel to her. Slowing again to a walk as he positioned himself, the ebon and ivory stud stopped himself at a respectful distance of five solid feet beside her.

Turning his skull to the as yet unknown femme, a smile curved his obsidian lips upward and he tried hard not to let it be shown how excited it was to make her acquaintance. "Hello miss." He said, his tone deep and smooth. "I can see that you were already enjoying this beautiful night, but I was hoping you wouldn't mind some company." He ended his last sentence with a bit of a higher octave, nearly making it a question. Oh, but he would love to have a friend again! Xan was surprised he remembered his manners after three years of solitude, but then he was always the respectful type. Though as he awaited any kind of response from the mare, he knew that if she let him know his presence was unwanted, he would not hesitate to leave her be. He hoped the kindness in his large brown eyes reflected that to her. And so he waited, although rather anxiously, he managed to keep a calm stance.

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[Thoxic]

The unexpected voice made her stop, and the sound of hoofbeats of course. When she opened her eyes and looked at the stallion that had spoken. The sound he had made earlier hadn't got to her, since she had been in such a dreamy state. But now when she looked up and saw a big stallion. Taller and heavier than her, but appearently he was very gently, asking for her company. The voice was manly but soft, and she could imagine how it sounded if he tried to charm someone. He had similar coloring as her, black and white, but he was a painted horse, she was all black except her spots and the silver mane and tail. Other than that she only had a big star, a snip and two coronets on the front legs.
"I wouldn't mind some company. I have walked the nights alone for too long with nothing but the moon as company."

A smile on her face told him to follow, as she started to walk again, wiggling her tail behind her. She couldn't help being a little naughty, the night had that impact on her. She tried to be tempting, but she had never been so before, she had always been the nice one. But she didn't feel like that tonight, she had thought about it before he had appeared, and now here he was, she could always try. He was handsome too, big and muscular.

[Xenan]

The large male continued to smile as the mare acknowledged him. When her black gaze met his own dark chocolate one, he marveled at the darkness in her eyes and how they seemed to reflect the stars. But then, with the downward tilt of his face, his thick black forelock shaded his view. He tossed his head in another attempt to clear his vision as he listened to her speak and then smiled again. "I can definitely relate to that. I, too, have traveled far and have long-since had another to talk with." His gaze followed the curve of her lips as she smiled at him and began to walk off. For a moment he only watched her as she moved ahead of him, her tail wafting her scent to him. With a deep inhale, he recognized her invitations as any stallion would, though while he was deeply flattered, Xanthian was far from the type to just jump into things. Especially given his past, this painted stallion practiced much patience in regards to simple pleasures. He knew of many other stags who would have taken advantage of her instantly, but even as he thoroughly enjoyed her show, he had much more respect than that. As he picked up his pace to sidle up alongside her, his head just out to the right of her withers, he chose to introduce himself. "My name is Xanthian. What may I call you, m'lady?"

As he looked down at her, he smiled again, admiring her size and the white spots spread out over the top of her bodice. He'd always had a thing for mares he had to look down to see. It was.. endearing to him. From his own Jubilee, who was a lithe, hotblooded and petite little thing, he knew mares like her could be full of spirit and spunk. The little white mare gave him a run for his money more times than not, and he knew he'd probably never meet another like her. Smile fading just a bit, he looked away from this new mare and tried to push memories of his lost love away again. After three years, Xan questioned when it would ever be easy to fully let her go, but could still not give himself the answer. A deep sadness flashed through his once-bright eyes before he shook his head and returned his focus to the fae beside him. He inhaled her scent again and reminded himself he had to try to move on and be happy again. For his own sanity..

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[Thoxic]

Her intent had never been to make him jump at her, but merely to charm him, so that wouldn't think that she was boring. She had heard that some times, boring and too nice. They didn't know her too well, so they didn't know her fun, playful side. That was the side she was showing now, and that was why her gaze at him was so deep.
"My name is Muse. Nice to meet you.. Xhantian.."
Her voice was clear as silver bells, and soft as the tender stroke from a warm summer breeze. It just happened that a breeze went over the meadow and made both the grass and their manes dance, although his seemed too heavy to be lifted much by that wind.

