[NuclearCaiman]

What are Nile River Equids?

Nile River Equids (NREs) are a sub-breed of Mustangs who were discovered to be living in Africa. They tend to range anywhere from 12 hh to 16 hh, while there have been known to be slightly smaller or larger. These horses tend to be able to sustain themselves on a minimal amount of water and food, they can travel long distances and have extraordinary stamina. The people who discovered these animals found that they were extraordinarily friendly and the braided tails are a sign that the NRE is domesticated or belongs to another person.

The village folk nearby have spoken of a pair of NREs that seem to roam near the old abandoned barn on the other side of the hill. A massive stallion with a tiny scarred mare that seem to stick close to each other through out the day before parting ways at night. The villagers have given the two their own nicknames as well to identify them; The stallion is Wolf Among Us and the mare is Coyote Ugly. They have enlisted others to help them find and help the two horses, hoping to find them their new forever home.

Mother: Foundation
Father: Foundation
Owner:
Name:
Nickname given by village folk;
Wolf Among Us
Gender:
Stallion
Age:
Height:
17 hh
Color:
Wolf Dun with Irregular Frame Overo and Tobiano.

Wolf Skeleton Overo may pass to one foal upon request. It may not pass to grand foals.

To get them, impress me. Edits are allowed, two story maximum and three art maximum. You are required to tell me about how you found them and how they responded to you. DO NOT CHANGE THEIR GENDERS.

Code: Select all

    [b]Owner:[/b]
    [b]Name:[/b]
    [b]Nickname given by village folk;[/b]
Wolf Among Us
    [b]Gender:[/b]
    [b]Age:[/b]
    [b]Story:[/b]

End Date:
12/18/16

[Folmes]

Genotype: Ee aa Dd Oo Toto

Breeding
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

[|Shyba|]

Owner: |Angel|
Name: Aatu (Meaning; Noble Wolf)
Nickname given by village folk;
Wolf Among Us
Gender: Stallion
Age: 9 Years

Story

I often walk alone out into the wilds, scouting the landscape and scavenging for things that may deem useful in crafts or making unique dishes. Often staring out into the open land to watch wildlife go about their day. One day I went out before sundown to catch the soft chill of the evening rather than that harsh burn of the sun. I happened to catch a glimpse of the odd pair they call Coyote Ugly and Wolf Among Us, I had caught them strolling many times before, so much I had given him my own name. Aatu, It means Noble Wolf, for the height he holds his head and the pride in his step he could well be of Nobility. Tonight they were parting ways as the sun went down and I found myself wondering where they could be going alone at night, so as Aatu parted his way over the nearby hills, I decided to seek an answer to my curiosity. Following him for about a half hour, noting what I could count as at least 10 landmarks to find my way home, the stallion finally came to a stop at a nearby tree and graze at small Oasis type area with a small pond and foliage that managed to grow around it. It was dark by now and the most I could see of the stallion was a dark silhouette, but I must have been up wind because Aatu let a discontented snort and before I knew it he stood eye to eye with me. Clearly he was unhappy with my presence and to this day I am convinced horses can growl, I heard it from from the depths of his lungs.

As you might have realized by now, all did go well or else I might not be here telling this story today. Though A seed was planted that day, as the days went on I continued gathering in the evening to watch for that stallion and I noticed he too would begin to watch for me. Until one day I turned to find myself looking back into those deep, familiar amber eyes, I somehow knew I had won that beast's heart, and he had won mine.

[SpartanAmethyst]

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This medicine is wearing thin now;
we're bullet proof until we bleed out.
And even though we always try
to hide our instincts from our pride,
in our struggle to survive,
we keep the warpath by our side.

We strike the sky until the sun bows
and fly until our feathers burn out.
All our lives we've been apart,
a vicious cycle from the start;
In our struggle to survive,
we keep the warpath by our side.

Conner Youngblood- The Warpath

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Owner:
SpartanAmethyst | Amethyst Barr
Owner of Amethyst Ridge Ranch, Denver, CO

Show name;
SANRE Wolf Among Us
The name given by the village.

Name;
Ahiga
Native American Navajo; "he fights".

