Headstrong||{Toaster} [CLOSED]

[Xenan]

A cool breeze passed over the Meadows, signaling a change in the season at last. Clouds had been swarming the sky throughout the day, the dark overcast shading the earth from the sun's blazing rays. Leaves that had been dying throughout the dry summer were now shaken from their branches with the wind. Birds by the flocks were taking flight to the south. Overall the scene had sort of a solemnity to it, but to the painted stallion that had only entered the valley the previous eve, the conditions were perfect. They almost completely reflected his mood.. For once. No, rainbows and butterflies and sunshine were not his vision of paradise. A clouded day with little to no sunshine, a cool breeze passing through, and grass still green and plentiful. Now that was perfect. The large bicolored draft crossed the Meadows slowly, but at a walk that still managed to show off the powerfully conditioned muscles framing his entire body. His shoulders and hindquarters were his proudest points, and they rippled under his thick hide with every step. He carried his head, black with a face completely white, set high with his thick neck arched. Completely ebon forelock, long enough to touch the middle of his neck, covered his blue eyes though he had no problem seeing through the stands. His black and white mane hung mostly on the right side of his neck, and reached down passed his shoulders which left most of the opposite side of his bulky neck bare. Heavy white tail behind him, streaked with a thin line of black, was long enough to graze over the grass behind him. And lastly, thick white feathering covered each of his massive hooves, stemming from up to his knees and hocks all the way down to just above his hooves themselves.

As he walked, Zeph wished it could be just a few degrees lower, but knew that winter was just around the corner. Still, the gentle breeze that consistently blew over the land did little to please him, only lightly toying with the ends of his long hair. After a long summer of blistering heat he was ready for the cold to take effect again. He was, after all, well accustomed to even the coldest of winters and could cope in blizzards that would shake these little hotbloods he'd seen walking around these lands. He had his sire to thank for that. He’d been so dead-set that Zeph would be as big and strong as he had been, so he conditioned his son from a very young age. Discipline above all else, he’d said. The ’big’ part hadn’t been much of a problem; having taller draft parents, Zephiathon had grown to be a solid eighteen hands. But conditioning came from long summers running through the forests of his homeland, learning balance and as much agility as his larger body would allow, and long winters up in the mountains just north of his home, learning strength and endurance despite the weather or extreme conditions. All in between his father had taught him strategies and fighting skills. Maybe as a young colt, when he had not understood, he resented his father for it, but now… Strength was invaluable in a world filled with those who would seek to use, abuse, or break the weaker souls. This stallion was not one of those, nor would he ever be somebody’s bitch. However, despite having the ability to fight and take control, more often than not Zeph decided not to. Unless one really pissed him off.

Thinking of others, the colossal brute glanced over the meadow surrounding him, seeing no one at first. Inhaling deep, all he could smell were the faded scents of other stallions that had passed through but were no longer there at the moment. Good, he thought, not truly desiring to run into any lustful young colts frustrated by lack of attention from the opposite sex. True, the stallion wouldn’t mind finding a good mare himself, but the selection from what he had seen thus far.. Zeph shook his massive head, long mane waving every which way and snorted to re-settle his forelock so that it only covered his right eye. Mares these days seemed so susceptible to every little thing. He’d observed a great many females around putting up ‘shields’ or ‘facades’ up, like they were putting on a show for the one accompanying them. Zeph was not one for games and saw these walls others put up as weakness, cowering their true selves behind a personality to make them only seem strong. He wasn’t sure why, but it struck a chord with him. But then, he’d been raised not to be weak and so had grown a tendency to favor strength in his companions. He’d met mares who had crumbled under his cold words and icier blue eyes when he cut straight through their walls. He hadn’t felt much guilt over it either.

Just then, the stallion stopped short as he spotted a sunflower directly in his path. This was exactly what he was talking about.. This was no flower, but a weed and yet it appeared to be a flower. As though it, too, pretended to be something it wasn’t. With a grunt, he promptly reached down and ripped it from the earth, roots and all, before dropping it again. As he passed over it, continuing on his trek, his hind hoof smashed it to the ground. Useless act? Sure, but he was satisfied nonetheless. Clearing his mind of others’ foolishness, the brute of black and white surveyed the land ahead. The Forest was only about a mile or two ahead now, and this was the land he had thought to claim as his home, if not a temporary one. It reminded him a bit of his original home in the forest near the mountains off to the far, far northwest. Tucking his head closer to his chest, flexing a powerful neck, Zephiathon stepped his pace up to a majestic prance, which rapidly became a gallop. Massive hooves thundered against the grass beneath him with every stride, muscles rippling and sliding, hair blown back in the wind. His voice was deep and rumbled when he released it in a low nicker, enjoying the feel of his great body working as he picked up speed and momentum to cover the flat land separating him from the trees.

