It was a warm summer night, the wind was still, and the plain was calm. The stars shined brightly that night. A herd of horses -- the Vala Herd -- rested in the plains open. The tall grass was perfect for grazing, and a stream which lead to a clear lake was nearby, perfect for drinking water. This was the Vala Herd's homeland. The herd loved these plains, and they've roamed there through generations and generations. This night was especially important, because the lead stallion and lead mare were expecting a foal..
A bunch of neighing broke the silence that night, when the lead stallion's mare, Fariydiva, began to neigh in pain. Before long, Fariydiva laid down and began to birth a beautiful little filly-foal. The infant foal was a dark brown color, but had a cream colored muzzle, and stockings, along with her mane and tail.
The lead stallion, who was watching the birth the whole time, lifted his head proudly, watching as the young foal looked around at the new world. The stallion brought his head back down and gently nibbled on the filly-foals ear and the foal shook her head playfully.
Fariydiva stood back up, a bit weak. She looked down at her daughter and then to the lead stallion and she asked quietly, "What should we name her?
The stallion snorted a bit through his nose, and then looked over to Fariydiva and said with a gentle tone, "Seatra.. We shall call her Seatra.."
Fariydiva neighed happily, informing the rest of the herd of the new arrival and before long, the rest of the herd made it's way over to the new foal.
Seatra loved the attention she was getting from all the horses around her, it encouraged her to try to stand up. Her legs were a bit wobbly, and her mother walked over to her, and gave her a little boost with her muzzle. This gave Seatra all the support she needed. Seatra stood up and made her way over to her father, while letting out a young, playful neigh. The rest of the herd neighed loudly, congratulating the lead stallion and his new family.
Two young foals were born that night. A couple hours before Seatra was born, another filly-foal was born. A caramel colored foal, with a brownish-red mane, tail. She also had a couple brownish-red spots on her hip. This filly-foal, at birth was born with a large flowing mane, which stood her out from the rest of the herd. Her name was Iuig. Her mother was the elder of the Vala Herd.
Within a couple months, Seatra was right at home with the Vala Herd. She loved every member of this wonderful herd, and was proud to be the heir to it. Iuig and her grew to be great friends. Iuig and Seatra went every where together. They always traveled together when the herd was on the daily runs. Iuig and Seatra were practically sisters. They couldn't be happier with their home.
Fariydiva and the lead stallion were proud of their young daughter. She was growing to be quiet a strong filly. They loved how their young daughter was growing to be a fast runner, and an adventurous heart. Everything was perfect. The herd was running smoothly.
The sun shinned bright, one afternoon. The grass was especially green that day, the summer day seemed perfect. And it was like any other summer day for Iuig and Seatra.
The herd rested at a grassy plain, and began to graze happily, satisfied with their long run for the day. Seatra and Iuig, however, still had plenty of pep left in them.
Seatra ran up to Iuig excited, ready to run. She neighed playfully to Iuig and then said hurriedly, "Heh! Come on, Iuig! I bet you can't catch me!". And with that she darted off away from the herd.
Iuig snorted and before long, followed her antagonizing friend. She laughed as she caught up to Seatra and bit her ear playfully. Iuig and Seatra shared in a laugh as they continued to run further and further from the herd.
Fariydiva looked up from her mid-afternoon graze to find that the foals were gone. Fariydiva neighed quietly and squinted her eyes to see far off into the plains. That's when she saw the two foals running and chasing each other happily. She smiled to herself and looked back down to her grass and continued to eat.
Seatra and Iuig giggled crazily and then all of a sudden, from a nearby patch of trees a snap of twigs was heard. Seatra's ears perked back and she grew quiet instantly.
Iuig's legs locked and she was frozen in place. She began to shiver, before snapping out of her daze. She whispered over to Seatra, "Seatra... we need to get out of here!".
Seatra nodded and then started walking away slowly, Iuig shortly behind her.
Then, suddenly, a group of horses with two-legged creatures riding them came racing out of the patch of trees!
Seatra and Iuig neighed and ran back into the direction of the herd, but the creatures on the horses backs had ropes in which they threw at Iuig and Seatra. The one aiming for Iuig missed, but the one meant for Seatra reached her and viced her leg hard. The rope captured her leg, making her fall to the ground.
The neighs of the children caused the herd to raise their heads suddenly to the direction of the commotion. As soon as the members realized what serious trouble the filly's were in, they rushed into action.
