come take me home, open

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? Fear was heavy in the young yearling's eyes as she quivered in the barb wired pen. the ground was slick with mud, and half her paint markings were covered with the slick, dirty mess from all the times she'd stumbled when she'd scrambled away from master's who'd come look at her. Fear penetrated her brain as she stood, legs splayed wide, shivering in the pen. Her once pretty strawberry blonde mane (just barely starting to grow out and showing signs of slight curls) was now so caked with mud that it hung limp around her frazzled face. Her eyes were wide as she watched another master walk up towards her pen. She scrambled back, slipping in the mud and hitting the ground, more of her pretty white markings being covered by the mud as she stayed on the ground, eyes wide as she looked up at the strange, sneering stallion. Scared, girly? Should be. The stud sneered, before walking past, and Maylea slowly hung her head, not certain if being left was a good thing or not. Of course she'd be left though. She was ugly, unwanted. Stupid, and no good. Her sister had preached the words so often that they were nearly imprinted upon the young filly's mind. She stared down at the mud, before slowly sinking until she was curled up in the corner of the pen, her back pressing against the barb wire though she felt none of the pain, her body numbed out from the cold. thunder rumbled above, shaking the ground, before lightning followed. after a few more blasts and flashes water began to fall, causing most of the masters to leave, not noticing the change in the mostly ignored filly as the rain washed away the blood and mud from her unique, and vibrant coat, the deep chocolate more visible, the vibrant white markings blinding in the darkness. the rain washed out her mane, the strawberry blonde locks - more red then cream in her youthful state, fell damp against her body, her copper eyes slowly closing as she felt her trembling slow as most of the masters left, and the rain let her wash her worries and tensions away. "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
would you save my soul, tonight?

Mud sucked at the hooves of a young stud, slowing the movement of his feathered legs. Each time his hoof departed from the slick surface, a slurping sound was made, though it was barely audible over the rain. Back and forth he paced, walking so close to the barbed wire that occasionally, the rusted spears grabbed his skin and peeled off a bit of hair, a touch of flesh, though his mind was wandering elsewhere. His ears flicked both forward and back, his soft eyes scanning the pens around him. Within his own was one other, a foal about his age. He had watched her most of the day, observed from the back as she shied away from others who approached, scrambling in the mud like a frightened lamb. Each time a master had walked by, his ears had pinned, his muscles had tensed, his teeth had bared, and he had mentally braced himself to intervene. He hadn't liked the idea of any harm coming to the filly, though he hadn't even known her. There was something in her demeanor that announced, should anything happen to her, he would intervene. She called upon the primal instincts of a stallion, and he couldn't ignore the call to protect.

His pacing stopped as the rain picked up, darkening his cream hide to the color of clay. His head lifted proudly, the arch in his crested neck becoming more noticeable in this position. Unlike other horses, he didn't lift his head up and keep it just before his chest. His conformation caused his neck to become almost straight, his check bones positioned above the bones of his chest. His eyes followed a master as he walked by, a sneer crossing the colt's lips as his eyes turned away in disgust. The masters that wandered through this area were all the same; dark, dangerous, judging and cruel. He had learned in such a short amount of time that they were not worth talking to; if they were, they wouldn't be within pens such as these. It was then he noticed the brutes were all leaving, taking with them the pretty and unlucky things that had claimed as their own personal pets. The discomfort left his face, relaxing into something more along the lines of friendly. He stepped forward then, coming up from behind the little filly and observed as she changed from this muddy mess to a brilliantly beautiful sight. The smile broadened a bit, reaching his eyes for the first time. He stopped a few feet behind her, cocking his head slightly to the side. "Hello there, miss." His voice was low at first, so as to keep from startling her (he was, of course, unaware of the fragile state this filly's mind was in) and continued. "My name's Avanti, might I ask what yours is?"