Gender:
Stallion

Age:
6 years

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☾▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹☾★☽◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂☽
I've got demons running round in my head & they feed on insecurities I have. Won't you lay your healing hands on my chest? Let your ritual clean. Soak the ropes with your holy water; tie me down as you read out the words. Set me free from my jealousy; won't you exorcise my mind? I want to be free as I'll ever be; help me exorcise my mind.
Bastille- Send Them Off
☾▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹☾★☽◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂☽
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First Contact:
Amethyst's POV
I'd heard stories of the Nile Predators that roamed these hills. Heard them, but believed them? Not so much. It intrigued me, though, to think they existed. So I did something insanely stupid: I went looking for trouble. I mean, we were competing only a few hours east of the village, so why not? Finish our last day of showing, attend the award ceremony, collect our winnings, then I'd make the special trip while the riders were sightseeing and the horses were relaxing. It seemed like perfect timing. When I arrived at the small village, I was taken aback at how... civil it was. Maybe civil isn't the right word, but I was very shocked at how peaceful and friendly everyone was, especially to an outsider, a foreigner like myself. So, with confidence in my heart and a bit of good luck strung around my neck, I shifted my pack farther up my shoulder and went in search of the village elder.

I tread the web of information carefully, though found that everyone was very open and talkative about these so called "predators". I learned that they weren't actually predators, but Nile River Equids born with strange markings, and that I wasn't the only one who'd come in search of them. My interest piqued at the mention of the small mare and her scars, but the way they spoke of the stallion, the Wolf... It sent chills down my spine. I had to see him. But the poor mare... She haunted my thoughts. I decided to ask the village elder for sanctuary, under the agreement that I would pull my own weight around the village, assisting others and taking full responsibility for my own needs and problems. It was the least I could do. So I drove back to where the rest of my riders awaited, and told them my plan; they were to go back home with the horses and the winnings, and I was to go back to the village for a few weeks and see if I could win favor with both the villagers and the equids; I wanted to give the two Predators a home, somewhere where they would be safe and protected. My husband agreed, but only if I would take Pompeii to keep me safe. Besides, if I'd left my precious boy, the Nordanner would have been upset with me for weeks. So I agreed, and drove back to the village with Pompeii in tow and a few necessary supplies.

It took a few days to settle in, but as soon as I was and my duties within the village discussed, I made my schedule. At dawn I tracked the horses, morning to early afternoon were village responsibilities, then the rest of the day and evening were mine to do as I please. So, whenever I could, I tried to map out the Predators' habits and hiding places; within a week, I'd found where they liked to forage, the nearby lake where they were most often sighted, and the old barn. I found that the stallion hid the mare there at night; maybe it had something to do with the scar on her face? She seemed to have a bit of trouble navigating in the dark. Sometimes, he'd stay with here and watch over her when she slept, other times he left to continue foraging, or sometimes he'd just vanish. But I had the feeling that if I tried to approach her, one sound and he'd be storming through the underbrush to rip me to shreds. One of the villagers had warned me of the Wolf's temper, and that he wasn't scared of humans. Coyote was, though; they said she was terrified of humans, though no one knew why. So from a hidden spot in the far distance, I watched what I could from the safety of Pompeii's back.

Two weeks passed, and I still made no progress. I couldn't figure out a way to try and earn their trust. As soon as I broke an invisible barrier, the two would simply disappear. I could never get close enough to start making a bond, or at least try to. I planned and brainstormed and even asked the villagers for advice, but no one could seem to offer me any insight or advice, and none of the natural taming techniques I used that worked so well seemed to do any good. Even leaving treats like apples or carrots, or even stealing away two of Pompeii's cookies (which he was not happy about, mind you) did anything to increase my chances of meeting the Predators any other way than through the lens of my binoculars. I couldn't stay here forever; I had to get back home and take care of my ranch. No doubt Cas had everything under control, but still. I was fighting with myself whether or not to go on home, or to stick it out and just keep trying. I don't give up on things; I'd rehabilitated horses that were on death row for their issues, ones that everyone said "you'll never fix them" or "they're a lost cause"; so what was it with these two that was throwing me for a loop?

So the next day I did something totally different. I released Pompeii to play and race in the tall grasses near to the village, and I moved to the crest of the hill that overlooked the barn. In each shadow I thought I saw a Predator, thought I glimpsed bright eyes staring at me with either fear or aggression, and I sang. I spent the entire day singing and talking; whether to the wind, or the Predators, or to Pompeii when he came to check on me every so often. I told them all about myself, the stables, the life they could have, the life I wanted them to have. Many of the villagers laughed at me, at the ideas that the animals could understand my words. But if they were anything like Pompeii...

I looked down to the white stallion's head in my lap, sleeping as I braided his forelock idly,
and smiled as I began another song.

