The Journeyman With Wild Horses *COMPLETED*

[Promise Broken /2/]

<sup>Ebony haired, young lad stood beneath the shade of a lone tree as the herd grazed nearby; switching between the water and the grass. The wild horses were on edge, worried about why they were here and why they couldn't be in their wide fields, where safety laid in numbers and speed. Why couldn't they be there? But their terror was controlled for they knew the lad that led them. He was a human, made man... given no powers other than that which nature offered to him. And natured offered him plenty, so his wish for other such magics was non-existance. Wild magic ran through his blood in minimal amounts. He still needed his own horse, Drido... and his shephard's dog - Collin, to keep the horses near, but they were not as paniced as they could have been. They were not afraid of him, due to the magics... but they would definately prefer to be elsewhere. That is why he still needed his own horse, and his dog. Both were nessecities as he herded the equines towards the village.

Currently they lay near the small town; though he didn't quite no the name. But there was still quite a way to go along the river, before they would depart from it. It had been a long and tedious walk from the large plains to here. And he had pushed all the horses harder than he probably should have in one day. But when one doesn't really know the surrounding area, one feels the need to hurry. No one knows what strange creations lurk in the dark.

But now that he had reached the outskirts of the land claimed by the corner and age of humans, he was placed a certain area of comfort. The River itself was soothing, and was a signal of human civiliazation. He was more at comfort here and didn't mind stopping to give the horses rest, as also making camp for the night.

Drido lay at the base of the tree, with him. The large shephard dog let his tongue hang out in a rather nonchalant and paceful manner. There were no worries near, but once night fell... one could never be sure. So a fire would be kept barking, and the alert ears of the young man would stay tuned to here if Drido might catch something in the night.

The setting sun filtered through the leaves and seemed to illuminate one horse in particular that had caught his eye as he lowered his body to the sod. Where he placed his saddle behind him to support his head. It was a beautiful black ... mare? From this distance he couldn't be sure, but the animal didn't seem aggressive, and often times... the young lad prefered to leave the stallions with the horses he didn't take with him ; as the masculine of the species acted so much more different and had such a temperment. Mare's could be just as troublesome, but were more compliant with a superior command.

Dozing off as his eyes watched the beautiful black friesian... wild and brought in - he could only imagine the price such a fine horse would real in.

~~~~~

Aarisia followed the herd without complaint and when the rest seemed to tire she did not. She was more physcially able than the horse breed. and to be perfectly honest, the only similarity to the Finests and the Equines was the shape and appearance of the body. That was the only similarity.

When they came to rest, the horses complained. They didn't mind the boy, they liked him so to say, but they didn't understand why they had to follow him. They had better things to do than leave the herd and follow some vile horse that let man ride upon him. They kept on repeating their confusion, and how they liked the boy, but didn't understand, that Aarisia snorted and found herself wandering away slightly from the group. Her mane had grown since the last time it had been cut... and she vowed never to let man cut it again. Though she guided them and did what they asked most of the time, there were somethings she just liked too much to give up. Long mane, long tail... being just a couple.

Flicking the flies away from her pelt, she looked to the lad. Their eyes met, and she could see the adoration in them. There was something in him as well... something she couldn't recognize but it was something different. Every since she had gotten the urge to return to man, she had been wondering what destiny now planned for her. Things happened for a reason... she knew she was being called again. She just didn't know whom yet... she'd no when she saw them, but for now... she was tortured by the inevitable wait between. She wondered if the lad was to be her charge, and thus she watched him for a certain amount of time. This draw that she had towards him, did not seem like a calling - but something else. Something that tugged at her instinct, at her creation as a horse. She couldn't really explain the feeling but it was something like magic... just not in a common sense. Shaking her head, she scattered her mane about her face, as her large phlumed feet pawed at the earth near a bend in the river. So easily, she could escape and forsake this new calling. she had enjoyed the wild freedoms and didn't feel like once again being saddled and rode... guiding some king - prince - peasant, lord, mage... all possibilities seemed tiresome now. They were too normal - too needy, always making stupid descision and leaving the finest to try and sort through the mess. And of course, no credit was ever given to the horse. The hereo was always the man astride, never that which was most faithful in battle.