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? While May was far from being the only individual with in the paddock, her gaze never transferred to the near by colt, trying to keep away from anyone and everyone, stumbling and constantly splashing through the mud. Constantly masters walked by, attention focused more on her and her obvious fear, rather then on the other who was constantly pinned ears and teeth bared. She shook slightly, stumbling away from the front of the fence before startling when her side brushed against the barbed wire a faint yelp leaving her muzzle as she stumbled foreward again, slipping in the slippery surface and falling to her knees before laying down and whimpered softly, curling up. The rain began to pour down quickly, hiding the faint fear-induced tears, as her whitening forelock plastered itself into her eyes, the mud washing away and revealing the flawless, beautiful pelt beneath it. Her body shook faintly before stiffening when she heard the other come up to her, from behind, Hello there, miss. She jumped from the voice, standing and backing away quickly, only stopping, propelled a step forward when her hind quarters dug into the barb wire. My name's Avanti, might I ask what yours is? She stood silent, staring up at him with wide frightened eyes, ears laid back in a fearful manner, "M-maylea," She breathed after a long pause, hiding her face as she stared at the ground. "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
would you run, and never look back?

The colt was startled a bit by her reaction. Instinctively, he recoiled, stepping back and cocking his head slightly in curiosity. His ears swiveled, suddenly unsure of himself. Of course, she would react in such a way; just look at where they were, who they had just been surrounded by. Standing here in these pens... it was like having yourself violated as every inch of you was scanned for weakness, flaws, and possible redeeming qualities. The masters around the pens had a way of making the slaves feel inferior and insignificant. How the colt had managed to hold on to his pride for so long wasn't comprehensible; surely, the little filly had been through much worse than he, and thus she had become a wounded spirit. Sighing slightly, he lowered his head and closed his eyes, nodding to himself in silent understanding. His eyes opened halfway then, pupils locking on the filly's hooves as he struggled to determine which way was right by her standards.

His eyes racked her now visibly perfect form, resting on the barbed wire that pressed back against her, insisting she remain within the confines that held both her and others like them. He frowned slightly, thinking of the piercing barbs and wondering whether or not they had broken through her skin. Finally, after waiting so long that he was afraid he had either missed her answer or she was unwilling to answer, she spoke her name, tones stuttering. Maylea? He repeated, questioning how the name sounded in the voice of an immature colt. Maylea. I like it. The smile returned to his lips, his eyes - still half concealed - glowing warmly. His feathered feet shifted in the mud, contemplating whether or not he should move so that it almost looked like he was dancing in place. Finally, he decided. He moved in a semi-circle around the filly, stopping with his chest pressed slightly into the barbed wire and staring out down the trail that the masters walked with a burning desire. I know you just met me, but be honest with me. Do you ever think about running away from all of this and living the way you want? Living so that no one considers you a slave or a master? He turned his face to hers then, his own alight with the fantasy of leaving it all behind to start fresh. I mean, I know I'll be a master as soon as I'm of age, but still...

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? She had never expected for the colt who shared her pen to come venture forward and so it was natural she'd jump at that, but with him coming so close? What if he wanted to hurt her? bite her? call her names? no more, no more, she just couldn't hand that anymore. She shook slightly staring at the colt, watching him lower his head, eyes closing, before opening half way and looking down at her hooves, which shuffled slightly, a nervous tick as if she'd run if she could. The constant rain flattened her forelock half nto her eyes as she felt the prick of the barb wire, feeling their sharp points and once the pain was unbearable stumbled forward a few steps her short still slightly fluffy tail flicking gaintly, before she heard him say her name. She glanced up as he repeated it saying he liked it before her ears went flat. Liked it? why would anyone like her name. It was her name, and no one liked her. He moved suddenly then, and she side stepped away quickly, shying as if expecting him to hurt her, before seeing him look out past the fence, pressing into it slightly. She stared at him as he spoke, silent before staring out at the land too her eyes wide, her voice weak with a fear that didn't have to do with being a slave, "No, no. I-It's dangerous o-out there. I-I would . . . no." She slowly sank to her knees letting the mud coat her lower limbs as she laid down her head tucked in close as she shook her head. No, she'd not go out there .. .. it was just too dangerous. "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
I'll close my eyes tightly, hold on and hope that I'm dreaming

