✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧—————————————
The Cliffside Disaster;;—;;—;;—;;—;;—;;
“Hold Murtaugh! Steady!” A voice called to him, followed by a pained grunt even as the horse heaved out a labored breath. It was sight to behold, though, should anyone come upon them at the edge of the mountain cliff. Steep slope to his right, Murtaugh stood with front hooves splayed and hooves dug into the wet, packed ground beneath him; lucky to not skid forward, the rain was clearly on their side as it drizzled like a thin sheet.
Over the cliff edge was a young man, dressed for life among the forest trails and trees, but he held onto taut reins with one hand, wrapped about his forearm in not altogether safe a way, and the other pressed close to his belly. His face was a grimace of pain, but he persevered as he urged his horse to pull backwards. Slow going, with frequent stops when Murtaugh would startle with the wings of a bird, the call of an elk.. using his feet against the cliff, the young man was relieved beyond belief when, finally, he was upon his back on hard, solid ground.
Murtaugh, shaking himself out from the stress of pulling a twenty-something year old from the tumble over both his neck and the edge, rumbled worriedly as he paced toward his partner between the trees.
“You know, Murtaugh,” The man grunted. “You’re supposed to be more at home here than the ranch. Last time I take you out in the rain.” Hauling himself to his feet, he settled for walking next to Murtaugh on the way down the path they had taken, arm hung over the pony’s bare back. “And the last time I skip the saddle.”
Trails to a New Beginning;;—;;—;;—;;—;;—;;
With good and bad days under their saddle, Murtaugh and Sam made a quiet and reliable partnership for the local Forest Ranger services. Sometimes they took others on trail rides, other times they were patrolling with another mounted officer in search of a poacher or two. Regardless of their days job, the two were a pair of funny and friendly faces among the local community and tourists.
But days come to an end, as do careers, and eleven years under his saddle was enough. Retirement was waiting for Murtaugh, but the moment was less bitter than the sweet of the event. His day started with an extra carrot stick, his most favorite treat, followed by a very thorough brushing the likes of which neither horse nor rider could remember! As his coat shone under the warm spring sun, Sam racked up his long-time partner before they hit the trails.
But there was something odd along the path Sam chose, lining the trees and wrapping about them. It clearly hadn’t been there before, and the color was bright. If he had been any younger, he may have spooked! Instead he sniffed as best he could as he walked along, listening to the commands of Sam without batting an eye.
Noise reached him soon, ears pricking forward, as smells of sweet oats, carrots and apples followed on the still air. Sam laughed as Murtaughs steps picked up just a little, but a gentle pressure on his back reminded Murtaugh to pace himself, lest he trip on any debris that may have moved into their path. The trees parted into a semi-open clearing, and in the flattened grass were tents and children abd adults milling about, excitement in the air.
“Murtaugh’s here! Mom, he’s here!” A little boy chimed, nearly shaking in his shoes as he tugged on a woman’s hand. She turned and smiled at both Murtaugh and Sam as the man dismounted, reins in hand as he led the way further.
“Yes, Jason! Are you excited for him?” Jason nodded his head giddily, practically bouncing in his shoes.
Sam laughed as the two approached, and soon Murtaugh was surrounded by other excited people! He wasn’t bothered in the slightest, happy for the attention and the many,
many carrots and apples that were proffered.
As the day wound into afternoon, soon Sam called attention from everyone and they listened intently.
“We’ve been happy to server you guys for so long! But we all know Murtaugh is more than ready for an easier life. Thank you all for coming to see him off, I appreciate it and he isn’t complaining with all the carrots he’s getting.” A collection of chuckles issues before quieting, Sam turning to smile at the woman and little boy.
“Take care of him, Jason. He’ll definitely take care of you if you do.” Sake promised, patting Murtaugh heartily before Jason plowed into him, hugging Sam with all he had.
“I promise! And you can come see him whenever you want, mom said so! He’ll have new friends, and I’ll make sure to ride him every day and make sure he gets an extra carrot from you every morning.” Jason went on for some minutes, the excitement of a seven year old overwhelming him.
Murtaugh listened with some interest, eyes watching Jason and ears perked. Sam wasn’t worried in the slightest for his partners new home.
[/center]
