As you pass through the branches, I follow with my heavy foot steps. Swinging my giant head away, I moved away, shacking away the access rain water. Around it sprays, barely avoiding you. My mane sticks to the side of my neck like a pesky mosquito. Turning my massive hulk around, I walk towards and left my teeth gently brush over your withers as I take in your scent.

Opening my eyes to your face, I give an approving smile. We might be able to make a strong and fearless equine out of yet. But play has tired these bones and muscles. That type of excersize I am not use too. I let my legs slowly give way as I slid down to the lush grass. I am welcomed to its scent, my scent. Swishing my tail to curl around my hing legs, I rest my head against the soft moss that grows all the way around the tree and even spreads onto the ground.

Giving a sigh of relief I glance over at you, hoping that my other members will arrive soon to greet the new bride. I allow my forelock to flop over my right eye lazily as it conveys my mood of satisfaction and relief, along with a hint of pride. Now I have something to truly fight for, something that only a stallion with a mare can feel. That's the sin I hail too the most: pride. It swells anf fills one with much joy, but also much shame when you fail.

Please excuse the silence, Merope, I spoke.But the other member shoudl be arriving soon I hope. As for now, rest. You may need it. And do feel free to ask me anything you wish. I spoke, watching you with a partial eye.

For in my lands, you are equals to stallions.

I nod towards you, thankful for the company you give to me. I am very thankful for your soft personality and gentleness you seem to give off to others around you. I hope I hand't scared you too much with my nip, but it seems you might have understood this when it comes to holding a bride or brides. I just let a small smile caress across my kissers.

Hear a soft thump from you flopping upon the ground brings me pride of knowing you have the comfort of being within my presence. I let a soft come from just as an okay that you don't mind the silence or hav any inquiries. A deep breath escapes my lungs as I close my eyes at the same time. Who is coming you asked? A soft chuckle is part of my answer both towards your yawn and the other members.

A very fiery mare, Merope, I replied gently in a rumbling tone. I am very relaxed and let my words slip, only coming half out in a gruffed texture. I think you two might have a few things in common actually. She's a draft equine like myself, but instead of percheron she has shire. Her height it about half a hand shorter than my own.... Quite the fiesty beauty. She just needs to learn some patients, and I'm hoping maybe you can do that for me?

I revealed one of my deep chocolate hue eyes to look at you. I hope you accept this challenge as a sign that you want some responsibility, but more that I can trust that I can rely on you as my first bride. I need to be able to trust someone with secrets and help those who need it. I this gut feeling that the wildfire mare might need the opposite like you to help her relax in this new terra.

As the wind rolls through the tree and the rain drizzles down the branches ouside brings me back to the days of spring. My memories of a past bride swept through my mind as I drift to a half sleep state. Oh sweet spring it was many years ago when I came across a being of a similar ebony. Her sature was much shorter than my own, by two or three hands actually. The arabian whom I rescued had taught me much. I can still hear her own voice echoing in my mind during some dreams. The face of the little colt of whom I sired also plays a picture in my mind.

It brings me great sadness at the same time this season. I remember Black Rain and our son. He was strong-willed like myself but had the disposition like his mother. So tender she was with caring over him. I can still feel that pride in my veins, but I feel a steady sorrow that I had failed them both. The storm.... The fire.... My failure.... How could I have let them fade to easily? I have shame within myself, most self-inflicted pain. I had failed....

Opening my eyes I gazed over at you. I won't fail you like I did Black Rain and our son. I won't fail you or anyone else. I promise. It a subtle promise I made to myself, but I would keep it and die trying....

I gave a nod and allow my bones to sink. I have a good feeling burried in my bones that you'll be here long after I'm gone from this earth... Don't ask why, but I've got that feeling deep beneath my gut. I can foresee the bloodshed to come in later years of this land, but for now I rest. Resting with my herd members in the drizzle of spring.

-c-

I'll finish this tomorrow since I'm gonna respond to Skelly first, kays? <3

-Luffles,
---Scrimpy