Seatra's Father was the first one to rush in the direction of the mares, he was running at full force, and neighing loudly, hoping to spoke off the predators. He knew what creatures they were. They were "men", and they used his kind for their own needs. He knew they were dangerous, and he was gonna do everything in his power to protect the children from them.
The men seen the stallion heading their way and cheered, for they new he would bring in a good fortune. The man carrying the rope of Seatra's continued to tug on it, dragging Seatra. This scared Iuig, she didn't want her friend hurt, so she ran in the direction of the man's horse. She used the full strength of her body to hit against the man's leg, but it was useless, she was too small. The man just kicked her roughly, causing her to go flying. This angered the mother of Iuig.
Iuig's Mother, a very old mare, came running behind Seatra's Father. She was bucking and kicking her legs crazily, allowing Iuig a chance to run off.
Iuig was too afraid to leave her friend Seatra behind. So she stayed their besides Seatra and Iuig's mother neighed angrily at the man grasping the filly's rope. This startled the man enough to release the rope. Seatra got up the moment she felt the rope loosen around her leg and she took off with Iuig.
The two horses, Iuig's mother and Seatra's father were bucking and kicking angrily towards the men and the horses they were riding. This made it impossible for the men to rope them.
The men grew angry and began cursing under their breath while trying to control their horses, whose instincts it was to run away from a threat.
One man, acting out of anger, reached into his dirty, black, leather holster and pulled out a gun, aiming it up in the air. He pulled the trigger to the gun, and a loud fire was shot.
This stopped Iuig's Mother dead in her tracks. The loud gunfire spooked her so much, her old heart couldn't handle it. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, and her legs collapsed and she fell to the floor, lifeless from a heart attack.
Seatra's Father saw this happen and he neighed loud and stood on his hind legs and kicked one of the men off his horse while yelling out his angry neighs.
The man kicked off his horse pointed at Seatra's Father and yelled furiously, "Get him!!".
One of the men pulled a gun out of his holster, and without a bit of hesitation, shot Seatra's Father in the heart, causing him to fall lifeless instantly.
The men all shouted to each other to run off before anything else serious happens, then they called out to their horses to run, and before long, the men were out of sight.
Fariydiva neighed frantically as she ran to the side of her fallen mate. Her hooves were slamming into the grassy plain as she ran. She finally reached the side of her stallion -- the herds stallion -- and it was unmistakable. The lead stallion was slain. She dropped her head and let out a huge neigh, sadness overwhelming her call to the herd. She looked over to the mare who too was lifeless, and she held her head even lower. She was full of grief for her mate, and her best friend.
Some other members of the herd neighed and then ran to join Fariydiva after realizing what happened. They saw the bodies and they held their heads low, mournfully. They tried the best they could to offer Fariydiva a gentle nudge of hope. The herd was devestated, having lost their eldest mare and their lead stallion. They felt hopeless.
Seatra and Iuig were watching the elders from afar. They knew the situation was bad. Seatra lowered her muzzle and looked down at the green grass sadly. She knew what was going on. She knew she lost her beloved father. Before long, tears were running down Seatra's nose. She was crushed. She felt that if she wouldn't have wondered so far off from the herd, this probably never would have happened. Her knees began to shake, she was losing control of her legs. Before long her legs collapsed and she fell to the ground. That didn't seem to phase her, however. Instead, she just laid her head in the soft grass and began to weep.
Iuig looked over to the now fallen Seatra and she too lost her composure. She lost her mother. The only family she had among the herd. She laid herself down on the floor next to Seatra and just began to weep right along side her. Iuig had no clue what to do. Her mother was gone, she knew that much. She was all alone.
Fariydiva looked down to the deceased one last time, and then that's when it hit her. She knew what she must do. She lifted her head up, confidently. She let out a powerful snort and said with a soft smile, "Come, my friends.. We must move on. It's what they would have wanted.." She used her blue eyes to look down at her lifeless mate before adding, "We'll relocate to another area of these gorgeous plains. Let the heavens do with our beloved ones as they please.. We must stay strong!" She looked around to her fellow members of the herd.
A quiet young mare smiled assuringly and said, "Yes. Fariydiva, you'll lead us! Until Seatra is old enough to take on her rightful place.
Fariydiva smiled back as the other members of the herd let out a cheerful neigh. Fariydiva's eyes moved to the distance. Looking for her daughter. She found the fillys laying in the grass-- crying. Fariydiva's ears perked back, a bit upset, but still trying to keep her composure. She started walking over to the young filly's and of course the rest of the herd followed.