With a sigh, she lowered her face to the stream... her long muzzle dipping beneath the surface. Her bodice stood away from the mass of multicolored bodies. They cries and complains still reaching her sensitive ears, but she was uninterested i their huddle and thus stood away - seperated... and beautiful as the dying rays of the sun flickered over her dust speckled hide.</sup>

[mixedblood7]

ooc: Sorry to say, but I cannot post right now. Please wait for me however. Sorry if this is an inconvience for you. Sukoshi will be here though, I promise.

[mixedblood7]

Behind the safety of a nearby ancient tree of the forest peered a young, scrawny lad of 12 years of age. His chopped, brown hair glistened in the fading sunlight wet from a short swim in a nearby brook the boy had taken. Being his skin was of a darker tone, the young boy who inherited fox demon blood has no fear of being seen by the human male. The youthful fox boy, known by the few who have seen him as Sukoshi, has no desire to confront the man in anyway. He has learned from past encounters with the beings most have no love for him and actually exhibit much hate for him. And so for the past six or so years, no contact has been made between fox and man; born an outcast, live a miscreant.

Gazing into the breath-taking scene before him, Sukoshi’s bright gray-blue eyes fell onto a magnificent picture of natural beauty. She was absolutely beautiful in his eyes. It was a flawless picture of the nobility of the wilds, with the setting sun subtly reflecting off her coat. The sun along with her amazing black coat created the illusion of the horse standing in the middle of a peaceful, nondestructive blaze of light. The four-legged masterpiece of nature astonished Sukoshi; he wanted to move closer however fear of the man held him in the safety of the forest behind his tree master.

The boy stayed in the woods for some time merely watching his new found natural treasure. He took the time to plan, scheme, calculate a way to deceive the human into forsaking his duties and giving him the opportunity to steal her away. Sukoshi was anxious to have her to play with, share with and talk to. Enjoying greatly the company of the common wild creatures, he loved to communicate and interact with them. This mare before him seemed to desire isolation from the herd itself hence he believed she would not mind to any great extent leaving the other horses. And so Sukoshi continued plotting and scheming, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

With the sun finished with its show and already gone to bed, sister moon takes center stage, performing her tranquil talents of reflecting light. Still, just as she had gleamed previously in the sun, the mare portrayed a serene peace in moonlight. Sukoshi never allowed his eyes to stray from her tranquil form during the time he watched. “Awesome,” his only thought.

[Promise Broken /2/]

Black coat had a natural brilliance to it, but it was still matted and her tail and long mane was fitted with several tangles and made up the home of several burrs. It was definately no misconception that she appeared wild. But she wasn't untamed. She was tamed in a rebellious kind of nature. She was, different. And some might ponder this. But they often looked past it, when they saw her strength her natural eagerness to protect, and her skills at braving most obsticles. She was an asset in anyone's eye, but she definately wasn't expected this new scent to reach her nares.

Head soared up from its lowered position and her ears perked forward, as nares flared curiously and cautiously as a preditory scent reached her nares... but it was different and with a quick, shifty glance towards the sleeping man and the hound, she took a cuatious step into the dark waters. With the setting sun, and dark aura had entered the land... and the forest river was coming alive with the nightly sounds. The moon gave a tad amount of light to be shed, and it was this light that shimmered beneath her within the cold waters, that splashed up around her knees. The dim light reflected upon the surface, and danced upon her underbelly in that water color dance of reflection. Her hide seemed to dissapate into the night, but her walk into the shallow river, illuminated her sillouette against the lighted surface; where the moon did ground itself.