His ear flicked in her direction, listening to her fumbling as she fell all over herself in her attempts to get away from his presence. Truly, his pride was a bit hurt by her actions. He'd never had a filly go to such extremes to try and escape his contact, it made him feel almost... defective. Just her desire to run proved that his presence triggered the flight reflex, making him out to be a predator. He sighed inwardly at the thought, slightly offended by her misconceptions. He was still too young and naive to understand that one's past can influence how they interpret anyone upon first meeting them... that the longer you stay with someone, the more they learn about you and the more they trust. He'd always been lucky enough to run into those who trust openly, who don't question motives; they were still too innocent for that. Her flattened ears irritated him slightly, so that his nostrils instinctively curled back into a slight sneer though he wasn't aware of it, his chest still pressed against the fence so all she would be able to see was the profile of his facial expression. Her ears reached him then, responding to his question, and he couldn't control his reaction. It's dangerous in here, too! He yelled, spinning to face her, advancing a step towards her and pinning his ears. He gestured out beyond the fence, hope lighting up his eyes again and making the angry outburst disappear. Out there, we'd stand a chance. Out there, no one can control what we do... We'd be free. Maybe we'd always be on the run, but we wouldn't have a boss anymore. Can't you see the hope in that? His eyes locked on hers then, his own glossy surface dancing with the light of hope, the light of imagination... of foolish dreams.

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? She couldn't help but be frightened, afraid. it was how she was. The colt was a danger. He was not what she wanted near her. He was like all others, she was certain. No one liked her, no one wanted her. they only wanted to hurt her so she had to be careful, she had to be . . . little did the colt know it wasn't he who was defective it waa the poor filly who had believed the year of lies her sister had fed her. She remained quiet before shrieking and flinching from his out burst, slipping in the mud and ending up on her back looking u at him , her hooves possed protectively over exposed belly, even as she stared up at him, fear etched into her large copper eyes. Dangerous in here? She was protected in here. She listened to him speak, keeping quiet as she struggled to find her balance and stand up again, the mud sucking her down before letting her rise up. "It's safe here . . ." Her voice was weak, as she stared at him. "T-the masters . . . are n-nothing. T-they . . . no . . . safe. It's safe. P-persephone is out t-there. She's t-the danger. S-she can't get me here, she can't h-hurt me here. I, I d-don't want to be h-hurt again." "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
I should tell you, I should tell you... I should - no. another time, another place

The reaction of the filly startled him a bit, to the point that he understood he had crossed the line and that she was strangely more sensitive than he. He summed it up to a 'women are crazy' thing and put the issue behind him. His golden brown eyes studied her laying there in the mud, water streaming down her stomach and legs as it splattered both of them. He tossed his head, attempting to move his own thick forelock from his eyes so that he could see a bit better. He imagined the steam rising from his body was his own anger turning into smoke, but in reality, it was his body heat escaping as the freezing rain hit him. He shivered unwillingly, though his grinding teeth made the shivering seem a bit like angry jitters. His ears flicked forward as she rose, then back to their resting point as if unsure, before switching forward again and finally settling out to the side. He heard her words more than listened to them, for she was igniting a warrior spirit that lived within the colt's core. "How is it safe here?" He questioned, clearly exasperated. He pushed his nose against the barbed wire, their fangs catching hold of the soft skin on his muzzle and tearing it. Blood oozed from the small wound, just a small bead that fell occasionally to the ground. He looked at her pointedly, as if to show her what 'here' is capable of doing. "We're forced to stay here by pain. That isn't safe. The masters are dangerous, a threat. They can kill us if they want to. The nice ones don't come here. This is where the lost cause slaves are sent... and the foals that master parents don't want.." The last part was whispered, for his parents had ignored him and as soon as he was able to be weaned, they had sent him here, traded for a higher quality Arabian mare... his own source of feeble insecurity. Suddenly, confusion spread across his face as he registered the rest of what she had said. "Who's Persephone?" He questioned, curiosity crossing his face to mingle with that burning desire for freedom. "Was she... was she your master?"