Fariydiva approached the two young ones and let out a gentle neigh, letting the little ones know that she was there.
Seatra lifted her head slowly, seeing her mother before her. She was still crying, and a stream of tears were visible on her muzzle. Seatra looked guilty, she thought her mother hated her for what she caused. She couldn't make eye contact.
Fariydiva said sincerely to her daughter, Seatra, "Darling.. You must remain strong.. It's what your father would have wanted.."
Seatra wept out, "But it's my fault this happened! If it wasn't for me, he'd still be here!" She hung her head again. Ashamed to see the other members of the herd.
Fariydiva shook her head and then lowered it to nip some of Seatra's mane playfully, "Nonesense, my dearest. Everything happens for a reason. There's a time for everyone.. This was his time."
Fariydiva looked over to Iuig and took a couple steps towards her. Fariydiva lowered herself and rubbed her head with Iuig's, trying to show her some comforting affection. She said gently into Iuig's ear, "Darling, your mother loved you very much. She still does, in fact. She's watching you right now." She rubbed her nose with Iuig's.
Iuig raised her head, she was touched by what Fariydiva was saying. She continued to look up at her, hoping she would say more. She said softly, almost afraid to ask, "She's watching me?"
Fariydiva raised her head confidently, "Uh-huh, she sure is. She's up in the heavens right now watching down on you. She loves you dearly.."
Iuig smiled halfy, she still wished this didn't happen to her mother. She was alone, and terrified of what might happen.
Fariydiva sensed the fear from Iuig and she added, "Darling, don't worry.. You will be safe here with us. We will take care of you, my love. We will raise you as our own."
The members of the herd shook their heads and neighed simultaneously in agreeance. They all loved Iuig, she was a very polite, well mannered foal.
Iuig was a bit more comforted her knew she had to do this for her mother, she wanted more then anything to make her mother proud of her, after all, she's watching her from above. Iuig smiled and stood up. Her knees were still a bit weak, but she stood. The gentle breeze running through her long mane was also a gentle comfort.
Fariydiva was relieved that she got Iuig to feel a bit better. She looked back over to Seatra who was no longer crying, but it was obvious she was numb. Fariydiva hated seeing her daughter upset. She went over to Seatra and nudged her behind with her nose, trying to get her to rise, "Seatra, your father is watching YOU as well.. Your father always knew you were a strong filly.. Be strong for your father."
Seatra got up, almost as soon as she heard what her mother was saying about her father. She DID want to make her father proud. She got up and ran over to her mother and rubbed her muzzle against her mothers. Giving her a gentle hug. She knew this day was a tragic day. But it really was for the best that she did this, for the herds sake. It's what her father would have wanted. She realized this now.
Fariydiva smiled and looked up at everyone in the herd. She let out a assuring snort, followed by a loud neigh. The breeze began to pick up and it ran through her mane ever so playfully. She nudged her head in the direction in which the wind was blowing, "Let's see where it takes us, shall we?"
Everyone in the herd neighed loudly and excitedly. They knew it was gonna be different from now on, but they knew Fariydiva was ready for the task. The late lead stallion picked a great first mare. They were gonna be fine, and they knew it. It was time to start from a new.
The huge herd ran, ran whether the wind took them. They left the past in the past. They knew the recently departed members were in a better place. There's a reason for everything. The herd relocated smoothly, almost as if it never changed. Fariydiva was a strong leader. She ran among the middle of the herd, Seatra and Iuig not far from her. Even Seatra and Iuig knew it was time for a new way of living. But they were ready for the task. They wanted to do everything in their power to make sure they didn't disappoint the others. They needed to remain strong. And that's exactly what they did.
Every single one of them.
Seasons came, and seasons went. Seatra and Iuig were now young adults, past their yearling years.
Seatra matured to be a beautiful young filly, with a unique brown coat with tan stockings, mane, and nose. She grew up to be a very playful filly. A lot like she was in her early youth. She loved to play, and explore. She was always ahead of the herd while they were relocating. She was an extremely fast runner. She was strong, that's for sure. In fact, a lot of the older members of the herd say that Seatra reminded them of her father. Seatra took pride in that. She loved being seen as a strong, adventerous filly.
Iuig matured to be a gorgeous filly. Her coat was long, and much different from everyone elses in the herd. Her long coat was a goregous caramel color. It had the occasional mochoa colored spots on the lower back, and her mane and tail were a radiant brownish-red color. Her beauty was undescribable. Not only was she beautiful, however, but she was also very smart. She knew reason, she knew it very well. She used common sense wisely. She was definetely one of those people who thought before they acted. She was a gentle filly. The herd helped raise her, as promised. And she came out amazing.
