MUST.HAVE.FLUFFY.HORSIE.
Hugeeeeeee WIP


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Username: artsy_horse
Name: Naaja
Gender: Mare
Eye Color: Mystical Magenta
Coat Color: Blue Taffy Appaloosa
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Naaja grazed, ears lazily swiveling. The horse crunched the dry grass, wishing summer would last longer. Naaja was thought to be a mustang, transported to Greenland centuries ago. They had adapted thick coats to brave the harsh Greenlandic climates. The season’s warmest temperature had been 10 degrees Celsius, which was rather warm in Greenland. Lifting her head, Naaja gazed into the soaring skies and mountain peaks. She snorted, sensing snow.
Naaja’s paddock was nestled in a valley, sheltered by snow caped mountains. The harsh winter winds did not blow as strong in the cozy, protected valley.
Just then, Naaja heard a whistle. Immediately recognizing it, she pranced towards the sound. Her beloved Lippikka stood on the other side of the fence, beaming. Lippikka was a young Greenlandic girl, around 13 years of age. She lived in the little, friendly community nestled in the valley. She had raised Naaja ever since she was a foal, bottle feeding her when Naaja’s mother abandoned her as she was the weakest of the twin foals born. They had grown up together, forming a close connection. Lippikka means “to tie firmly, connection, link.” That connection has been made between Lippikka and Naaja, and it was unbreakable.
Lippikka gently stroked the small horse’s velvety muzzle with her leather mitts. She wore a beautiful parka, made by her mother, and owned a matching set of mittens and boots, along with a snug hat and scarf. Her outfit would protect her from the strongest of blizzards, and was made from the leather of highland cows, and padded with a polar bears fur.
Naaja snorted in delight, her warm breath turning into a mist in the chilly air. “Guess what, Naaja?!” Lippikka asked, excitedly. “Father is going to let me come on the cattle drive!” She squealed with delight.
Every year, the village’s highland cows had to be moves to another pasture, where more food could be provided. This season’s food storage was out, and the cattle were to be moved to a village called Kalaallit, which had a full storage of food for the winter.
Lippikka was thrilled. It was to be her first time on the cattle drive. Her father had decided she had the spirit and knowledge to come along. Naaja, not knowing what in the world Lippikka was talking about, just tossed her head. Laughing, the girl patted the horse’s fluffy coat. Hearing her mother call from a distance, Lippikka kissed Naaja goodbye. “The cattle drive is tomorrow, Naaja. You best get your sleep!” She ran off, giddy with joy.
Naaja awoke at dawn to the noise of many Greenlandic people speaking. Horses were being tacked and loaded with supplies, and the cattle were being tended to. Confused, Naaja pricked her ears.
Soon, Lippikka came running to her side, squeezing through the fence posts instead of going through the gates. Naaja trotted into Lippikka’s warm embrace. “Come on! We must not stand here! There is work to be done!” Naaja was tacked with her old but sturdy tack and feed her oats. Lippikka walked out of the paddock, Naaja following at her side like a puppy dog. They stood, beside a wagon full of packs, containing food, blankets, and necessities for the trip. Naaja was loaded with a small pack on either side of her. There were hollers from the front of the line of horses and men.
This year, Lippikka was to be the only female on the cattle drive. All the other young girls her age had refused to, not wanting to face any hard conditions. But Lippikka was thrilled and honored to be part of this large task.
The horses were moving around the herd that was being led out of the paddock. Men cracked their whips in attempt to move the Highland cows out of the fenced area and into the protected circle of horses and men. Lippikka watched in awe as the cattle flooded out of the paddock. Urging Naaja forwards with a squeeze of her legs, they took their place among the circle.
Lippikka’s father cantered towards them on his strong and wise horse, Amaroq Naaja nickered to the steed, pleased to be in his company. Amarog returned the favor, and they touched muzzles. The two horses had taken quite a liking to each other, and Lippikka and her father were hoping that Naaja would have a foal this coming spring, sired by Amaroq. “Lippikka, this is your first cattle drive. You should trail beside the cattle. If one goes astray, press it in towards the rest of the herd. Lippikka nodded, listening intently. “Do not wander to far from us. If the cow is at least 30 yards away, you must call another volunteer. Do you understand?” She answered in agreement. Her father trotted away to his post, at the front of the cattle herd. Lippikka breathed in a deep breath, and patted the mare. She urged her forwards and they took their position at the side of the herd. Lippikka glanced back at her plump mother, who was waving goodbye to her, teary eyed. Lippikka waved back.
A holler came from the front of the herd. The air exploded with the sound of hoofs, squeaking leather, and the bellowing of cows. The cattle drive was on, and Lippikka and Naaja were ready to embark on their mission.
It was late the same evening. Naaja and Lippikka had an amazing time, herding the highland cows. The cold wind beat against them, though Lippikka’s parka hood sheltered her moon shaped face. Naaja’s thick, winter coat had grown just in time. The cold winds were here. They plodded on, listening to the tales told by other men in front of them. They told stories of polar bears attacking a cow on the journey, and dragging it away. The men finally killed it with spears and hunting knives, and used its fur. The tales went on and on, into the darkness of the night. Stars begin to peek out into the black sky, and a full moon shone. The hoot of a night owl echoed across the tundra. The mountains around them were no longer visible in the darkness. A small cow strayed away from the herd. Naaja, knowing her job, trotted up beside it and pushed in towards the group. A few dogs that had tagged along with them bit at the cows heels. Soon, they came to a well-worn paddock. Tiredly, the men herded the cattle into the fenced area and shut the rickety gate. Lippikka dismounted Naaja, and yawned. Taking a few blankets out of the pack, she laid them out on the snowy, brown grass. She untacked Naaja and wrapped her saddle with her saddle pad. This would be her pillow for the night. She tied Naaja’s reins to a nearby post, but specially there for horses to be tied to. Naaja immediately lowered her head and grazed on the stubs of grass. A special carrot was given to her by Lippikka, and the Icelandic horse licked it up happily, chewing in delight. She nudged the girl, wanting more. “No, Naaja.” Lippikka giggled, telling her off. “The others are for the rest of the journey.” It was late, and both Lippikka and Naaja were exhausted. They dozed off to sleep, while some men took shifts keeping watch for any predators throughout the night.
The first day of the cattle drive had passed successfully. Lippikka and Naaja were both content, and honored to embark on such an important mission.
It was the following spring. The cattle drive late last summer had gone wonderfully. They arrived safely to their destination and back. Lippikka’s father had promised to let her accompany them on the coming cattle drive, too. And, just as they wished, Naaja was heavy with a foal. Her fluffy, soft belly had enlarged and she hobbled around the paddock, always near Amaroq, who had been moved into her pasture.
Lippikka and Naaja’s bond had strengthened through the seasons, and their friendship had never dwindled. They could not wait to be part of the coming cattle drive, and waiting patiently to face the dangers and thrills.