Minutes passed in a rush when he finally broke the tree line through an archway made by two leaning pines. His pace slowed only enough so that he could maneuver and weave through the trees, senses all alert for anything. Thick and large as he might be, muscles and conditioning made it easier to dodge in, out, and around his obstacles, leaping over fallen logs or brush too thick to pass through. Soon as he passed through the thickest parts, he slowed back to a walk, sides heaving only slightly fro m the short run. As he steadied his breathing, ebon ears caught the sound of a lightly flowing creek in the near distance ahead, and eyes so blue sought where the trees spread out a bit more to allow for it. Approaching it, he noted too a couple of deer further downstream from him stopping for a drink as well. Flaring his rosy-hued nares, he stamped his front right pillar and purposely broke a good-size stick, dead and dry from whenever it’d fallen from the tree above. The deer, instantly alert at the loud ‘snap’ spotted him and then stared with eyes wide, deciding whether or not he was a threat. Predator or not, Zeph lifted himself in a half-rear and whinnied loud and clear, causing them to flee off into the dark depths of the forest. Once landed, he gave a snort and stepped up to the creek, glancing around in every direction before lowering his head to drink. His mane and forelock, long as they were, fell into the water as well and as he lifted his head they dripped streams of the cool liquid down his shoulders and legs. ”Ack..” He grunted to himself, extending his nape to shake out the thick mass.

And then his ears flicked back as he heard a twig snap somewhere behind him followed by the soft thud of hooves on the forest floor. ”Alright, who’s there?” The words were spoken with deep clarity, reverberating through his chest out and against the trees, his voice itself thick with a scottish accent. He turned slightly to his right, his head turning to look where he thought the sound had come from. The breeze, however, was blowing in the opposite direction, carrying the scent of the other away from him. How convenient. He thought to himself. Pools of sapphire sifting through the trees but spotting no one, he spoke again with mild annoyance. ”I know you’re there. Might as well show yourself now.” Oh, how he hated games.

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[Toaster]

She was on a quest. A quest to find something that many mares attempted to seek out in their life; a stallion. Though, she seemed to have different intentions than most of those mares would have. Most were looking for a foal. They were looking for a cute, little soul to look after and care for. And while the young mare had absolutely no problem with such a thing, she was looking for even more. The mare had been raised by her mother to always seek the companionship of a stallion. Whether it be for socialization’s sake or something more. And lately, Miesque had been looking for that something more.

Perhaps she had misinterpreted her mother’s advice when she had first left home, though. There was that possibility constantly nagging at the back of her mind as she slowly meandered along through the trees. At only three years of age, she had only recently been sent off by her dam to make a life of her own, and she hadn’t gone that far. Sometimes she thought about going back, not feeling entirely ready to be out on her own yet, despite learning most of what she needed to survive. Instincts and her mothers words kept her going, however. Instinct to start her own life and family, and her mother telling her to find a suitable male. Not just anyone, though. She needed to find someone powerful. Being from Covell, she needed to find only the best. Continue the blessed lines that came from Covell. But was she supposed to do such a thing right away? At just three years? Her mother had never told her that.

With a huff, she shook her head to shake out some of the thoughts in her head. The sound of another’s voice caught her off guard, however. She stopped dead in her tracks, head jerking up and ears shot straight forward.

”I know you’re there. Might as well show yourself now.”

Perhaps it was not entirely wise to go so willingly to a male’s voice. Males could be dangerous folk, she had been taught. But Miesque didn’t entirely care about that at the moment. He sounded strong at least, and she desperately needed a strong stallion to fulfill what was expected of her. So she wasted no time in strutting on through the thick trees and undergrowth, a little to willing to show herself it seemed. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite” she said with a small smile and a light hearted voice. She glanced at the brute as she walked past him, headed towards the stream he seemed to have discovered. He was rather intimidating to her, considering the size difference. However, she ignored any feelings of nervousness as she lowered her head to take a sip of the cool water.

NOTES: ugh i LOATH this post. it sucks majorly. -.- but my muse is shot atm and i am exhausted. i'll try and make the next better.