Fariydiva by now was used to being the head mare of the herd. The herd respected Fariydiva greatly, and Fariydiva loved them for that. But Fariydiva knew she was getting to old to keep up the task of leading the herd. She knew her daughter was going to need to step up soon. She needed to make sure her daughter was up to the task, though. She made it a point to keep a close eye out for her daughters behavior, and leadership skills.
It was in the middle of the summer, and one evening the herd was located near a cool spring. The water was perfect for drinking, it was cold and refreshing. The herd was resting there, it was dusk, and the sun was setting. The nearby trees provided perfect shelter. Most of the older mares were sleeping.
Seatra, being her usual self was very eager to run. She was bored and craving more time to play and excercise. Thus, she ran over to Iuig whom was ancle deep in the cool spring, drinking from it peacefully, "Hey Iuig!" Seatra said in her peppy voice, "What are you doing?"
Iuig snorted out a sarcastic laugh as she put her nose back into the water to take another refreshing drink, "What does it look like?" She retorted with her gentle toned voice.
Seatra rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at Iuig playfully. Seatra kicked her feet rapidly, causing water to splash onto Iuig's face and legs.
Iuig raised her head and shook her mane dry before looking over at Seatra, "You're restless again, aren't you?"
Seatra chuckled and then said with a bit of sarcasm, "Nah, what gave you that idea?"
Iuig replied with equal sarcasm, "Just a lucky guess!" She stuck out her tongue and made her way out of the spring, making sure to prevent any future splashings.
Seatra followed Iuig and asked excitedly, "What do you want to do?"
Iuig looked at her and shook her head, not knowing and replied, "I don't know... Wanna race to The Middle Plains and back?" She knew Seatra loved The Middle Plains, so she thought this might be a good idea for her.
Seatra looked at Iuig as if it was the stupidest question ever and then she commented, "I'm SO bored of just running, I want excitement! I want change! We've been running these same plains our ENTIRE life, Iuig. I want more."
Iuig laughed and then said a bit offended, "Uh, excuse me. But these plains are our home. Our herd runs these plains. Sooner or later, YOU'RE gonna be the one in charge of these plains!" She couldn't believe what Seatra was saying.
Seatra rolled her eyes and defended herself, "Once again, I've been hearing that line ever since I was a foal. Maybe I don't WANT to run these plains. I don't WANT to be in charge of this herd. Why should I be the filly in waiting? Just because my FATHER was the head stallion?!"
Iuig gasped and looked at Seatra with complete shock, "I can't believe you right now, Seatra! What would your father think?! The herd depends on you!"
Seatra was getting a bit frustrated, "Iuig, my father isn't here now. Plus, doesn't any father just want his daughter to be happy!? I won't be happy as the leader of this herd." She neighed angrily and then walked away from Iuig, she didn't want to get into any further confrontation.
Iuig was just in utter shock. She couldn't believe what just happened, what Seatra just said. Iuig stood there and just watched her friend walk away from her. She never knew Seatra felt that way and it bugged her. She was getting worried, she knew her friend could be a bit irrational sometimes.
Fariydiva was making her rounds with the herd, making sure everyone was alright and ready to be settled down for the night. She made her way over to Iuig who was obviously bugged by something. She was standing there, just lost in thought it seemed. Fariydiva asked gently, "Is everything alright, dearest?"
Iuig gasped, a bit startled by the sudden voice she then answered with a sigh, "Yes.. I'm alright. Just tired I guess." Iuig didn't want to worry the old mare. She figured she was stressed enough as it is. So she just offered a smile to prove she was fine. In the back of her mind though, Iuig was concerned about Seatra.
Fariydiva smiled and neighed happily, "Well, alright, darling. Just get some rest." She began to walk away to go continue her rounds.
Iuig smiled to her and replied, "Thanks, Fariydiva. Goodnight." And she walked away to go find a comfortable spot to get some sleep. She was a bit exhausted from the days run. Before long, Iuig was asleep.
Fariydiva finished her rounds with the herd and she made her way next to her daughter who seemed to be a bit anxious. Fariydiva looked at her with a tilted head, "Is everything alright, my love?"