Head cocked curiously as ears perked forward, pistons stiff, and nares sharply intaking every gland of scent of this new beast. She was ready to flee if it proved a danger, but her curiousity was much stronger. Besides this scent did not seem like a wolf or wild dog. It still had that canine edge to it... but it was... almost.... human?

Reaching the other bank, she lowered her head... unable to really see anything, she stopped. REfusing to step to the far bank and leave the water. She was brave yes, but stupid? Hell no.

She wasn't even completely sure if it was going to appear, maybe it was a past scent... the actual creature no longer remaining. But she stood nonetheless checking it out as she felt she must.

And so the seconds started off... if nothing showed - either threat or innocance - she'd turn back and return to the herd for the night. Back to their ignorant mask, where her true identity could be hidden from all other eyes. Besides there was a certain drawing and fascination she held towards the common horse that was so much like her... and yet so far from it. But that just wasn't the point...

[mixedblood7]

Sukoshi's heart sank once the mare of beauty, despite her unkempt conditions, turned away to return to the herd. Apparently, her love for company overpowered her curiosity and kept her from crossing the entire width of the river. As she moved back to the group, the young fox lad climbed the ancient tree using its aged bark as traction to make it easier for a better look at the vision he saw as simple eloquence. Staying near the trunk was not enough however. The branches were simply in the way of his visual pleasure. And so the boy made the bold decision to crawl his way over the branches to find his perfect spot in the tree to see the most perfect vision he has seen these years confined to the forest. After all, his dark orange-tan skin tone allows him to blend with the natural tones of the sylvan wilds. "Better look," he whispered to himself as he made his way cautiously through the leaves. Living in the forest most his life had forced him into the limited vocabulary he had heard spoken by the humans living near the outer edges of the woods. With wary attention, the boy moved across the limbs with the cunning stealth of a fox sleeping in his very blood. Unfortunately for him, the stealth was merely his and the ancient tree he now depended on had a different idea. Under the part demon's weight, a crack let loose and the branch gave way dropping the boy to the ground as well as his youthful dignity and pride.

Plummeting to the shallow water, Sukoshi feared waking the man. He did not fear the forest or its hidden terrors; he did not fear pain he would again experience after hitting the bottom of the river; his encounter with a strangling thorn vine, which gladly left its mark running down the length of the demon child's right arm had taught him to bear with the pain and hurt which usually followed the appearance of blood. Then he sees her, the mare of dreams. She was beautiful and she...

ooc: sorry for the brief post... I couldn't think of much to write. I hope this gives you something to write about.

[Promise Broken /2/]

<sup>The sudden displacement of water seemed to erupt with sound into the night. And Aarisia was suddenly alert and ready. Ears pinning back in startle as she feared the worse. Was this sudden downfall an attack, did one fall now to preditor? The wild horses were in panic; very suddenly Shying from the sudden disturbance of their otherwords peaceful night. Harsh cries and whinnies erupted quite suddenly as the mass of horses dispersed into the woodland. Very nervous, and just wanting to flee from any possible danger. But a few lingered, not running far - one horse being the mount of the young man, whom was suddenl awak and looking rather confused. To add to the chaos the dark too began parking and ran off after the dissapearing stragglers that were trying to escape. The hound had it in mind to retreive them... though such possiblities seemed a losing battle.

Friesian bodice grew tense, as ears fret forward now that the scene had somewhat cleared. Awaiting the sudden intrusion to show itself from the rippling effects. There was no anger or agression in the mare's composture, but she was definately wary - worried that this thing was a threat. This thing that she couldn't see. The dark seemed so much closer now. The river disturbed; fragmented the filtering moonlight seeming to stop the light that had once illuminated the area slightly.

What was this new devilry? Or was it devilry. She was drawn to it, not only in curiosity but by a certain... longing. Maybe just to know. But the reason she did not run was for fear of the man. If he was the chosen favorite in which she was to guide... then he must be protected - in a sense - though she doubted he was the charge she was being called to. Still she didn't know, and something messages were a bit more subliminal than one would like.