[Xenan]

Only a moment or two passed after the stallion’s deep tones left his vocal box, but his shoulder twitched with impatience regardless. He didn’t like not knowing anything about the other, besides that they were there. Scared, no, just a bit testy that he was not in control of the situation. There was no way for him to know if the other had been following him for a while or had just happened upon the same area as he. The former, while possible, he considered unlikely as Zeph was certain his instincts would have warned him. Between the first moment and the next, he’d already decided the latter scenario was correct and the large brute’s stance instantly reclaimed its previous majestic posture just as the other came into view. After a quick once-over, he was stunned to realize it was a mare that revealed herself. He absentmindedly gave a rapid shake of his skull, as though he did not believe his own optics. He did, of course, though he could not hide his surprise at seeing a femme in the deepest part of the bachelor turf where it was unlikely, had he been a more cruel stallion and sought to hurt her, anyone would hear her screams. As she approached him, this time he studied her more thoroughly, noting the air of confidence that surrounded her. Blue eyes traveled over her petite frame from her small hooves, thin muscular legs, high-set tail, sleek muscles, arched nape, and crowned with a small head and slightly dished face. She was beautiful, no doubt, with her glossy dappled bay-hued pelt splashed with a few white spots on her side and adorned with socks on the front legs, more white running up the backs as well as a wide blaze that traveled down her face and even reached down her muzzle to pinken her lips, however looks alone had never been anything to impress Zephiathon. She was young, he could tell, estimating her at three-to-four years of age to his wiser seven, and her height maxing out at maybe sixteen hands

”Don’t worry, I don’t bite.” Were the words she parted to him with an almost-innocent smile, not even pausing as she passed him on by to the creek to quench her thirst. He contained a snort before it could be released, instead finally inhaling her scent. And then again. Zeph did not have to be up-close and in her business to realize she was most likely as yet untouched by a stallion, and for some reason just knowing that completely negated all his usual first-impression harsh judgments. Instantly, his curiosity piqued and he had to know more about her. For one thing.. ”Tell me, why would such a youthful beauty as yourself wander to these parts, cariad?” Tones came out smooth, much softer than his previous words had been, though still a bit harsh as was the effect of the thick Scottish brogue. However, the endearment added onto an unintentionally softened tone meant to scold was even more pressing. Why he’d spoken the welsh word for darling, he did not yet know, but nonetheless, he pressed on. ”Surely you must know this is a land filled with males who would hurt you in ways you probably don’t even know about?” This time there was a bit added harshness to his words, though he could not decide for himself how much it benefited his desired affect. Damned if she didn’t throw off his normal responses with her sweet scent and shapely curves. And suddenly, he had a suspicion as to why, though he would have to wait to see if he was right. All the while, his stance remained the same, and his icy blue eyes remained fixed on her through the strands of his long, black forelock. Secretly, he was glad at the moment for it to hide the lack of composure that would only be visible deep within his eyes. Again, he stopped himself before he could snort at the absurdity of the fact he should be hiding anything. It practically screamed hypocrisy. And since that was simply unacceptable, the painted stallion tossed his head in a way that made his forelock flip to the right side of his face. The act revealed only the left eye, and now what was reflected in its depths was most likely the emotions running wild all of a sudden. Genuine curiosity, irritation (self-directed), and something along the lines of.. concern.

{LOL, I feel like this became rapidly crappy, but probably because Zeph's crackin me up xD}

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[Toaster]

Seduction was something that she knew could work very well in a situation like this. But on the other hand, Miesque wasn’t skilled at such an art at this point in her life. Maybe in time she would learn to hook a male and reel them in with fluid actions and sweet words, but for now that was hardly a possibility. Perhaps it was not needed though, and she found herself hoping he would be an easy catch.

It was surprisingly, really. For a horse whom had come from the beauty obsessed lands of Covell, she didn’t have much talent. Horses from her homeland were known to possess beautiful movements and stunning appearances. Even the king, as plain as his coat was, was something to behold. Miesque had the appearance down, but she lacked in other departments that she was told were important. And as she let the smooth water flow down her throat, she silently hoped that she wouldn’t be a complete insult and failure to her mother.

As he spoke, she raised her head and shifted so that she was facing him, a single small hoof resting in the cool waters now behind her. She was a little surprised by what he said, as well as a bit confused. She glanced around for a few moments to take in the forests around her, expecting to see something menacing and dangerous to pop out of the undergrowth, considering he had made it sound as if monsters lurked in these parts. “There will always be males around who have the intent to hurt. I don’t know why these lands are so different” she said, looking at him expectantly as if to tell him to explain it to her. She had simply taken this route because it happened to be near the borders of her old home. Nobody had given her any warning that there was anything especially dangerous around here. Though, she probably should of realized that the area was overwhelmed with the scent of stallions. But she’d not taken that into consideration yet. Then again, she had been looking for a male so she probably wouldn’t of minded either way. It was the classic case of a young horse’s innocence and being completely oblivious to what truly lurked out in the big world.