Protector:
Ahiga's POV
Even at the distance between us, I could smell her fear. In my mind's eye I could see her shaking, so terrified, watching over her shoulder, jumping at every sound. It made me angry, honestly, that this human hung around and tortured my girl that way. I'd never thought to attack a human before, but her wretched persistence made me want to charge and trample her. But she had that white stallion that followed her like some hapless foal that no doubt would fight to protect his master. Still, what challenge could he be? He's obviously pampered and not used to the wild; he'd be no match for me. I could chase them both off so easily...

But maybe it's better not to poke that beast. They have guns, and lassoes, and darts filled with strange liquid that makes you sleep. That's something I knew I couldn't stand against, so instead I continued on in search of the berries my love had been craving. At least the human was keeping her distance for now. She'd restricted herself to the ridgeline that overlooked out territory, only coming down to the lake to water her and the white one. I'd discovered them there one day while Ambala was resting, and stood in the bushes glaring at the two legged hunter and her mount. He'd seen me, and cautiously pinned his ears, prepared to protect her, but when she turned and caught a glimpse of me... there was no malice in her eyes, and she smiled at me. Why would she smile?! Instinct was to run and charge her, but my hooves were rooted to the ground. I couldn't move; I could only glare at her with my dark ears pinned back hatefully. But still she smiled, then vaulted up onto the white horse's back- no bridle, or saddle, or anything- and steered him away gently. I didn't know what to think- he followed her commands so easily, and she was so gentle; none of it made sense. Even the villagers regarded us with a certain amount of hostility, but her. She was in an unfamiliar range of behavior, and to be quite honest, it pissed me off. Also being unable to find these stupid berries did the trick too-

-and in the span of a heartbeat, my blood froze.

A terrified squeal echoed through the trees, a voice I'd know even at a whisper, and without another wasted millisecond I turned and bolted, flying through the familiar forest a speed even I did not know I was capable of. I leapt over logs and underbrush, dipped through the small ravines, and hurtled passed the lake towards the barn. Another scream for help urged me on even faster, and I prepared to attack a white stallion and his girl- but they weren't there. Instead there stood three dark-skinned young men, just barely out of their teenage years; I recognized them from the village. And they had Ambala trapped. Rage lit my vision red, and I launched myself full force at the group. They moved quickly to avoid being trampled, which resulted in me slipping through the barn door; that was okay, because in my mind, I was now between them and Ambala. I never thought... I always knew the village thought us bad omens, but I never expected them to be so desperate to get rid of us. A flash of silver reflected the sun into my eyes and, with barely a breath between, a loud shot rang out. Pain tore into my shoulder and I screamed in pain and anger, but my following charge was cut short as my forelegs crumpled from the pain, unable to support my weight. I'd never been brought to my knees before, and even now the mere thought of it sends a chill down my spine. I could hear Ambala sobbing in fear, the boards at the back of the barn creaking against her weight, but just strong enough to prevent her escape. I snapped at them, trying to scare them off, but they were fighting amongst each other; one was yelling at the teen holding the gun and gestured at me, and his hand was almost in reach... so I tried to bite him, my canines flashing in the dim barn, and all three of them jumped away. Right at that moment hoofbeats sounded right outside the barn, and there was her voice. In my pain-distracted state, I cursed whatever luck god may or may not have existed, and finally let my back half flop to the ground. Blood was now openly streaming from the wound, and the pain was getting worse. I barely listened to her yelling as she jumped down from the white horse's back, and didn't see her rip the gun from the young boy's hand and send them all back to the village. What I did see, though, is her put the gun down in the doorway of the barn and approach me slowly. I pinned my ears and bared my teeth, but all I could do was make empty threats. "Pompeii," she spoke suddenly, and the stallion's attention was immediately hers. "Get the blue bag from the trailer." And in a flash the stallion was gone, and until his return she just stood at the door, murmuring empty words and making my blood pressure raise. She was promising things she wouldn't keep, and it angered me that Ambala was hearing this stupid spiel. So when the white stallion returned and she approached me, promising to help and make the pain stop, I lashed out and bit her arm. The human yelped and jumped back, holding her injured limb, and the look of betrayal in her eyes actually made me recoil. Because deep in those blue oceans, there was also understanding. Like she knew.