Seatra looked over to her mother and nodded her head, but still acted a bit tense. She kicked the soft grass with one of her hooves a couple times then she took in a deep breath trying to relax herself, "I'm fine, mother.." She was getting tired of the same routine non-stop. But there was no way she could tell her mother, it would break her heart.
Fariydiva sensed that there was something up with her daughter, so she pressed on, "Hunny, if there's something wrong you should tell me." She said calmly.
Seatra smiled assuringly and said, "No, I'm fine mother. Don't worry.." She pressed her nose against her mothers affectionately. Trying to convince her mother that she was gonna be okay.
Fariydiva smiled a bit more confident now. She was relieved. She settled down next to Seatra. She was getting old, her job was getting a lot harder with her age. She yawned big and then turned to Seatra, "Have a goodnight, my love." She dropped her head, and instantly fell asleep.
Seatra smiled at her rested mother and she whispered, "Goodnight, my dearest mother."
The stars shune brightly that night. The night was becoming cool, compared to the warm day previous to it. There was even a chilled breeze fluttering among the trees. The soothing sound of the crickets song rang around the pond. The crickets and night creatures stirred a lot.
One small cricket jumped upon Seatra's hind leg. It immediately caused her eyes to open, waking her up from her slumber. She kicked her hind leg, and the cricket sure enough jumped off. Seatra looked over to see what had disturbed her sleep and she chuckled to herself to find that it was just a gentle bug. She shook her head, getting the sleep out from her head. Her mane sooshed freely. Seatra walked over to the pond and took a sip off the cold. The water helped awaken her a bit more. She neighed softly to herself then she looked around to see if she was the only one awake. Surprisingly she was.
Seatra took a couple deep breaths in through her nose, and she could smell the pine from the trees, the green grass, and the smell of the moss from the nearby pond. She sighed, releasing the air out of her mouth. She looked around once again, assuring she didn't wake up any members of the herd. She was beginning to get some energy and it was in the middle of the night. She needed to waste her un-needed energy.
She walked silently out from the shelter of the trees that surrounded the spring. She was now facing the open plains. She took in an unsatisfied breath in through her nose once again. It was just the same ol' smells she has been smelling since the day she was born. It reminded her of the arguement her and Iuig had earlier that day. She snorted out angrily just thinking about it. She then shook her head, trying to clear her mind of these thoughts.
She looked upon the plains. The stars made a beautiful landscape for the endless amount of grass. The sky was clear. It was a beautiful night. Seatra just smiled and took it all in, letting the gentle breeze run through her cream mane.
That's what provoked her to start running. She just ran forward, letting her legs just take her where they pleased. Her legs loved the feeling of the exillerating run. She neighed loudly and excitedly aS she ran further and further from her herd. She loved not being told what to do, or where to go. She just loved the run. The excitement. She was lost in bliss, her heart pounding out of her chest.
That's when she braked suddenly. She looked around, trying to locate herself. Then she turned back and looked to see how far from the pine shelter she was. She traveled pretty far, she couldn't believe it. She look back forward and saw a group of rocky mountains in the near distance. She was in awe. She remembered stories of those mountains. Her mother and other members of the herd would tell her about them. She smiled and dug her front hoove into the soft grass, excitedly.
But then she got a sudden feeling of guilt. She knew she couldn't just leave her mother and the herd. They would be frantic, worried sick about her. She dropped her head and then turned to walk back to the shelter.
Just then a gust of wind picked up and pushed in the direction of the rocky mountains. Seatra's mane flew back and she laughed, being tickled by the sudden breeze. She snorted out, regaining her cool and she turned her head to look behind her, instantly focusing on the mountains. She thought out loud to herself, "Maybe this is father trying to tell my something.."
She convinced herself that this was for the better, she turned around and followed the wind. She ran as fast as she could, as if racing the wind itself. As she was galloping away she whispered to herself, "Goodbye, my beloved mother.. Take care."
She ran the rest of that night.
Dawn, the next morning the sun began to peak over the trees. The sun shined over the canapy of branches covered with leaves and it brought light into the sheltered area. The sun shined directly onto Fariydiva and her eyes.
Fariydiva slowly opened her eyes and raised her head. Her eyesight was still a bit fogged from sleep but she looked around the herd. She shook her mane, trying to wake herself up. She walked over to the waterhole and she took a few big drinks. After quenching her thirst she raised her head again and looked around once again, her eyesight now more focused. Most of the herd was still sleeping. She continued to search, and before long she came to realize Seatra was missing. She panicked a bit, and walked around the herd, checking among the members. Still no Seatra. She neighed a bit loud, trying to wake up some members of the herd.