Concentrating back on the other before her, Miesque seemed to size him up a bit. He was one of the biggest brutes she’d ever come across. Not entirely height wise for she’d seen some nearly as tall, but this one’s bulk was something she’d not seen before. His muscles frame made her want to shrink back a little, though she hid it very well. Was he one of the stallions he had just warned her about? She did not entirely care if he was a bastard, or even a rapist. Either way she would give herself to him willingly. What she hoped, though, was that he wasn’t a killer.

NOTES: blah. dis be sucky.

[Xenan]

He could see it in her eyes. It was oh so subtle, but as observant as Zephiathon was, it did not slip passed his notice. It was in the way she had started to look at him and the lightest lowering of her lids, but it only lasted a moment before she had dipped her angular face to sip from the creek. Curious. It was as though she thought to seduce him, but didn’t, faltering from… insecurity? It was a good thing she hadn’t, though, for while he did find her attractive, her antics would have been futile. Not to mention, it would have pissed him the hell off. He hated games, especially when they were played by a mare intending to use her physique for some ridiculous gain. Not that he thought that was entirely what this young mare had in mind, but that only made him more curious about her. He had come in contact with other mares who had done such; putting on a show and teasing him with their scents and light touches, trying to convince him that giving them a good lay would bring him so much good fortune. The stories had ranged, but.. What would she have to gain by flaunting her stuff around the likes of him? He was handsome, yes he knew, and strong.. But..

And then she’d set her big, expressive brown eyes back upon him, turning to face him as he’d spoken to her, a look of surprise and confusion crossing her features. Ah, then she didn’t know. As she looked about her surroundings anew, he found a slight smile lifting the corners of his lips. After she’d spoken, he felt a humorless chuckle rise in his throat and didn’t stop it from escaping. The way she was looking at him now amused him and answered yet another question about her in his mind. ”You must’ve just recently left home, yes?” He said this softly and as no insult to her at all, just seeking a confirmation to settle his curiosity. Without really waiting long for an answer, he spoke again. ”Aye, well it‘s good that you realize danger is everywhere. Just a bit worse here is all. Here, lass, if you open yer nares to the winds, is a land run by brutes. While it‘s numbers have been dwindling lately,” thankfully ”tis the mindless, young idiots around here that will take every last advantage they can, without caring about yer thoughts or feelins. They canna seem to take their minds off of the baser things in life.” His short speech was carried out with strong tones, stating facts, but his eyes expressed his concern over the matter. The innocence in her would be just the thing to attract said brutes; their sick souls caring nothing more than to steal it from her. A sudden wave of protectiveness washed through him at the thought of a stallion attempting to do such hateful things to her, but he quickly clenched his eyes shut and cleared away the images from the forefront of his mind. Opening them again he released his breath in one long exhale, flicking his massive tail in a vain attempt to shake loose the twigs and leaves it had caught. Zeph watched her as she gave him a once-over then, and almost snorted at the thought he saw briefly passing through those eyes. Before he could stop himself, the next words left his mouth with a tinge of humor laced through the harsh undertone. ”You’ve nothing to worry with me, cariad. I’m no’ the type to hurt a female.” Not unless it was called for..

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[Toaster]

She stood there, completely still and simply looking at the brute. It was at this moment she decided that yes, she was being a failure to her mother. She had no moves to put on. No seductive words. All she could do was stand, and stare like an idiot would do, eyes wide and set upon the massive stallion in front of her. She simply nodded to answer his question, and listened carefully as he explained to her why exactly this forest was dangerous to those like her. Yet, his words didn’t have the effect he was probably intending them to have. Lots of males? Miesque looked around again, her attention drifting from the brute with the curios accent. She didn’t bother to listen to the warning in his words. She had been looking for a suitable stallion, after all. Sure, the one here with her now looked promising, but now she knew she had other options if he didn’t turn out to be interested. Eyes took in her surroundings anew, all the possibilities that this place held rushing to her mind.

As she took a couple of small steps away from the stream she had been standing by, his words caught her interest and she glanced at him. “Cariad?” she questioned, realizing he’d called her that a few times already. Her attention was hardly on the brute anymore, however. He seemed so… tame. Yet, at the same time he was rather scary, but Miesque wasn’t about to admit that to anyone. But she was questioning if he was the right guy for the job. “Where are all these mindless, young idiots you speak of?” she asked, attempting to sound nonchalant about it. Maybe a horse with more experience in life would of run right back to mommy after hearing what these woods had to offer. But Miesque seemed hell bent on running herself right into danger.