Letting loose a snort... she watched in simple anticipation. Pawing the water soaked sod beneath the current. Her hide growing damp from the moisture.

The man was now starting to get his barings and had already mounted his stag. Short sword in hand; fearful yet hopeing grandly that it was nothing that would need confrontation. All was chaotic and he decided to choose to gather the fleeing herd. He needed those horses - his lively hood depended upon it. If the creature or thing or even way of nature, did prove some sort of threat - he would deal with it later... thus he too dissapeared into the farest black, leaving Aarisia to fend in the black - alone; as dying hoofbeats resounded past. The herd... dispersing one by one... back to a possible freedom.</sup>

[mixedblood7]

Sukoshi's first thought upon recovering from the fall itself came as a gasp, "need air". In a frenzy, he broke the surface of the crystal water once again... this time on purpose. Sitting in the water the fox boy was very confused and nearly in shock from the sudden break in his stealthy actions. What happened? Why now? Where am I? What's going on? Beginning to regain his composure of youth, Sukoshi gazed upward and found his vision. However, from this new point of view, she was very tall and quite intimidating. Her dark figure outlined in tranquil moonlight was a remarkable sight however for a little boy, it also was awe inspiring in the fearful as well as delightful senses.

In a start, the fox boy sprung to his feet to get out of her way and to safety. He was obviously quite frightened. His eyes basically screamed the emotion. Gray-blue eyes of a fox spoke with the passion of a man showing with great intensity the fear, confusion, curiosity, intrigue and admiration of young boy. Sukoshi ran, as agile and quick as a fox, to the opposite bank, back to near his original hiding place. He leapt behind the large protruding roots of the ancient sylvan life and with amazing ease turned back to see the mare with eyes close to popping out of his head stressed from all the possible feelings a child could feel. The little one's breath was heavy and forced through his open mouth; his body trembled in shock and his eyes remained wide. For what seemed like forever, Sukoshi stared and gazed upon the majestic black mare of the night - the only light, the stars and moon.

ooc: sorry again for the short post... a little bit rushed.

[Promise Broken /2/]

<sup>Aarisia snorted as she watched the creature flee from the shallow abyss and scramble to the opposite side. Things slowly resolved back into near silence as the rampage of running hooves distanced themselves from this location. Soon only a few brave straglers remained on the outskirts of the close area, finding brief content enough to graze. These were the few that were attached to Aarisia. For horses were a socialable animal and liked being in groups.

The black friesian mare threw up her head as the shadow of a boy darted back into concealment. Her upper torso rising up into the air; as she warned him not to pull any trickery. Her powerful fores pawed the air breifly as gravity seemed to release her upper body. But as in all aspects gravity was jealous and soon enough both front legs were solidly planted back upon the hard earth beneath her. The black shaded waters spraying up and out from where she landed. Tossing her crest once more, her mane floated with her... and the locks fell before her eyes as her ears pulled forward in earnest curiousity and offer of peace. She felt she needed to warn it as a precaution, but she honestly felt no aggression towards him, unless he showed it to her.

Equine bodice slowly kept towards the opposite bank, as she lowered her head letting it hang near her knees. So that her head could be level with the dome of the youngin'. Was he human? Didn't seem to act like it - and Aarisia was very perceptive. A low vocal escaped her lips. A gentle nicker... do different than any other language of the horse. She could speak many tongues... but for the sake of her image, she must not act any more than any horse should. But her now stagnant body posture was not in any form menacing, but in truth was reasonably relaxed within a point of remaining cautios. Her ears perked foward with interest, and the gentle sound of supposed peace, and curiousity. If she was doing anything, she was beckoning the young being forward so that all these assumptions could be met... and both would know exaclty what they were seeing and what they were up against... though hopefully this meeting would be of peace and leaving... or... atleast peace. The leaving portion of it would be determined by the next few moments to come.