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? Fear coursed through her blood as she stared up at the colt in fear, her breath quickening into faint puffs, her ears buried in her mane in the universal sign of 'i'm terrified and not a threat' as her eyes stared up at him, so wide the whites were showing. He seemed to study here as she lay still, terrified he'd deem her as stupid and useless as usual and try to kill her or something. Maybe it wasn't safe in here . . maybe . . . maybe he was going to end up being a threat too? But I don't want to die in here . . . I don't . . . so I hope he doesn't kill me. But he looks so angry, what did I do? I was trying to be nice, and not upset anyone but I don't think it works. I've angered him now, and now he's going to hurt me for it. She thought in irrational fear, trying to climb to her feet before he could strike her slipping a bit as she did so, glancing at him briefly and being relieved that his ears weren't pinned at least. His tone was exasperated this time as he spoke before he pushed his muzzle into the barbs and instantly the tiny filly used her muzzle to push him away from the barb, or at least try to, "Don't do that! You're hurting yourself." She said, her voice quick and slightly breathy as she stared at him, seeing the oozing blood from the wound before looking away as he continued to talk. Though she was listening, her tuned in ears being proof of that, she turned away looking towards the center of the pen, her gaze half lowered, rather then looking out towards the freedom. Why didn't he understand? She couldn't go out there, there were worse things in this world then masters, worse things completely, Then he asked the question that made her flinch, spinning her around quickly, looking around as if the very effort of her sister's name being spoke would make her show up. "Uh, no . . . she . . ." She looked down, shifting faintly, before looking up at him, her expression terrified, "She is my sister." Many have issues with their siblings, but there was nothing like the way her sister tortured her. "There isn't anything . . . in here, in this world, that . . .could ever be worse then she. If I . . . I go out there. she's find me . . . " Her voice broke as she lowered her head, "She'd kill me." There was no doubt in it. Her sister was what the young filly feared. She sighed, tilting her head up towards the heaven's feeling the water hit her face, washing the mud from her back, "We might be forced to stay by pain, the masters might be dangerous. But there's always the possibility that they won't kill us because they want to . . . Persephone isn't like that. The moment she sees me, she will try to kill me. And she's bigger and stronger then I . . . She'll hurt me. And I don't want to be hurt anymore. Besides, as long as I'm covered in mud, none of the masters pay me any mind. That's safe. That's protection. It's keeping Persephone out, and it's keeping me away from everything else. If I go out, I'm an open target. For everything. I'm not like you, I can't be a master when I grow up. I'm to easily terrified, to fearful of everything. And no body would listen to me anyways. Why would they listen to someone so ugly and stupid . . . I'll just stay here. You can go if you want. I won't tell. But there is nothing for me out there. Nothing." And that was how she saw it . . . for now. "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
let me be your hero

His eyes narrowed a bit because of how willing she was to express her weakness, her fear, her every emotion... Didn't she know that would get her hurt in the end? Didn't she know not everyone would respond with compassion, that some would hate it and strike out at her for it? His eyes softened at the thought. No, they wouldn't. I won't let them. It was his silent vow, though he doubted he was the only in the world willing to vow their protection to this little thing. He suspected that, if she knew how to work others emotions, she would be capable of swaying anyone to follow her and do what she asked without questioning it. It was just something the filly had in her essence, it compelled him. He was a bit shocked when she attempted to keep him from splitting his lip, but he didn't have a choice. He had to do it, he had to show her why it was dangerous here; he had to let her know that even the slaves could be dangerous, if they thought they were better than her... and the masters? Didn't she know what they were capable of?

"I'm not hurting myself at all. I didn't put this fence here, the masters did. They did it to me, indirectly but intentionally." He replied calmly, raising his head with pride and looking straight into the older filly's eyes. "It's not enough that they have to make us fear them, they want us to hurt ourselves so they put things like this - this fence with teeth - up for us to run into, for us to be forced to live with. They make us stand in mud, because they know it's uncomfortable, while they go off and they play with our mothers and sisters and friends... they use the ladies and make us men die for them. It isn't fair, it isn't safe." He spoke the words through gritted teeth, remembering perhaps all of the mares his father had used in his life, the mares his father had deemed more important than his own son... and he hated it. "If I don't get out of here, when I'm a master, I'll never be like them... and I'll come here, to the slave pens, to rescue other slaves like us. I'll give them hope." The dreamer he was, though his dreams would most likely be corrupted with age and time, greed and desire...

