The joy of the gallop [Open]

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[atrb=style, color: #F1F1F1; width: 350px; height: 300px; text-align: justify; padding-left: 70px; padding-top: 200px; ] Evaristo had left his herd lands for a brief while, possibly seeking a bit more company and to try and find some loose mares and stallions to join company with him. After all, was there any point to having his own lands without some people beneath him. Not through any fault of their own mind but still. Never the less as the black and white pelted stallion left the dappled edges of the forest to come into the brillant sun lit open stretch of grass he couldn't resist but to give into his urge to run. A rear emerged, coupled with an excited squeal as his forehooves struck the air. Then he was off. His slender frame elongated legs stretching fully out to allow himself longer and faster strides. He threw a few bucks in excitement before he came to a halt near the other end of the stretch. Wind whipped mane and tail settled briefly, before he spun galloping back up the stretch, stopping somewhere half way to roll. While he could do this at his herd lands, there was something exhilarating at doing such antics here. He was more then aware that with his noise he'd probably attracted any horse in the area, and was presenting them with a rather ungainly view. For once he didn't care. He scrabbled to his feet at a noise looking around snorting softly ears flicking about alertly.

[`endless]

We cherish too, the poppy red
That grows in fields where V A L O R led
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes
never dies

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i he was not given a long rest. but he was used to it. cardinal brute had been grazing idly in an open space in the forest. though normally he was on the trails seeking out any who needed aid, he had been taking a short break from the journey. crown raised immediately as a foreign aroma reached nasal passages. towers were perked, and eyes searched the horizon. there was a scent of someone nearby on the breeze. suppose this is what you encounter when in such a vacated realm; new smells aren't easily missed. but nevertheless, his curiosity was perked. from the taste in his mouth he knew that the visitor was of the male variety. he sensed no maliciousness - but anything could deceive you.

ii lithe appendages began to animate under the cooling morning fog- very soon they held a constant lope. he had to move around large trunks of trees to grow closer to the other. quickly the resounding thunder of hooves he both felt and heard. this stud was on the run, but didn't seem to be running from anything in particular. from their weight this was no colt - a full blown stallion on the move. perhaps the beast was just as he, seeking passing refuge in a comfortable public place. but if the stranger wanted blood, Valor would not feign anything. the answer to everything was not always peace. if you want peace, prepare for war.

iii he made no attempt to conceal his approach - his hoof-beats surely cast a resounding echo. warm hazel ooids caught the beast as he rose up from what seemed to have been a roll. ah, it had indeed been a long while since he himself had done one. it was a rather pleasing thought. cherry brute had to look up the expanse that the other stud had just run through. it seemed Valor had emerged from the forest halfway down. if ever there was a good place to run, this was it.

v burgundy beast was silent as he came to a standstill just outside the foliage's clutch. he did not give off a menacing aura. his was an honest one - merely passing by as a peaceful stranger. however, he did admit he was a touch lonesome. it had been a long time since he had spoken with another, and this painted lion seemed a pleasant fellow. a hind was rested as eyes watched the other in curiosity. however, underneath pelt that very musculature seemed ready to burst into a playful gallop if the moment called for it.