So many things were in the works now-adays. It was best not to make plans until you came to the moment of choice.</sup>

[mixedblood7]

Watching the chaos he had just caused die down to a resolved state again, Sukoshi also allowed himself to find calm once more. His eyes returned to his sockets and their normal sizes drawn into his head, his heart rate arrived back to usual slow beats, and his breathing followed in suit. Adrenaline pasted leaving the boy with his newly acquired aches and pains covering his body. His head ached especially with no mercy in the least. Blood trickled down his forehead flowing to soak the boy’s left brown eyebrow stopping at the dam formed by his eyelid. Sukoshi did not notice the stream or the change in temperature created by a combination of water, wind, blood and setting of the sun. He was too involved in gazing at the creatures and situation before his gray-blue eyes. With himself once again under control, the young fox boy continued to sit and watch the creatures as they nervously stayed in the vicinity of the river banks. They seemed to have ties after all with the stunning black mare standing in the water. First her movements of warning created a sense of fear and nervousness in the boy’s mind however when she then beckoned him with gestures of calm acceptance, he became soothed in some sense and again curious in the other.

Slowly, Sukoshi left the safety of the antique tree’s roots. He stopped at the bank tripping wet and cold in the breeze now blowing softly through the canopy of leaves. He shivered and wrapped his arms around himself to find the heat core of body and spirit. Regaining some composure of a child, he gathered himself up and approached the equine cautiously through the water currents gently flowing around his legs and other obstacles. At this point, he no longer noticed the presence of the mare’s friends; all attention was on the black beauty’s face in the recently risen moonlight – the sun had not quite finished shedding its light upon the world; it was down however its light was still seen. Little by little he rose his scar-bearing right arm to the horse’s brow. His hand made contact tenderly with her coat between her eyes. The little fox child followed her face with his fingers running down to her nose. Eyes sparkling in the moonlight and partial sunlight, he gazed upon her splendor. Awe-inspired… he spoke.

Pretty… came the whisper.

[Promise Broken /2/]

Ebony shaded finest allowed the creature to approach both out of compassion for its curiousity and for the space of her own curious intent. She liked it, found it cute. It appear most like a human child; possibly nothing more than that. But she knew not to assume upon first glance. There were so many strangs things in the world - and so many possible combinations of oddity.

This small human looked to be of a childish kind - and apparently male. When he came close to her face, she did not flinch nor pull away, but if anything leaned into his touch. Finding the movement upon her facade to be soothing. For she had forgotten the feel of a gentle human carress - and oh how this rememberance did throw her towards ecstasy. Who would blame her? All animals liked to be stroked... it helped tickled certain areas otherwise unreachable in any reasonably easy means.

.:~*He is so shy. Where did he come from? And why is he alone? He doesn't look very old... has he been seperated from his home, become lost... or what?*~:.

She questioned herself silently as she let him pet and stroke her black white absent face. Her forlock falling before her eyes as the black hairs drifted in the suttle wind. It seemed to content itself to flutter about the area before it moved off, leaving behind none but a soft breeze. The moonlight soon growing stronger than the fading sun. The pale moonlight filtered down through the leaves; resting in ghostly fashion upon the two. The serene moment seemed to open up - and to anyone who would catch a glimpse, the scene was almost mystical as if something unearthly was happening. The beauty so apprant and vivid that even the finest could feel the awe that filled ones spirit when they were truly moved. That chest lightening emotion that was so difficult to explain.

And though still not proven, she felt the call again. Though it seemed stronger, not as distant. So now she had a choice. Stay near the lad... or move off after the man. Her destiny was open to her, and for once she was unsure of her charge this time. Which was it to be? The one of wild magic, or this seemingly odd boy? She didn't know and wasn't sure... but she felt the boy at this moment could use more guidance, for he seemed so unsure for the most part. Though he was probably just shy.