He listened in silence as she spoke those timid words about her sister. His insides went sore with her broken voice, her timid eyes, the fear that seemed to radiate and become stronger at the thought of her. Persephone, a name he would always remember... and because she had that influence on him, he would always hate it and any who had that name... But when she said she would kill her, he couldn't stay in this quiet world of entranced listening anymore. His eyes widened and his muscles lurched as they tensed, sending his body forward an involuntary step. "No she wouldn't." His jaw set with determination at the end of those few words. "I wouldn't let her." He stepped forward, pressing his muzzle against her cheekbone and letting his lips slide up to her temple and rest on her forelock, which he gently pushed away. His head slid down hers, so that his forehead was pressed against hers and his eyes closed. "Maylea, I won't let anyone hurt you. Not over my dead body. Do you believe me?"

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? Life had turned the filly into a bumbling fool some may say, so willing to tell all she felt, but the truth was it was how she was when she spoke, she couldn't help but be emotional when she spoke, to tell all she felt, it was how she was. That was just the type of individual she was, though she couldn't possibly realize what she was doing, nor could she piece together it would only cause her more pain later on. She looked up at him, her eyes partially veiled by her forelock, surprised to see them softening. Why would anyone ever look at her like that? Her ears lowered slightly as she let her gaze drop as well, suddenly not sure what to make of the colt sharing the pen with her. Surely he was just like the others . . . Out to hurt her . . . but if so why was it he whom he hurt. Why hurt himself? Even when she was on the ground he hadn't done anything but stare down at her. What was he playing at? What was he doing? Her ears perked faintly as he spoke, raising her own head, her expression confused even as his held pride, before frowning at his words. What if they hadn't done it to hurt him. What if they had done it to keep her in! What if she was the one to hurt him! Her eyes widened as she scrambled back from the thought, listening to him speak as her entire body spun to look at the fence. What if they heard from Persephone that she never kept still, that she grew afraid and would search for a place to hide, so they put the fence up? Oh . . . my. It is all my fault! I've gone and hurt him indirectly! They put it up to keep me inside, and then put him in the pen with me! It is all my fault! I've hurt someone! She was breathing quickly, her thoughts getting carried away as her voice came out in a breathless rush, "What if it's my fault?! What if they put the fence up only to keep me in place? And then you go and hurt yourself, and now it's all my fault!" A faint tear streaked down from one eye as she hung her head in shame. Constantly the one to believe the worst of herself. "I was here first, and put in here, to stay put. And then they put you in. So It's my fault the pen has teeth to keep us trapped! And now it's all my fault that you've gotten hurt!" She half squeaked half whispered, eyes wide. She stared at the ground even as he tried to give other reasons why the masters are evil, though all she could focus on was the idea that she was the reason the fence had teeth, and the individual who was the reason the other foal had hurt himself. Every little plop of the blood on the ground was another burning reminder. Plop. Plop. Your. Fault. Your. Fault. Your. Fault. Even the plops of the blood into the mud seemed to be reminding her of that. All. Your. Fault How am I to live knowing I am the reason another has been hurt. How many others have I hurt? How many other things are my fault! Maybe I should have jut let Persephone kill me all those many times ago to save others from being hurt! I'm a terrible person! Then the colt spoke again, of when he'd be a master and she forced herself to look up, half listening, half looking at some of the other slaves. "How do you know you'll still feel this way when you do become a master? Why didn't the other masters think like this? Why don't they try to help others rather then enslaving us." Her voice broke and she looked up at him, her eyes scared suddenly, "I don't want to have to live with a mean master, Avanti. I don't want to spend my whole life afraid. I wish I'd never left home, at least there we didn't have masters and slaves. We had horses who actually care about each other. Team up to help one another. Not sell each other." She squealed with a sad expression, ears flat in a given up sorta way. SHe didn't want to get hurt. She's lived with pain and fear her whole life. She ran away to get away from it, not to come into more. She didn't want to hurt anymore. But just the memories of Persephone hurt her more, as she explained quietly, half afraid her name would bring the filly out of the mists. She looked up suddenly when the colt took a step forward, his jaw set in determination as he declared he wouldn't let Persephone hurt her, before taking another step forward and she froze when she felt his muzzle against her face before relaxing when he didn't try to bite her or hurt her. It was the beginning of something like trust, though it was a slow method. She felt him move her forelock softly before pressing his forehead against hers, the small movement a faint comfort int he dark world she'd surrounded herself in as she listened to him speak, swear not to let anyone hurt her. Asking if she'd believe him. She was silent a moment, her eyes closed before she slowly dropped her head away breaking contact only to step closer and press her face against his neck, nodding mutely. She didn't know why, but yes . . . She believed him. She . . . trusted him. "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
i think this is how love goes... check yes or no