Iuig was the first awoken by Fariydiva's neigh. She rose her head and saw the panicked mother. She tilted her head and asked, "What's wrong, Fariydiva?"
Fariydiva turned towards Iuig and then replied, "Oh thank, Heavens! Iuig, have you seen Seatra?!" She made her way over to Iuig, assured that if anyone knew the wereabouts of Seatra, it would be Iuig.
Iuig's eyes widened and she replied sheepishly, "Not since last night." She was growing nervous, but wanted to stay positive, "Perhaps she just went for a morning gallop?"
Fariydiva turned pale, she did not like not knowing where her daughter was. She walked out from behind the confiments of the shelter, Iuig shortly behind her.
Sure enough, Seatra was no where in sight. Fariydiva gasped, looking in every direction.
Iuig neighed angrily and then shook her head. She was frustrated. She knew Seatra was reckless, but she couldn't believe she'd do something as foolish as what she did. Iuig admitted, "Fariydiva, don't worry. Seatra probably just went on an adventure on her own. She's a free spirited filly. You know how she is."
Fariydiva was still worried and she cried out, "But why alone?! And where could she be?" She began to snort, losing her breath from the panic.
Iuig nudged Fariydiva gently, trying to comfort her. She knew now was not the best time to explain to Fariydiva that Seatra has been complaining of seeking more, of adventure out of the herd. Iuig knew that she needed to do something to bring Seatra back to her mother so she offered, "Knowing Seatra, she's probably out in the Far Plains."
Fariydiva gasped, "The Far Plains?! But why? No one ever goes there.. it's deserted territory!" She was confused. She just wanted her daughter here.
Iuig nodded and then continued, "Your daughter loves adventure, Fariydiva. She's probably exploring the Far Plains land.. I'll go bring her back.." Iuig began walking west.
Fariydiva neighed and then ran in front of Iuig, preventing her to walk further then she demanded out, "No. I don't want two of the youngest members to both be missing! I won't allow it.."
Iuig looked at the old mare sincerely then she said, "Fariydiva. You must stay and watch the others.. I'll be fine, I promise.. I know your daughter. I'm sure she's in the Far Plains! We'll be back before you know it.. Please.. Just trust me." She snorted softly.
Fariydiva neighed sadly, knowing Iuig was right about knowing Seatra. She knew that Iuig knew Seatra even more than she did herself. She stepped out of the way of Iuig and she whispered softly, "Just be careful.. I know you're a smart girl. Don't get into any trouble.." She slowly made her way back to the shelter to return to the rest of the herd -- her head hanging as she walked.
Iuig looked over at Fariydiva sadly then she called out, "I'll be back, Fariydiva, I promise.." And then she ran. She ran as fast as she could to the west. She was SURE Seatra went to the Far Plains. She couldn't think of any other place her friend going. She just couldn't believe Seatra would just venture off in the middle of the night the way she did.
The frustration pushed Iuig to run even faster. The trees and dark grass came into the distance, the Far Plains were coming up. Close. She was almost there.
Seatra started walking slowly as she entered the valley of the mountains. The sun was already warming up the lands, it was about noon. Seatra was exhausted from running nearly all night. The mountains casted a great shade from the sun, it allowed Seatra a chance to cool off.
She continued to walk lightly, moving very slowly. She saw no signs of any living creatures. The valley was wide, surrounded by the tall, rocky mountains that canapied it. It was quiet, the only sounds Seatra could hear was the light steps of her own footprints pressing against the hard surface below her. But she pressed on, walking deeper and deeper into the valley.
She snorted to herself and rolled her eyes as she thought to herself, 'so much for all those stories I heard.' She kept walking, disappointed by the nothingness these mountains held. She was a bit irritated by the lies she was told as a foal.
She kept walking until she arrived to what seemed to be the end of the valley. In front of her was nothing but steep mountain blocking her from walking any further. So, she turned around and went to go make her way back home, since this was a wasted trip.
Suddenly a loud rustling noise came from behind her. It caught her by surprise, she neighed loudly and turned rapidly.
After turning around she saw just an old, decaying bush. She sighed and chuckled as she came to the assumption that it was just rustling from the wind. She snorted through her nose and raised her head confidently. She giggled and turned back around to walk back out. She walked with her head high, and she bragged out loud, "Heh! If only Mother could see me now. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Mother and the rest will never believe them when I tell them how far I travelled, alone."