"Hey." It was the first time I'd heard the white stallion- Pompeii, I managed to remember- speak, and my orange eyes quickly turned to him. I met his deep amber eyes, and there was that understanding gaze again. I didn't know whether to calm under it, or fire myself up because of it. "Whatever kinds of humans you both dealt with before, that's not Amethyst. She wants to help, and take you somewhere safe where you can remain wild and unharmed, and live your life unhindered. Just give her a chance. May I go comfort your mate? You need that bullet out of your shoulder, or else it will get infected." My ears remained pinned, but I could hear the logic in his words; still, did I risk trusting a human? After what her kind did to Ambala? I shifted slightly and new pain raced like fire through my body, and I let a tortured yelp pass through my lips. Begrudgingly I nodded to both of his questions, and turned and nickered at Ambala, telling her it was alright. I watched Pompeii move to comfort her, speaking softly and explaining everything this human- Amethyst, I remembered as well- was doing to me. She began to calm down and, after almost an hour and a wad of bandages, the pain finally faded to a dull ache, and Amethyst backed away. I didn't dare stand yet, finally relieved the pain had gone, and motioned for Ambala to come lay with me. We nuzzled and she huddled close to me, still very much afraid of the human, and we listened to Pompeii tell us stories of what he called "Amethyst Ridge Ranch". He told us that was where Amethyst wanted to take us, and began to gush about how beautiful it was and how many other horses there were and on and on and on. By the time he'd finished, Ambala had this slight sparkle in her eye, hope fighting the fear, maybe, and she fell asleep quickly. Pompeii had gone and laid down, and I watched something amazing: Amethyst moved to nestle herself against the white stallion, entwining herself in the crook of his legs against his stomach, and rested her head on his forelegs. And right there, she fell asleep, and so did he. I watched them with disbelief, and for the first time, I thought that maybe he was right. Maybe she could be trusted. Maybe...

Looking down at Ambala I smiled softly, and nuzzled my face into her mane. Slowly I slipped away as well, images of the ranch flitting in my head, and hope for what new road might lay ahead.

[HannibalLecter]

Owner:
HannibalLecter

Name:
Vega

Nickname given by village folk;
Wolf Among Us

Gender:
stallion

Age:
3 years

Story:

Those eyes were the first thing that struck me. Wandering around at night was not a safe feat, what with all the predators prowling around the grasslands. I didn't do this often, but we were all out of leaves and shrubs for our mules to feed on and they'd be starving for sure by morning if I didn't collect at least a wheelbarrow full of greenery.

I kept my footsteps as light as possible, it was easy for me considering all the practice I got, but somehow the wheelbarrow started to squeak at every turn of the front wheel. The sound was a steadily growing crescendo and I could only mutter curses to myself as I realised there wasn't much I could do to mute the sound.

I reached the field where we normally reap our feeding-grass, and that was when those amber eyes that seemed to glow in the dark met mine. I froze, deciding whether flight was an option, every muscle in my body tense as thoughts raced through my head, before I heard the familiar sound of an exhaled grunt and the clip-clopping of hooves; A horse. I looked on, and upon closer inspection I noticed the unusual markings of this steed. Perhaps it was a result of evolution, a way for prey to camouflage and avoid the lions and hyenas, but this horse had the markings of a skeleton, like his insides were on the outside.

I carefully dropped the wheelbarrow and held both hands up in a placating manner, showing this giant of an animal that I meant no harm, however, it was unnecessary as the wild creature approached me with the confidence of a house pet. He came right up beside me and shoved his muzzle into my raised hand and I complied, stroking his forehead. It was as though, in that instant, the two of us formed a connection. Once I collected all the feed, I walked back to the village and, to no surprise, the large equid followed like my shadow.

[FoalMoon]

Owner: FoalMoon
Name: Saeran
Nickname given by village folk;
Wolf Among Us
Gender: Male
Age: 8
Story: WIP [is it okay if i enter still]

[Folmes]

Bump, please judge this soon. c:

[SpartanAmethyst]

Bump for him and his girl :c

[NuclearCaiman]

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⋙⋯ ⋯ ⋯⊳ ⊗ ⊲⋯ ⋯ ⋯⋘

This medicine is wearing thin now;
we're bullet proof until we bleed out.
And even though we always try
to hide our instincts from our pride,
in our struggle to survive,
we keep the warpath by our side.

We strike the sky until the sun bows
and fly until our feathers burn out.
All our lives we've been apart,
a vicious cycle from the start;
In our struggle to survive,
we keep the warpath by our side.

Conner Youngblood- The Warpath

⋙⋯ ⋯ ⋯⊳ ⊗ ⊲⋯ ⋯ ⋯⋘

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Owner:
SpartanAmethyst | Amethyst Barr
Owner of Amethyst Ridge Ranch, Denver, CO

Show name;
SANRE Wolf Among Us
The name given by the village.

Name;
Ahiga
Native American Navajo; "he fights".