She let the moment ensue, until...

. tired .

It was the simple yet very meaningful voice of Drido, the young man's horse. They were returning. Drido was disgruntled because it seemed the animal felt his master was loving the Finest more than he.

The simplicity of the common horse. A bliss that Aarisia would never accomplish. But she now decided she would not return with the human mage. She would stay near this boy for a time. If the younger child wasn't her calling then she would flee back towards civilization where she could return to her quest. But for now, it seemed her calling was pointed in the direction of this young boy. So with a short whinny - she pulled her head up and jerked it in the direction that Drido's complaining had echoed. Her long mane flew ever so gracefully with the sudden movement, making sure of the scent and determining how much time she and the boy had the chance to escape detection.

So she pranced slightly, and looked from young boy in front of her, to the direction of the approaching wild mage. Dancing slightly to one side, she kept looking to the young boy, then leaped to his side of the river, where she took off at a slow pace into the wood, hoping that the boy would perhaps feel the attachment she tried to convey and thus follow her. But she also had to keep in mind, that she must not break the commonemity of a common horse by too large a scale. She couldn't be too strange, and couldn't act to out of place. Her task would always be difficult... but it was a life she chose willining and loved to served.

[/center]

[mixedblood7]

The young fox boy rested contently stroking the mare’s face. He felt safe and found himself reminiscing the comfort and safety with his mother. Her soft caresses and gentle croons and his father’s protective voice. The number of years past since then did not matter. It felt as though his parents were there with him but upon opening his gray-blue eyes, Sukoshi found they were not. Merely the mare was in his company. Sorrow appeared upon his heart however contentment remained. The boy felt at peace with the horse. Tranquility seemed to blanket the scene just as the moonlight shed through the leaves.

Nearly ready to fall asleep standing, Sukoshi jumped up when the mare jolted her head up. The sudden jerk from his arms had startled the lad. His eyes opened wide from a nearly closed state and his heart rate flew. With his breathing short and quick and his pupils small, the kit fox had no inkling of what was happening. It seemed as though she was warning him of some danger. As the mare ran off into the woods, the fox boy stayed behind for a bit to see just what had startled her. Hearing a twig snap – the sound carried by the wind – the boy became curious as to who or what was approaching however once he received a waft of a man’s scent, Sukoshi’s curiosity turned to caution. Staring into the thick foliage, youthful, wary eyes saw a glimpse of a figure in the broken moonlight. It was huge! How could a man ever be that big! Finally, fear and instinct took hold and the fox child sprinted off after the mare who had obviously warned him of the danger. I can’t fight that! Run!

Bolting through the damp undergrowth of the forest on all fours just like a his fox counterparts, the lad accumulated a few scraps from the hanging branches and a couple minor bruises from falling and tripping excessively on the protruding roots of the surrounding ancient trees. He did not mind though. She seemed to him as though she would play with him and stay with the boy. In a short period of time, Sukoshi once again saw a glimpse of the strong mare ahead of him. He smiled feebly as he ran to her. Once he caught up with her, he began to slow down and breathe a little bit better. Running at this pace for the distance began to take its tolls on the boy’s body. His breathing became shallow and forced and sweat poured from his skin. He could not run anymore. Far enough.

No more, he gasped weakly and suddenly collapsed into the cradle of ancient roots. Looking up into the ceiling of leaves, Sukoshi peered into the starry night through a hole in the vegetation. His chest moved up and down with his breathing and his mouth hung open. He had never needed to run like that before. Whenever he encountered such a being, he would merely play with them and disappear into the woodlands when he was finished with them. However, with a companion like the mare, he needed to stay with her so as to not lose her. But looking into the sky, he realized one of his fears might have actually come true. The mare, by collapsing, he might have just lost the mare. In a whisper to himself he cried, No. He closed his eyes ready to cry. He was exhausted. He was hungry. He just lost probably a new friend and playmate.