Just then a loud roar was heard from behind Seatra. Seatra turned suddenly, knowing it was serious this time.
Bursting from behind the bushes was a vicious mountain lion, it's long deadly claws fully exposed. It pounced towards Seatra and Seatra just froze in shock. Seatra's knees locked from the deathning fear of the cougar.
Out of no-where came a flash of brown leaping towards the feline, knocking the cougar to the ground before it could reach Seatra.
Seatra neighed frantically, unaware of what was going on or what to do. She realized now that a dark brown stallion with white stockings and mane had came to her rescue. She's never seen this horse before, but she has never before been so happy to see someone.
The stallion was neighing loudly and rearing, trying to make himself seem bigger to the mountain lion. He was bucking and kicking. The mountain lion looked up to the horse terrified, its' eyes full of fear. The cougar got up as fast as it could and climbed back up the rocky mountain, getting as far away from the stallion as it could, it's tail in between its' legs.
The wild mustang stood there breathing a bit hard from the excitement of fighting off a mountain lion. He was chuckling a bit under his breath, he enjoyed the excitement, but it was too easy. He was a handsome mustang. He was obviously strong, his shoulders were brod, his legs were fit, his back had amazing posture. He looked over to Seatra with the corner of his eyes yet he remained silent.
Seatra tried to offer an assuring smile, but she was a bit embarassed. She couldn't believe she just froze like that. She dropped her head ashamed. She kicked at a loose pebble sheepishly as she said softly, "Thanks for saving my life."
The stallion chuckled out loud and turned to her, "You're not from around here." He shook his head so his mane could get out of his eyes so he could get a better glance at her.
Seatra raised her head a bit offended as she replied, "Is it that obvious?" She too looked at the stranger, trying to get a better look at him. She couldn't deny that he was a handsome stallion.
He chuckled again and tried to make his tone a bit more friendly, "I just never seen you here, that's all.."
Seatra looked at him in awe and she asked innocently, "So, does that mean you're from here?"
He chuckled again and said sarcastically, "Yeah, you could say that." He rolled his eyes and nudged his head up, higher up the mountain, "Come, I'll show you.." He smiled at her as he started to walk away.
He made his way up, almost flawlessly. He climbed confidently, not second-guessing where his hooves land. He just looked forward and used his strong legs to pull him up the mountain.
Seatra was a bit nervous, she already made a fool out of herself once infront of this stranger, she didn't want to embarass herself again after knowing him for only five minutes -- tops. She stood there thinking of an easier way to get up.
The young stallion was about half way up when he realized the filly was not following him. He looked down and saw that the mare was still down in the valley doing nothing much but watching him climb up, she was obviously in a trance. He rolled his eyes, a bit charmed. He snorted loudly, trying to gain her attention.
Seatra looked up at him, startled. She asked playfully, trying to pull it off like she knew what she was doing, "Yes?" She shook her head and neck, making her mane fall in to all the proper places.
"I was going to show you around these parts, since you obviously don't know this area.. Aren't you coming?" He waited, growing a bit impatient.
She didn't know how to respond, she knew she was just gonna embarass herself. She just dropped her head trying to think.
The stallion chuckled a bit, finally getting what was going on. He nudged his head down, showing the way he got up then he said kindly, "Don't worry, there's a pathway. It's a lot easier than it looks. My herd travels around here a lot."
Seatra looked to where he was trying to show her and it was now clear as day, a passage way leading up to the top of the mountains. She opened her mouth, a bit in shock by her own naive stupidity. She snorted out of her nose, a bit irritated. She rolled her eyes and followed his path up.
He waited for her to reach him before he pressed on. He didn't know her very long, but he was already adoring her stubborn personality. He offered a smile when she reached him and then they continued to walk up together quietly.
Seatra was growing tired of the silence, thus she decided to break it, "So, you said your herd comes around here, huh?" She was intrigued and wanted to learn more about the herd he was with.
The stallion laughed hardily and then nodded his head, "It sure does, we live in these mountains, we live off these mountains.." He didn't want to say anymore, he didn't want to get too personal with a complete stranger so he decided to focus the conversation elsewhere. "Where are you from, anyways? You can tell your legs aren't built for mountains."
Seatra neighed under her breath, she couldn't believe he was looking at her legs. But she answered anyways, "I'm from the Eastern Plains. My herd is located there." She watched him, hoping for a reaction. She was let down when his face just remained the same emotion. She gasped and then said a bit bluntly, "What's your name anyways?!"