Walking forwards with a smile on her lips, she was happy when he came to her side, the feeling of someone walking beside her had seemed so distant in her dreams. But here she was, beside a big stallion that seemed to be very kind and respectful, a rare kind of personality amongst stallions it seemed, she hadn't met many of them at least.

[Xenan]

Dark brown gaze set upon the speckled black mare beside him with much interest. When her eyes met his as she spoke, he read in them that she was a generally sweet femme with a playful streak and it had him smiling again. More so when her silky sweet tones, ringing with femininity, touched his ears. "The pleasure is all mine, Muse." This time his own tone was deeper and as smooth as the surface of a calm lake, his smile touching his eyes and brightening the color of his irises.

Walking beside her, his white feathering waving with each step, was quite blissful and relaxing on such a nice night. Much better, he thought, than all the lonely nights he had spent traveling these past years. He knew he'd missed it, but as he continued beside this fae, he realized just how much. The feeling of being wanted was such a treasure not to go unnoticed. Glancing over at her face, he saw her smiling and wanted to say something, but the words would not come to him. Feeling a bit high-spirited himself at the moment, he smirked and moved shoulder-to-shoulder with her and flicked his long, heavy tail behind him so that the ends lightly tapped her hindquarter. His eyes went to the sky then with a youthful look of innocence as if he hadn't done that on purpose. Now trying not to smile, he watched her from his peripheral vision to see her reaction to his play.

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[Thoxic]

Ohh, many times had she wondered if she ever would encounter someone that would fall in her taste, after all, she was a passionate mare. It wasn't all she cared about, but every time she saw people around her, being happy with their mates and foals, she got a bit jealous, since she longed for a happy life. So far her life gad not been so happy.. She had many memories of that, and she didn't want to go back to it. She looked forward to getting friends now that she was free of her mental ghosts.

"So, what brings me thw honor of having you beside me? Except the company of course."
With a smile she looked at him, and she let her own tail touch his hind legs, and their tails almost melted together in color. His innocent look didn't fool her for a moment, so she nipped at his muscular neck, feeling the soft black skin under her lips, warm and smelling if stallion and forest. It had been a long time since she had smelled that, and she enjoyed it.

[Xenan]

As the bi-colored stallion continued walking next to the fae, his smile turned soft, seen only by the brightness in his eyes and the slight upturn of the corners of his lips. Even though he tried, he still could not repress the memories of the one he'd ever truly loved. But at least this time, the memories were of happier times. Times when he'd go on long nights like this with her when neither of them could sleep, talking and playing. Laughing. It'd been so long since he'd laughed, he wondered if he even remembered how anymore. With a silent sigh, he looked out over the small meadow, the trees all around them, and lastly the moon. He swore that when he looked at the off-white sphere he could see her face, imagine those sapphire pools looking at him with the love they had shared twinkling like the stars scattered all over the sky.

Just then, a slightly cool wind blew from his right, blowing the stag's forelock into his eyes and causing him to look left where he saw Muse beside him. He almost did laugh then, at himself for going so out of focus, and at the wind for reminding him of his place. It was almost a sign of some sort, maybe, but then he pushed that thought away. As she spoke, his attention fully returned to her, ears flicking forward to take in every tone that passed her lips. When she spoke, he smiled- a bit nervously- and pondered his answer. He wasn't sure what to say to answer her question. Surely he couldn't just say that he'd been desperate for company, trying to move on from the loss of his mate and never-born child three years ago. How pathetic, she would certainly think, and probably reconsider his joining her 'an honor'. After a moment, when she returned his playful antic with a flick of her own tail, he welcomed the distraction. When she reached over and nipped at his nape, he jumped a bit, smiling again and whickering in.. delight? Looking at her now, the wheels spun in his mind before he too reached over and nipped her shoulder playfully. In high spirits again, he lifted himself in a flexed half-rear, powerful hindquarters pushing off the ground and sending him into an easy lope forward. He inhaled a quick breath and released it again in a short neigh, looking over his shoulder to see if she would engage him. Xan began to form a wide circle around her, a foot or two out of reach, smile planted on his face. And then he told her the truth, at least most of it:

"It's been far too long since I've had a friend, let alone had any fun." Sure, Xanthian knew her lighter, sleeker form could probably catch him with ease, but still he said, "You're it, Muse." And with that he took off toward the trees, a laugh just on the brink of breaking loose.

{BAHahah, tag, couldn't resist xD}

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[Thoxic]

How often had she played with a stallion on a meadow? Not often, if ever. But in the same second as he tagged her and then started for the line of trees in front of them, she knew that she would hate herself if she let go of the chance. So with a quick leap she went off in gallop after him, with big, airy steps. It didn't take long before she had caught up with him, and she nipped at him again before she went off in another direction. Ohh, how childish wasn't this? And it was absolutely lovely at the same time. No matter how long her life would be, she would never forget this. Not often had she met a horse that she got along this well with, especially not a stallion, they seemed to have much more temper than her most of the time.
But here in a moonlit meadow, were both their black bodies and white mane and tails dance to one another, she had found a jewel amongst rocks

[Xenan]

As soon as he realized she was engaging him in his play, his smile turned into a wide grin. He didn't bother too much with pushing his gallop, and when she caught up to him and nipped him, he almost laughed again. Skidding to a halt, the stallion again used powerful hindquarters to shove off the ground and ran in her direction. She got a huge headstart on him in the time it took him to turn, but he was not discouraged. Thick-muscled shoulders and hindquarters pumping his thick, long legs, he began to gain on her. Just a few feet more and he would get her. So long as she didn't change directions on him...

Xanthian was more than pleased that this new mare had so readily jumped at the chance to play. Many others would have been insulted that he was acting like a child in their presence, but not Muse. It was so nice to interact socially again, Xan almost didn't know what to do with himself. But for now he was completely happy to play and chase this fae of spotted black. Her tail now only inches out of his reach.

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[Thoxic]

As she heard and saw him come closer after that heavy turn of his, she made herself ready. In the last moment she buried her back hooves in the earth and turned sharply to the right, and with a low leap that made the muscles in her back legs dance under the thin skin, she started of in a gallop again. The game went like that for quite some time, he tagged her, she tagged him, it was fun. But after a while she couldn' do it anymore, she got tired and stod along the treeline, drawing breaths that was a little bit harder than usual, but there was a big smile on her lips, and she wasn't all out of energy, but it took it's toll to play tag with a stallion like him.
"I haven't done that in several years.."
As she spoke, she looked at him, the smile just as wide as before.
What would happen now, she didn't know, but she knew that she would gladly share his company longer if he also wanted, it was a possibility at least, as he had seemed to like this game.

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[Xenan]

He finally released a laugh as she slipped right out from under his reach, the momentum the stallion's larger body created as he ran keeping him from making sharp turns like hers. All the same he ran hard to catch her, ran to avoid her, back and forth and back again. When the mare at last moved to stand under the trees, he slowly walked up to stand before her. Her smile at him as she blew heavy breaths had him smiling as well. The stallion came to a stop just in front of her, his own sides heaving with every breath, black pelt given a glossy sheen of sweat from their play on a hot summer night. He grinned as she spoke, nodding his head lightly in agreement.

"Nor have I." He said breathily, before adding with a chuckle, "Makes me feel old, being winded like this. But definitely fun."