His eyes followed as her gaze fell, feeling a twinge of something... something so unusual that he couldn't place it, something he hadn't felt in all of his days of life. Once he had aged a bit, once he had realized what it was to live, he would understand what it was, this unknown and overpowering feeling. It was empathy mingled with infatuation, a desire to protect this filly because she was so vulnerable and such a beauty and, most overwhelming at all, she was at his mercy, watching him and waiting for him to move as though her life depended on him accepting her. And he did accept her, instantly and without question, because what else could he do? He wasn't heartless, he couldn't lash out at her... he didn't have a reason to. And besides, he cared, that much he understood. He actually cared about something more than himself, and though he was likely to give up caring in the future, what with the world being the way it was and the difficulty of rising from the ranks of slave to master like he so desperately wanted to, he would have to stop caring. But she was the first one he cared about... she was special.

His eyes widened a bit in surprise as she began to hyper ventilate, his ears swiveling backward as he stepped back and tossed his head a bit. He was unsure of what to do or why she was acting like this, his eyebrows furrowed as he watched and waited and he wasn't disappointed. Her words exploded with anxiety, causing his eyes to widen even more. He bent his head down, rubbing his nose against his knee and smearing it with blood as he staunched the flow, before looking back up at her. His muzzle was tinted pink, but at least the blood had stopped. "It isn't your fault! The masters don't want just you, they want to control all of us! You didn't do it! It isn't your fault, I swear!" He bleated, shaking his head vigorously and staring in awe at the tear that fell down her cheek. He'd never seen a filly cry before. He didn't like it, not one bit. It unsettled his stomach and just didn't feel right in his core. "You weren't here first, the elder slaves were! But it isn't their fault either, so don't blame them! They wouldn't hurt anyone, just like you wouldn't!"

He wasn't aware of the fact that she wasn't listening anymore, not until he spoke about how he'd be a different kind of master. "They don't think like this because they don't care. They were born masters, they didn't have to fight for it... not like I am..." His voice fell to a whisper then, his head turning away. "Their parents loved them and wanted the best for them. They made sure their sons and daughters would grow up to be masters. My mum and dad didn't. They threw me out as soon as they could, and I've been fighting since. That's why I'll be a different kind of master. That's why my mind won't change." His voice was set with the same determination that burned deep within his heart. His ears flattened a bit though not with anger, more like the disappointment he felt whenever he considered his family and how they had cast him out without a second thought.

Her next words drew his gaze back, his whole body overwhelmed with a flood of guilt. Wasn't that what he had been trying to get her to say all along? So why did it feel so wrong that now that she agreed with him, she was afraid? He'd done it, alright. He went and made her cry, made her fall over herself in fear, made her relieve pain, and now, he had her back in the throes of fear. Stupid colt! "You won't have to live your whole life afraid, Maylea. I won't let that happen to you. I don't want you to get lost in this mess, just like I don't want to lose myself, either... We'll protect each other, as long as we have to. You and me can be a team, we can be friends and... and... I won't let you down." He finished with a whisper, before touching her forelock, before pressing their foreheads together in such an intimate and innocent gesture. He was disappointed when she broke their touch, his eyes falling to the ground and he felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach... and then he was amazed as he felt her upon his neck, feeling her nod. The smile that crossed his lips then was perhaps the biggest and most genuine of any smile he had ever smiled before.

