@Damascus
V A L E THE STARS IGNITE
She found tranquility watching the herd of bison in the distance, their heavily furred chocolate bodies moving slowly as they grazed at the budding grass in the plains. Her heart decelerated and her tumultuous thoughts relaxed. She knew the ungulates focused on three things: finding their next source of grain, protecting their young, and staying together — one unit. Theirs was a simple life, yet it was complete. A touch of envy sprung in the mare's chest, but she ignored it with a subtle shake of her fiery tresses. The amethyst splashes upon her bodice were painted magenta in the morning's light, tinged with a subtle orange glow. It was as if the sun were yawning, commanding the world to wake up. Closing her bi-colored orbs and lifting her refined crown to the sky, she obeyed, letting the rays warm her pale face. "Greeting!" The sudden clamor rattled her stillness, a mar upon the morning's peace. Ears swayed backward, not pinned but certainly not receptive to any turbulence that may come with the meeting of a stranger. She turned her gaze toward the greeter, and her curiosity was immediately sparked. His legs were still slightly gangly, although he was growing into them. Still a youngling, then — and while he would be considered conventionally handsome, his appearance was actually quite comical when shrouded in the blush of the sky. His heralding had been incomplete, as though he were still grasping the structure of the common tongue. She trotted forward, banner held high but not conceitedly so; if anything, her parents had honed the quiet confidence that she now exuded. As she neared him, she halted, careful to keep a safe distance away despite his apparent youth. In her nearness, her eyes settled on the small creature on the stranger's back; it had unusually long ears, and was nestled in an odd nest of down feathers. Danger came in all forms, even found in the shelter of family and the innocence of rodents. "Hello," she addressed him cautiously, her sultry alto tones groomed to be neutral and strong. She had no idea of the bronze stallion's intent, nor did she particularly want to introduce herself quite yet. Folding her wings to her body, she waited to see what the unusual horse would say or do next. |