As he began to take measured breaths to slow his racing heart, he wondered too what would happen next. In the next few moments of ensuing silence, Xan felt a bit awkward staring at her and looked away. He had indeed had much fun with her during the few short hours of the night they had spent together, but where to go from here? It wasn't as though he had a home to go to anymore, but with a sudden pang of guilt, he thought perhaps she did. In a more subdued tone, he looked at her from under his black lashes. "I hope, miss, that I'm not keeping you from your home.. Or from anyone awaiting your return." He watched her for a few moments more before glancing at the sky. The sun would begin to rise in just a few hours. Amazing how time flew when one had fun..

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[Thoxic]

When she heard his question about her maybe needing to go back somewhere, or that he was holding her from coming back to somebody, she laughed, a warm, heartly laugh. It seemed as this man was a real gentleman, and as much as it pleased her to see it, she couldn't keep herself from laughing, but not at him.
"No.. No, I have no home, or anybody to go home to."
Her voice was calm and clear, but if you listened really carefully, you could hear a pinch of sadness in her voice. She wss a passionate and loving mare, and her dream life would consist of safety and a family to call her own, in a herd or alone, whatever would be the case.
She didn't ask him the same, since it was he who had requested her company, so she thought that he wouldn't have done that if he had a herd, or at least a mare to go home to. Maybe she was wrong, but that mare would have to be a complete idiot to let this fellow out of her sight for this long if it wasn't necessary.

[Xenan]

Her laugh took him heavily by surprise, his head lifting to it's highest point. Long forelock fell over his right eye, but he could still see her through the strands. After a moment, he realized she wasn't laughing at him, but his statement. He didn't fully understand the humor in it, but he smiled anyway. Though when she responded to him, the little tinge of sadness was not lost on him despite her calm front. Knowing very well how she probably felt, he cleared up what she surely had to be curious about.
"Ah I know what you mean. I haven't truly had a home or a family for over three years now."
Having said that aloud for the very first time since the incident, his facade was not as easily practiced as hers had been, and his voice lilted on the last word. Xan cleared his throat then, trying to cover it and hoping she hadn't noticed. He hadn't spoken to a soul since Jubilee died, and he wasn't sure how well he would do if he spoke about her now. Maybe it would be healthy to talk about what had happened, even if he had only known Muse for a few hours. But Xanthian was a proud sort, and he knew he might not be able to talk about anything if it meant he would break down. He was nothing if not always in control of himself. Still he wondered if it would help him move on.. But he cleared his mind as he watched the beautiful fae before him.

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[Thoxic]

She knew what he meant about not having a home, but it was the life she had chosen for herself for the time being, since she was born outside the herd. The lead stllion of that time hadn't accepted her since he wasn't her sire. As she wasn't liked, she had chosen a solidary life for herselg, although she longed for a family of her own.
So far she could handle the lone life, but she wasn't fit to her personality really. Yeah, she had loved before, and even though he had broken her trust, she wasn't hurt by it, she had put the memories of him aside, and she let herself live the life instead of sobbing over broken trust and love. It was more a secret, something she had never talked to anyone about it, she had never had a reason to.
"Yeah.. But I long for a family, so I guesd that I'll have to grab one one day."
She smiled a bit and looked at him, it was a joke, but at the same time not.

[Xenan]

Dark pools of rich chocolate studied the fae whose coat resembled the starry sky above. After a moment, he decided not to bother dredging into the past. His bore more pain than he cared for still, and hers seemed to be something she didn't care to talk about. Perhaps it really would be easier if he just left the past where it belonged. He needed to smile, to replace old memories with the new, and then he knew it would get easier. That was, after all, why he was here.
After she'd spoken, he smiled and chuckled lightly, nodding his head lightly in agreement. "I'm sure you'll find one soon enough." His words were spoken with sincerity. From what little he knew about her, he was certain that finding a family for herself could not be too hard. He noticed her smile didn't quite reach her eyes and it made him want to brighten things for her, though he knew not what else to say at that moment.

[sorry this really sucks ><]

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