NOTES: n/a

[Xenan]

Everything fell into place in his mind as fast as the painted stallion could blink and he arched his neck at the thought, the thick muscles bunching and flexing. He narrowed his eyes at her from behind his forelock as he watched her reactions to his words, and the skin over his left shoulder twitched almost in irritation. So we wanna lose our innocence, eh? He thought to himself. No he hadn’t precisely wanted to strike fear into her, but her reaction was nothing like he’d been expecting. Ebon ears went back slightly as she addressed his endearment for her. No way would he admit the meaning of the word- not yet- and especially not while she acted as though she was bored of him. He gave a snort, stamping his right front hoof and leaving a large print in its wake. If she wanted danger, she might yet just find it. Whatever she wanted, the colossal brute could not deny that he had already made the decision to be the one who gives it to her. He could not make sense of the why, but at the moment he could really give a shit less.

Slowly, Zeph moved forward until his muzzle was only a foot or two away from hers, and the lightest toss of his head shifted his heavy locks to the right side of his nose. He wanted her to see the full intensity of his electric icy blue eyes. ”I doona care, lass, for the stallions are the least of my concern. All I know is that they stay ou’ of meh way.” He said, tone flat and harsh. Blowing hot air out through his nares, Zephiathon then began a slow circle around the tri-colored mare, his gaze burning as he looked over her figure before watching her closely for any sign of sudden movement. At her left side, he dipped his head down closer to her so that he could take her scent in deeper- though not touching- and spoke again, now almost as an afterthought. “Though their numbers have been dwindling lately.“ Careful to keep an eye on her face to the best that he could, he continued around behind her and again sized her up, taking another whiff and blowing warmth down upon her rump. Here, as one could guess, is where her scent was strongest. And her particular fragrance had him fighting an instinctual urge that nearly caused a certain part of him to come unsheathed. The skin over his haunches twitched as he came around to her right, one ear up to listen while the other faced back with his effort to contain himself. Teeth clenched, he asked the question that boggled him most. ”What do ya want, cariad?” His tone then was strained and low, deep and smooth with a certain type of menace he was attempting to hide. As he came to her right shoulder, Zeph could not stop himself from reaching in and nipping her, with a certain type of gentleness he surprised even himself with at that particular moment. Drawing back, he arched that great nape of his and bunched every muscle as he side-stepped just a bit away from her, savoring the taste and feel of her sweet skin under his teeth. And wanted it again..

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[Toaster]

Eyes went wide just the slightest at the stamp of one of his massive hooves, and she silently thanked the great Ayla for not being under it as it hit the ground with a loud thud. The sabino mare’s ears fell back the slightest, the corners of her mouth pulled down a little. All in all, she was feeling a mix between fear (even more so than before) and confusion. Why did he suddenly appear angry? Had she done something to piss him off? He approached her slowly, yet sternly. It made her want to scamper back a little, but she stood her ground. She had wanted him closer, right? This was what she wanted. Yet, she honestly could not think of what she had done to suddenly cause this sudden mood shift of his. Though, whatever it was, she had not meant to offend him in the slightest.

As he spoke in that odd accent she could not place, her head lowered noticeably in submission. He circled her, a sure sign that running would probably be the smartest bet at the moment. But Miesque had come for something and although she was now showing the signs of fear, she still was set on her original plans. Surely, he wouldn’t beat her to a pulp or anything. She could only hope. As the seconds ticked by, the mare was growing confidence that he didn’t want to kill her.

A shiver ran through her spine as his hot breath brushed her rump. Surely now he would give her what she saught? But nope, he came back around to her side, dwarfing her as he stood beside her small frame.

”What do ya want, cariad?”

Lifting her head a little from it’s lowered position, she eyed him for a moment with large, brown eyes. She almost looked sad. It was as if she were begging the giant brute not to hurt her, asking him not to. Though she was relatively sure any violent thoughts had passed away from his mind already, she was still fearing his mood might shift again. A small wave of panic shot through her elegant frame as his teeth came towards her chest. She almost wanted to bite at his incoming muzzle, but restrained herself and was quite surprised that he didn’t clamp down hard on her skin. In fact, it was a gentle touch that had her wanting more.

And then he moved away a bit.

This just would not do for Miesque. She wasn’t quite sure how to answer his previous question with words, for her voice felt caught. Instead, she swung her rump around and backed up towards him a few steps, glancing over her shoulder at the black and white brute and hoping he'd gotten the message now.