[tarnishedcopper]

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[atrb=background,http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q633/TarnishedCopper/ArsonHorseTableMiddle2.png] "Speech." Arson made his way through the pens, grinning wickedly at each and every slave he passed, eying them up much as one would a meal and then shaking his head each and every time. None were good enough for him. All were too old, too ugly, too fiery, too….just not what he was looking for. He wanted a young little thing, colt or filly, one he could mold, make his own, make them obedient to only him. The bloodthirsty, violent stallion wanted a horse vulnerable to insecurities he could prey open, or reassure. Either way, he wanted them young. And most were too old. The blood red coated stallion tossed his head, shockingly pale cream mane shifting against his neck, tail whisking impatiently. Overall this killer was ready for a new meal, a new victim. He was nearing the end of the pens, and this didn’t bode well. If he had to go back and pick one of the horses he had set aside in his mind as ‘Plan Bs’ he would not be happy, and that wouldn’t bode well for his victims. Ari turned down the last little section, and his ears flickered, catching the sounds of yelling, a young adolescent by the sounds of it. ’Hmm….what have we here, a lone colt barely old enough to be on his own? Perhaps I may have some fun.’ He thought to himself before rounding a corner and catching sight of the colt in mention, dismissing him immediately. He had no need for a master’s kid. As that was what the male was. Destined to be a master, and Sun needed a slave that would never reach that status, would never even think of it, and as he caught site of the little filly, showing all the telltale signs of soon to come beauty, standing in the pen in front of the colt. Oh yes, this little filly would suit his needs just perfectly. Now to get the annoying little gnat of a colt away. Arson smiled evilly before it morphed into something that might possibly be called polite, if not for the way his gaze burned with his natural tendencies. ”Why, hello there, lovely. Seems you haven’t been claimed yet.” He cooed to the little filly, ears flicking as his tail whisked across his hindquarters, seeming to ignore the colt next to him, and yet kept an eye on him discreetly. Words: 401 Notes: ^^ Muse: Good Tune:

[Dyzzie-doll]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 8d9a88; border: #2d3326 solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] WHO IS THIS GIRL I SEE STARING STRAIGHT BACK AT ME? why is my reflection someone I don't know? If someone had told her she'd meet an unreasonably wonderful, and kind foal wile trapped in the slave pens waiting for some cruel creature to come after her. Though, now, instead of worrying about that she wasn't sure what she was more worried about, the idea that she had been the reason he'd hurt himself, or that he was hurt regardless. She was so lost in her fear, anxiety, and concern. She watched as he tried to staunch the flow of blood before looking back at her, staring at her before he spoke quickly, claiming that it wasn't her fault, that it was the masters out to control everyone, not just her, declaring she'd never hurt anyone, that it wasn't her fault. She sniffled, lowering her head, before glancing up at him through her eyelashes and lengthening forelock. "I-It's noot . . . really?" She asked quietly, lowering her gaze again "It's . . . not my fault?" She whispered, as if the possibility would never be even slightly possible. She shook her head, "Really?" She asked, looking up at him, "P-promise? It's not my fault." She tilted her head as he spoke, explaining that he was different because he cared, because he was't born a master, but will be fighting for it. Then she paused, looking at him quietly, her gaze softening as she gently nuzzled his cheek, "If your parents didn't love you, it's just because they don't know what an amazing person you'll grow up to be." She said softly, before nodding softly, "Don't change your mind, then . . . Everyone always ends up changing, please don't be like that." She said softly, looking up at him quietly. She tilted her head as e spoke, telling her that she won't have to live afraid, that he'd watch out for her, that they can protect each other. She looked up at him, "Promise? We'll always be a team, and close?" She asked, her gaze gleaming with hope before she lowered her muzzle. slightly, stepping closer pressing her face against his neck, unable to see his smile. "Okay, we'll be teams, friends . . . and I know you won't let me down . . . I only hope I won't let you down either." She said softly, closing her eyes. Of course she bolted away, stiffening when she heard hoof steps before looking up at Avanti, stepping slightly closer to him, waiting for the stallion to walk on by, half hidden by Avanti's sheer size. The stallion glances at Avanti before going to move away, that was . . . until his eyes focused on her. She saw the evil smile, even before it showed signs of politeness, and she glanced nervously at Avanti as the stallion altered his steps coming up towards the pen. Her ears pinned nervously as he spoke to her in a cooing tone, calling her lovely, commenting on her unclaimed status, and instinctively she moved until she was half hidden behind her new, close friend, laying her muzzle on his back, her forelock half covering her shy eyes as she fell silent, unable to find a suitable response, so instead just looked up at the unfamiliar stallion. "Shy honesty" Whispered secrets somehow i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried when will my reflection show who i am inside?