He stopped walking and looked at her seriously and then said confidently, "Kurifu." He stood there for a second, but then began to walk again. They were almost to the top.
Seatra smiled and just repeated under her breath, "Kurifu..." She giggled to herself and followed happily. She was a bit fancy of the confident stallion she met. She was already growing fond of him. She then asked excitedly, "Didn't you want to know my name?!"
Kurifu laughed and then said, "Sure, I'll bite. What's your name?" He was trying to muse her, he could tell she was getting out of her shell a bit now, and that she was really playful. He's not really used to stuff like that. Specially after what happened to his herd.
Seatra began to prance now, the walk becoming more easy for her despite the steepness. She smiled wide then said, "My name is Seatra!"
Kurifu smirked and replied, "Pleasure to meet you, Seatra."
Before long they were at the top of the mountain. Seatra took a step to the top and then gasped by the sight. She saw what seemed to be endless land stretching across the sky. From the bottom of the cannon, the mountains seemed small, but now that she's on top of the mountain, it seems to be a whole new world up there. The grass was yellow, and a bit dead looking. She took in a whiff of air and it just smelt warm. She neighed happily. She could never believe in her wildest dreams that this is what these rocky mountains held!
Kurifu couldn't help but laugh from the expression Seatra was giving. He just watched her stare at his land in awe. He took in a deep breath, refreshed from the smell of his home.
Suddenly a group of horses came running from the other side of the mountains, happy to see Kurifu. They all neighed happily to greet their friend. Kurifu turned around and reared happily, returning the greetings to his friends.
Seatra turned around and examined the herd. The herd was a lot smaller than her herd, but they seemed to be a lot more muscular then hers. This herd was also full of mostly stallions, as for hers was mostly mares. She figured only the tough could survive out here.
Snapping Seatra out of her daze was an older member of the herd asking Kurifu a question a bit rudely, "Who's this mare?!"
Kurifu snorted playfully then answered, "She was down in the valley and she was almost made mountain lion chow."
Seatra neighed sadly and instantly put her head down and asked offended, "Did you have to tell him that?!"
A couple members of the herd chuckled and one of them said assuringly, "It's alright, it's tough around here. Got to get used to it. Where ya from?"
Before Seatra could answer, Kurifu did the honors himself, "She's from the Eastern Plains." He walked away from the edge of the mountains so he could get a better footing. Seatra automatically did the same.
The older stallion nodded then told Seatra, "Aw, so you aren't used to things like this, you're used to a long stretch of smooth grassy land."
Seatra nodded.
Kurifu looked to Seatra and asked, a bit more curious then he was before, "What herd did you say you were from?"
Seatra looked over to Kurifu and answered, "I'm from the Vala Herd.." She was getting a bit more comfortable with this herd, they all seemed nice, despite their rough appearance.
Kurifu shrugged and then a yearling galloped up to him and said playfully, "Well, where to today, Kurifu?!"
Kurifu kicked at the ground in a playful manner and he suggested, "Well, why not just show Seatra around our home?"
The young colt nodded and said with a wink, "You're the boss, Kurifu."
Seatra looked over to Kurifu a bit surprised, "So, YOU'RE the lead stallion?!"
Kurifu answered, with a bit of insult in his voice, "Yes? Is that a problem?"
Seatra shook her head no and then just continued, "You're just kindof young compared to some of the other stallions in the herd.. Why you?"
The elder stallion laughed, amused by Seatra's bluntness and he answered for Kurifu, "We have no finer leader. Kurifu is very intelligent and very strong. He's the perfect leader. Just like his father was."
Seatra nodded, she now understood that Kurifu was a passed down leader. She knew how that was. But she wanted to forget the Vala Herd. She wanted to move on, and now, she just possibly had the chance to make a new home. "What's your herds name, Kurifu?"
Kurifu answered, "Tyba. We're the Tyba Herd." He wanted to avoid anymore awkward statements so he asked in the nicest tone he could, "How about we show you around now?"
Seatra got close to Kurifu and said in a flirtsy whisper, "That sounds lovely." Then she giggled and trotted away, waiting for them to lead the way.
Kurifu rolled his eyes, he had to admit, she had a way of giving him butterflies. But he tried to ignore it. He neighed loudly and reared, informing the herd that they were about to run. And within seconds, the herd began running. They ran in a clomp surrounding Kurifu and Seatra whom was now right by his side. They ran as far as the eye could see. And then some.