NOTES: n/a

[Xenan]

The entire, slow waltz around this lightly painted mare was pure torture on the much larger stallion. Every inch of her beautiful frame sent flames of desire flicking over his skin. Every step of the way he had watched her, and damned if he didn't notice her fear! It was in the way her lovely head sank after he'd bit out his words born of pure agitation. His whole approach, Zeph could tell, was intimidating to her, enough that he could smell her fear rising off her warm, soft skin and blending with that ever-so-delightful scent perfuming from her core. It was a mixture he didn't quite like, but this was something he knew she wanted, and he definitely gave her kudos for sticking to her guns. Still, the last thing he wanted was to be like the other mindless brutes he'd previously told her about, and strike terror into her. No, he was insistent that she would enjoy this. Still struggling with himself a bit he had asked her what she truly wanted, even though he'd already known.

Feeling guilty that he had come on much too strong, he had gently nipped her and then stepped away, wanting to show that he really didn't want to hurt her. And she visibly relaxed, satisfying him and bringing a light smile back to the corners of his lips as she raised her head back up from its submissive position and looked at him. Icy blues studied her own- such expressive- pools of brown, reading straight through to the depths that pleaded with him not to hurt her. Nay, of course he would not, and he hoped that she could now see that in his bright gaze. Ears went back, but not in irritation, the moment she turned and backed herself up to him. Words were no longer necessary between them, and every muscle in the stallion's colossal frame tensed. His flanks quivered with the adrenaline-laced desire burning through Zephiathon's veins, his entire body becoming almost too hot. Sides heaving just lightly with his excitement shortening his breaths, Zeph brought himself just a step forward to close the gap between them, his breast to her rump. Extending his neck, painted stallion prolonged the moment, letting his muzzle brush the soft fur from her withers along her back, nibbling a little along the way. Swishing his tail behind him, he gently nudged between her hips with his nose, dragging muzzle down to her dock so that he could nudge her ebony tail aside, taking one last whiff of her feminine fragrance. The whole interaction only lasted a few moments, but they seemed like forever as the burning enveloped him- and, he knew- her as well. Unable to stand the torture anymore, the massive stallion lifted himself and mounted her smaller frame as gently as he could given their differences and so began their union....

___________________________________________________

Seed planted firmly within the mare of three colors, Zeph dismounted her, sides heaving from the exertion. Shaking his great neck and sending heavy locks flying, he then came round to stand beside her again. Unable to speak, the black and white steed studied her face, wanting to be sure he hadn't hurt her. He knew the consequences of what had just occured, and he knew that she did too. He only hoped her young heart and body were ready for it. He knew, also, that no matter what, he would see to it their spawn was cared for. Whether she wanted his part in it or not.

Several moments later, when his breaths had steadied, voice raspy and the rumbling kind of deep, he asked her the question he should have asked long before the act he'd just committed them to. "What is yer name, cariad?" They had just done something essentially basic nature, though for old-fashions sake, he could have at least introduced himself.

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[Toaster]

Such gentle touches. They sent the mare’s heart melting in a way that she did not entirely understand. This was supposedly pure business for her. Find a fine stallion and keep superb lines going. Yet, Miesque found herself growing some form of attachment already, without entirely noticing it. She couldn’t help but peer back at him over her shoulder, curiously gazing at the brute and watching his every move. This entire experience was a little bizarre to the young mare, for she had never even come close to such a thing as this before. Her dam had informed her how everything worked, and she had even seen it happen a few times. But now that she had finally arrived at this point in her life, she felt completely clueless and naïve. Was she supposed to say something? Do something?

The weight that was soon put on her mere seconds later brought on a whole new wave of panic for the mare, but she reminded herself that this was what she wanted and had asked for. Hell, she had hardly given the brute any other option but to accept her advances. And at least she had been lucky enough to find someone that seemed to care about her well being. All of his gentle touches and how careful he was not to hurt her, soothed her anxiety greatly.

---

When he had finally dismounted, the weight upon her haunches was relieved with much joy from her, even if the whole ordeal had not been nearly as bad as she’d expected it to be. She found herself with a much happier and content look upon her features, her once tense frame relaxed. As he came around to stand beside her, she gave a brief nuzzle to his massive shoulder, speaking her name softly. “Miesque”.

Now that what she’d been seeking was over and done with, she looked around the shadowy forest in a new state of mind. She remembered his words just a few minutes earlier. His warning about all the mindless brutes that eked out a living around here was now worrying her, when before it had been exciting. She did not need them anymore, and therefore now she felt as if this was not such a good place to be. And what about the male here with her now? Was she supposed to leave him and go on her merry way? Mother had not told her what her task was after this one. All she knew was that she couldn’t go back home. At least, not now. Not until she dropped her foal… if there was even going to be a foal.