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[d.ream ♥]

Avanti
would you die... for the one you love?

Relief flooded the face of the youth, the pained expression leaving his eyes as he saw the gears in her mind spinning. Saw that she would consider the possibility, could perhaps believe what he said to her. He realized then that he had been holding his breath, and so he let it out as slowly and quietly as he could. Doing his best to remain normal, so that he would not frighten her further. "I promise, May." He replied, following her gaze to the ground and back up. "You didn't hurt me. You never hurt anyone. And you never will, either. You aren't like that." He thought about it for a moment, about this filly with her emerging beauty and her illuminating personality. No, she would hurt someone, someday. He would believe he could hold her heart, and then he would learn that her heart was not a possession. She could leave heartbreak in her wake, if she wanted to. But he believed his words. She wasn't like that. "I promise, May. I would never lie to you. I promise." Of course, some things he promised were out of his control; the bit about who would claim her, that it wouldn't be a cruel master. He could promise her the moon, and she had the power to make him do so... but he couldn't follow through on that. He was still just a kid.

His eyes had closed as he spoke about his parents, his demeanor changing from that of pride to one of shame. His head dropped, his ears fell, and his muscles lost their proud tension. The touch of her muzzle on his cheek brought an unexpected sensation of warmth that flowered out across the rest of his body, pulling back his pride, daring him to feel contentment. Here. In these pens. His eyes opened, his eyes staring in wonder at his entity, questioning if she was real. "I promise that, too." He whispered, his voice barely audible. In the time that he had spent here in the slave pens, he had learned so much than he had ever expected before. Who knew such a young colt could be moved to feel so much? "Thank you." These words were spoken so low, there was no way she could hear them. "A team. Always. You could never let me down, I swear that much. And I swear, I'll do anything to protect you." The passion in his voice simply verified that he meant it.

He dared to let his guard drop, to let this unexplained warmth spread through his body. His eyes closed as he thought about what this meant, his vowing his life to another. That he would protect her, always be there for her. He was figuring her into his future, and thus, he hadn't been aware. That a master had returned, and by then, it was too late. What would he have done, anyways? Shoved her into the mud to hide her appearance? Attempted to hide her? Hide her where, behind him as he lay down? The master would just circle, and then he would be found out. The slave pens were kept suspiciously free of rocks and foliage. Hiding her was out of the question, and it was too late. Because when Avanti noticed, the master was speaking directly to the fae he vowed his life to protect. His muscles went tense, his blood ran cold with disbelief as his eyes slowly opened to take in the sight of the fire red beast. A sneer instantly crossed his lips, ears pinning as his head raised. Protectively, he pushed Maylea before him, his nostrils flaring. "You're a bit late. I've claimed her." His voice was calm and even, a dangerous note present. He stepped toward the fence, pushing his chest into the barbed tongs. "She's mine. I'm a master by right. I don't care how young I am. You have to respect that. And that means you can't take her from me... Not without a fight." Foolish, yes. Undoubtedly, he would be laughed at, and if the master even humored him enough to accept the challenge, there was no way he would win. But he had to try.