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[atrb=style, color: #F1F1F1; width: 350px; height: 300px; text-align: justify; padding-left: 70px; padding-top: 200px; ] The white blaze down the centre of the otherwise dark hued face displayed as the black and white pelted stallion turned his head to look at the other. He was still breathing heavy from his gallop, yet no sign of sweat marred the slightly grass stained white and black body. He was slowly taking in the others scent trying to assess what he was. Although he'd just enjoyed a lonesome gallop, it had reinforced what it was at times. Lonely. Tail whisked as he almost picked up a like feeling of that from the other studs stance. Slowly, head held proud but none threatening, he walked towards the other stud sniffing a bit at him before standing still closer. One leg rested ready to kick if he had to defend himself, though the peaceful brute was more likely to run then to get into a fight. "I'm Evaristo...its nice to meet you. May I enquire what your name is?" He asked, his speech almost politely formal, even if the pattern wasn't in the usual format. The excitement of coming across another horse, even if it was a stallion had jumbled the order up just enough. Patiently he waited for the others response. One ear remained pricked in the direction of the other, the other ear twitched flicking to listen to the sounds about him. It was a foolish stallion who let his guard off too far away from their own lands. Admittedly even leaving his lands was a threat, it could easily allow someone else in with no herd there to protect it in his absence...but that was a risk he had to take. He doubted many would recognise the rocky grasslands with the many waterfalls as a safe land like he did. Not many would have the initial vision to realise how it could be used as a defence. Still...just being one was no fun. He longed for companionship of another horse. Even a stallion if need be. The black and white pelted stud was lonely in his own way, though surely the proud carriage would somewhat hide that. Act as a mask to hide his loneliness.

[`endless]

i cool lanterns watched silently as the painted stud meandered his way down. Valor's gaze was not scrutinizing, though perhaps slightly assessing. He was more prone to violence than most 'Light' oriented stallions. 'twas only in his nature to size any stranger up. he was taller than the other, though not by a huge margin. from sense of judgment he would assume he was older as well, though this stallion was no youngster. the chestnut's coat was always coated with many more scars than the other's - though none were new. there was a small part of Valor's mane that would never grow back; that cut had gone too deep. but the battle had been his, so was only another memory he carried with him. though he would not claim he never lost... though those scars are by far the oldest and have already begun the slow fading process.

ii auds were already pricked in the direction of the two-toned male when he began introducing himself. own neck was slightly bent as his informal greeting. after a nod, own lips parted. his voice was thick yet sweet like honey, soft as a wind in the treetops, yet firm and strong as steel. truth be told he had a kind king's voice, yet it had been two or three years since he last ruled over anything. he had been too distracted out helping those who needed him the most.

Salutations, Evaristo. My name is Valor.

iii attention was diverted from the pinto behemoth as gaze looked downhill toward the waterfall and the pool borne beneath it. now that looked like it could be entertaining. eyes quickly returned to Evaristo with a more youthful appearance as the inquiry escaped

Have you tried the water yet?

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[atrb=style, color: #F1F1F1; width: 350px; height: 300px; text-align: justify; padding-left: 70px; padding-top: 200px; ] Evaristo had given what could almost be described as a half bow in response "It is a pleasure to meet you Valor," he stated softly before looking in the direction the taller stallion was looking in. "I haven't tried the water yet...however" his eyes took on a mischevious playful gleam as he assessed things almost prancing on the spot. Excitement had taken over the paint as his tail lashed his black and white flanks. "I'll race you to the water!" he stated as he pranced sidewards on his toes. The moment he had confirmation of the other he'd be off, for after all who wouldn't enjoy a good gallop. Nostrils had already flared in preparation and it was another sign of his excitement. Maybe he'd found himself a new friend who could join his herd. Ears were constantly flicking for any sounds around him as he snorted softly muscles quivering beneath his pelt ready to propel him forward. It just needed the confirmation from the other stallion, who'd introduced himself as Valor, and he would be off. Oh he did enjoy a good run, even more so with the wind through his mane, and on such a gorgeous land like this. He almost had to wonder why no one else had tried to claim this place. He knew he would if it wasn't that he had his own herd lands. And a herd of one he thought to himself. He regarded Valor next to him contemplating. Maybe he could make good company in his herd. He would have to make the offer to him at some point.