Taking a few dainty steps away from the stallion, Miesque swiftly turned to look at him, inspecting him further. What a mighty fine prize she had caught on her first mission! She had indeed noticed his power and strength before, but now that she was possibly carrying his offspring, she felt all the more proud of herself. If only her family could see how well she had done out on her own, finding this magnificent beast. But she could not simply go take him home to show him off. Home was just not an option right now. She would have to find a new home for herself. Mother had not informed her where she was supposed to head after this. Her ears flattened back a bit.

NOTES: n/a

[Xenan]

Heavy muscles could not seem to relax fully until the great stallion had rounded to her face and seen her sated expression of contentedness. It had something deep inside him tightening and spurring to life, a small spark becoming a light flame especially as she reached over to gently nuzzle his thick shoulder. Lids lowering in mild satisfaction, Zeph reached his own nose over to stroke down her neck. As she spoke her name to him, he just had to sample it himself. Pulling his head back, he spoke in an almost reverent tone. ”Miesque..”

[/I] His own ebony ears flicked forward as he decided he liked the way it felt rolling off his accented tongue. Clearing his throat a bit, he offered his own name to make it a formal introduction. ”I was dubbed Zephiathon. You, cariad, can call me Zeph.” Again with the endearment, but the large painted stallion could not seem to keep it from leaving his lips once every so often. He decided to tell her what it meant if she asked again, though he was still unsure how much he wanted to impart that information. He supposed he should be irritated with himself over the matter, but he couldn’t bring himself to care much at the moment.

Zeph could not seem to take his eyes- currently a deeper shade of blue with his mood- off of the beautiful creature beside him, so when her attention began to wander around to the shadows of the forest he very much noticed the change in the way she seemed to feel about her location. Sure, now she was worried about the other stallions certainly roaming the lands, possibly not very far away. With a light sigh and an even slighter shake of his head, he sought to reassure her. ”You really needn’t worreh about them, lass. No’ while I’m around.” He said, tones deep and clear with their meaning of his intent to protect her in any situation, especially if she were to be carrying precious cargo born of his own posterity deep within her. No way would he allow anything to happen to her, as he’d said, not while he was around. Studying the tri-toned fae closely, he couldn’t help but wonder, did she even realize the trials to become her?

But then he began to notice the wheels spinning deep within those expressive brown eyes of hers, and he wished he could be inside her head. What was she planning? Whatever it was, would he be included in said plans? And suddenly, the dappled bay and white splashed mare moved away from him with a swiftness that belonged to her bloodline, and Zeph felt the distance now between them like a blow to some thing deep inside him that he could not place. Careful now to keep his façade calm and relaxed while a storm began to brew in his mind, the colossal brute tried to scrutinize her gaze. Upon first glances her perusal of his size and attributes was almost flattering, but this particular stallion had always had a knack looking past the surface. Slowly but surely, and despite the occurrence of just a few moments ago, Zeph’s mind floated back to his earlier way of thinking where she was concerned. The curiosity about her that frustrated him so and the desire to learn everything about her. The corner of his right eye twitched just the slightest bit behind the curtain of his forelock as he suddenly suspected that she’d only wished to come here for what he’d just given her, the thought gripping his heart like a vice and churning his gut with incredulity. Trying his hardest, Zeph maintained control of his temper; it had only been a suspicion, no less. ”What will ya do now, lass?” He asked in a rumbling tone, the muscles over his spine shuddering where she would not be able to see from her position. Blue eyes icy again, his lids narrowed just the slightest bit. ”W’are will ya go?” Should his suspicions be correct and she did not want him for more than his prospective genes, he wanted to know where he might be able to find her. And his child. He would not get angry. He would not become enraged. Nay, not yet.

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[Toaster]

His name was a unique one, and she decided instantly that she liked it. Yes, it would do very well. When she told her future foal about him, they would surely expect greatness by just the mere mention of his name. This instantly got her wondering even more, however. Was he going to be around when the time came for her to birth? As she stood there in front of him, her eyes drifted down to stare at her hooves both in a way that made her look deep in thought and ashamed. Ashamed because she hadn’t been clever enough to figure everything out before jumping into all of this. Though she had found quite the specimen of a male, she felt a little baffled as to why and how she hadn’t come up with any long term plans. Blinking and eyeing the small black dots that adorned her right ankle, she tried to assure herself that everyone made mistakes. That she would get better at, well, life in general eventually. She was so distracted and consumed by her own thoughts, that she’d failed to hear his reassurances. It wasn’t until the brute asked her about her plans that she finally seemed to snap back into reality.

"What will ya do now, lass?"
"W’are will ya go?"

Head snapped back up, forelock tossed into the air lightly as her brown orbs widened at his questions. “I…” what was she to say? Was she to admit to him that she had no thought that far ahead? Though he probably already suspected as much given her actions, Miesque didn’t want to appear like some wandering idiot. “Wherever my legs carry me, I guess” she spoke the honest truth. There was no other way to go about it. Part of her wanted to stay with him. She wanted to feel his gentle nuzzles and the way he softly nibbled on her skin. She even wanted him to mount her again. She craved any form of intimacy she could get from the handsome brute. Yet, a stronger part of her caused her to tell herself that he surely didn’t want to be burdened by a pregnant mare’s presence. While he didn’t seem the type to go throwing himself on every female he saw, surely he still wanted to have his fun as any stallion would. Just the thought of it consumed her with jealousy, though she fought it off and tucked it away as best as possible. Her continued presence with him wouldn’t be very beneficial for him, she admitted to herself.

She turned, then, off to the way that Zephiathon had come before they’d first become acquainted. Miesque had no stored map of the lands, for this was her first time away from her homelands. But she did know that the east lay in the direction the male had come from, and that many horses coming to her homeland had told stories about vast lands in that direction. Though after just a few quick steps in her new destination, she stopped and turned back for a moment. “I like mountains” she said with a slight smile, before she spun back around and took off through the forest. Perhaps her last parting words would give him a hint as to where to look for her if he ever wished to. Wherever she could find steep expanses of terrain would be her home.

NOTES: n/a

[Xenan]

The large, painted stallion watched his mare with thoughts and emotions stirring madly in his head. Yes, he thought, he would like her to be his mare, more so than he realized. His icy gaze never left her face, so when she looked down at the ground and her forefeet, he was still in tune with her and noticed the lost look coming over her delicate features. His heart clenched for her. Damn, but he was concerned as well. He was now sure that she hadn’t completely thought this through, and the aching feeling of guilt swam through him and everything in him tightened, for he couldn’t help feeling he’d brought this on her. But nay! This had only been exactly what she’d come searching for; what she’d bloody asked of him. How was he to know that she hadn’t had concrete plans before then? He couldn’t bring himself to feel regret over what had happened anyway, for he now had a connection to her and he would see to it that something would come of it, one way or another. Zeph now knew what he wanted, and he would damn well get it. Ack, but the poor soul would be born in the winter, he thought with grim reality striking him like lightning. If there was going to be a babe born, would it live? The possibilities burned while he watched Miesque and waited for some kind of response from her.

With the way her eyes had widened and shifted between his in thought while only beginning her sentence then trailing off, at first Zeph thought she’d lie to him. His shoulder muscles bunched, and eyes narrowed slightly again. Doona lie to me, lass, you will regret it. He did not say the words aloud, but gods would he hate it if she spoke dishonestly to him. He could plainly see the truth upon her face and she must have known, for when she did speak, her tones were clear and straightforward. Relieved and pleased with her, he had almost started to speak and move toward her again. The stallion wanted to feel her again, touch her, taste her. But then she was moving away. He burred heavily, nose and nostrils fluttering. Just as he would have spoke to ask her to wait, she stopped and turned only her head to look back at him over her shoulder. ”I like mountains.” She told him. Her smile and eyes touched him with a look that he recognized as ‘come find me there’. But then before he could say anything more, she was bolting swiftly further and further away. With an angry sounding snarl, he struck out with his hind hooves at the nearest tree behind him. Being a smaller tree, thinner in diameter most the others around the creek in the forest, the bark crackled and the tree groaned as he nearly broke it in half. Looking at it behind him and furious that she had just up and left him as she had, he turned and bunched every thick muscle in his massive body as he reared up, forelegs curling toward his body until with heavy momentum he released his wrath upon the broken tree. He landed and watched as it splintered and fell to the forest floor. His temper only partly sated, he whipped back around in the direction she’d gone. ”I wan’ a part of this, damn it!” He shouted with his harsh tones deep and loud, reverberating through his chest to the trees surrounding him. But he was still sure she hadn’t heard him, and that had his anger boiling over again. There had been no point in pursuing her, and he knew it. While he had the muscle and conditioning to put on speed where most beasts his size could not, he knew it would not be a match for her lighter and swifter frame. Not even close. So he had to settle for letting her go. For now. Oh yes, he would find her. And while he knew deep down that he would never hurt her and would likely not speak the angry celtic curses he had stored within him, that did not mean he couldn’t take his livid rage out on something- or someone- else. She wanted him to find her, and after he could better control himself and rid his anger, he would. And hidden behind the raging storm built up in him now, he was pleased that she had given him the clue to aid his search.

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