[`endless]

i though brown eyes watched the painted stud before him, an aud had reversed to better absorb the sounds coming from the waterfall. it had been almost two years since he had last seen one, and that had only been on a visit to an ally's new land. very distance memories whispered there had been a waterfall he frequented as a foal, but he couldn't be sure. all he knew was that he would relish the time spent in it's vicinity.

ii but then focus was returned to the other male. a race? you know how long it had been since he had raced? he had been perhaps four when a mare challenged him. though very fit and in fine shape, he had never been a competitor. his veins were laced with thoroughbred fire and some quarter horse agility, but he really didn't use them. perhaps in battle when catlike quickness was required or undertaking a difficult trek. but a race? to that waterfall? sounded like colt talk. also sounded incredibly refreshing. turning own musculature to stand parallel to Evaristo and to have the stretch then the 'finish line', he readied himself.

iii handsome crown was given a quick but obvious nod. focus was not on the other, even if he would pass him. all he cared about now was getting to the falls - if the other noticed the victor then good for him. in the next seconds that transpired, frame bounded forward as if on coiled springs. there was no transitional jog or lope - merely straight into a gallop. reminiscent of racehorses out of a starting gate. but there would be no obstacles. no punishments if he lost. no reward if he was the victor. no one pressing a time clock. just a start, and a finish. to the participants go the spoils.

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[atrb=style, color: #F1F1F1; width: 350px; height: 300px; text-align: justify; padding-left: 70px; padding-top: 200px; ] Evaristo had seen the nod rearing up with a squeal of excitement before leaping forward to a gallop. His body fully stretched out mane whipping through the air. Nostrils flared as he sucked in air to keep himself going tail streamed behind him like a flag in the wind. Currently he was following Valor, having to catch up to the other with the height difference, and the reaction difference. Still if you can't tell by the pricked ears and the joyful expression even as he raced taking this as only a game, Evaristo was having fun. He was a natural sociable animal. More importantly this was a way he could assess the other stud. He snorted finding himself starting to catch up, yet the sound of rushing water was also drawing closer, just audible over the thunder of hooves onto the soft grass. He lengthened his frame and stride that little bit more reaching for the cool water wanting to win, but he wouldn't make a fuss if he didn't. He suddenly felt the water splash against hooves, all four of them pale with stripes of darker hue running through them. He looked around for where Valor was snorting heavily as he'd come to a stop trying to find if he'd arrived first or not In the thrill of having someone to race along side he'd only noticed when he'd drawn close to him not when or even if he'd passed him. He was breathing hard trying to gain breath back and recover after that race, but it had been fun. He hoped to be able to do this again with Valor. Maybe in his own herd lands. If Valor agreed to this of course. The other stud seemed a good ally to have.

[`endless]

i he had the odd habit of running with his head up, rather than lower and stretched out to be more aerodynamic. banner was raised, his proclamation of joy to the world. when listeners caught the thundering echoes that were Evaristo running alongside, pistons altered their route. he was still very much headed for the water. just, he had decided to do a twisting leap as if in the middle of a bucking fit. however, by the time he was straight again the water was already lapping at ankles. as soon as the cool was felt, frame slowed to a jog and turned a half circle like a crescent moon. he had turned in the opposite direction of the paint, and knew only that he was also in the pool. who had won he wasn't sure but he also didn't care. it was mostly for the sake of the wind-in-your-mane feeling and carefree as a colt.

ii least-aways Valor could be that free. he had no home to call his own. he had been the lord and even high kings in the past - it was in his personality to be a suitable fit. just he had yet to seek one out here. besides, if he did have a home he would be obliged to be its keeper, a straining task when one wants to be out helping others. perhaps this Evaristo had a home somewhere and was escaping it, or he was a loner. maybe even a lone bachelor roaming the lands for love. he had no way of knowing, they had barely spoken. he did seem youthful enough for it, but seemed smarter than that. time would unfold and answers revealed.

iii cardinal frame turned back to face the other. Valor was not smiling, though a look of deep content was obviously written all over face. breaths calmed pulse, but he had really had no time to get all 'wound up'. the other had been going at it for quite longer. cranium was given a shake and scythes carried him further into the pool, til the surface was close to contacting delicate underside. the spray from the falls wasn't too obvious, though he could feel the light mist if he thought about it. he knew he was being rather quiet, but hope it wasn't being rude. just truly enjoying his surroundings.

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