Gender:
Stallion

Age:
6 years

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☾▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹☾★☽◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂☽
I've got demons running round in my head & they feed on insecurities I have. Won't you lay your healing hands on my chest? Let your ritual clean. Soak the ropes with your holy water; tie me down as you read out the words. Set me free from my jealousy; won't you exorcise my mind? I want to be free as I'll ever be; help me exorcise my mind.
Bastille- Send Them Off
☾▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹☾★☽◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂◃◂☽
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First Contact:
Amethyst's POV
I'd heard stories of the Nile Predators that roamed these hills. Heard them, but believed them? Not so much. It intrigued me, though, to think they existed. So I did something insanely stupid: I went looking for trouble. I mean, we were competing only a few hours east of the village, so why not? Finish our last day of showing, attend the award ceremony, collect our winnings, then I'd make the special trip while the riders were sightseeing and the horses were relaxing. It seemed like perfect timing. When I arrived at the small village, I was taken aback at how... civil it was. Maybe civil isn't the right word, but I was very shocked at how peaceful and friendly everyone was, especially to an outsider, a foreigner like myself. So, with confidence in my heart and a bit of good luck strung around my neck, I shifted my pack farther up my shoulder and went in search of the village elder.

I tread the web of information carefully, though found that everyone was very open and talkative about these so called "predators". I learned that they weren't actually predators, but Nile River Equids born with strange markings, and that I wasn't the only one who'd come in search of them. My interest piqued at the mention of the small mare and her scars, but the way they spoke of the stallion, the Wolf... It sent chills down my spine. I had to see him. But the poor mare... She haunted my thoughts. I decided to ask the village elder for sanctuary, under the agreement that I would pull my own weight around the village, assisting others and taking full responsibility for my own needs and problems. It was the least I could do. So I drove back to where the rest of my riders awaited, and told them my plan; they were to go back home with the horses and the winnings, and I was to go back to the village for a few weeks and see if I could win favor with both the villagers and the equids; I wanted to give the two Predators a home, somewhere where they would be safe and protected. My husband agreed, but only if I would take Pompeii to keep me safe. Besides, if I'd left my precious boy, the Nordanner would have been upset with me for weeks. So I agreed, and drove back to the village with Pompeii in tow and a few necessary supplies.

It took a few days to settle in, but as soon as I was and my duties within the village discussed, I made my schedule. At dawn I tracked the horses, morning to early afternoon were village responsibilities, then the rest of the day and evening were mine to do as I please. So, whenever I could, I tried to map out the Predators' habits and hiding places; within a week, I'd found where they liked to forage, the nearby lake where they were most often sighted, and the old barn. I found that the stallion hid the mare there at night; maybe it had something to do with the scar on her face? She seemed to have a bit of trouble navigating in the dark. Sometimes, he'd stay with here and watch over her when she slept, other times he left to continue foraging, or sometimes he'd just vanish. But I had the feeling that if I tried to approach her, one sound and he'd be storming through the underbrush to rip me to shreds. One of the villagers had warned me of the Wolf's temper, and that he wasn't scared of humans. Coyote was, though; they said she was terrified of humans, though no one knew why. So from a hidden spot in the far distance, I watched what I could from the safety of Pompeii's back.

Two weeks passed, and I still made no progress. I couldn't figure out a way to try and earn their trust. As soon as I broke an invisible barrier, the two would simply disappear. I could never get close enough to start making a bond, or at least try to. I planned and brainstormed and even asked the villagers for advice, but no one could seem to offer me any insight or advice, and none of the natural taming techniques I used that worked so well seemed to do any good. Even leaving treats like apples or carrots, or even stealing away two of Pompeii's cookies (which he was not happy about, mind you) did anything to increase my chances of meeting the Predators any other way than through the lens of my binoculars. I couldn't stay here forever; I had to get back home and take care of my ranch. No doubt Cas had everything under control, but still. I was fighting with myself whether or not to go on home, or to stick it out and just keep trying. I don't give up on things; I'd rehabilitated horses that were on death row for their issues, ones that everyone said "you'll never fix them" or "they're a lost cause"; so what was it with these two that was throwing me for a loop?

So the next day I did something totally different. I released Pompeii to play and race in the tall grasses near to the village, and I moved to the crest of the hill that overlooked the barn. In each shadow I thought I saw a Predator, thought I glimpsed bright eyes staring at me with either fear or aggression, and I sang. I spent the entire day singing and talking; whether to the wind, or the Predators, or to Pompeii when he came to check on me every so often. I told them all about myself, the stables, the life they could have, the life I wanted them to have. Many of the villagers laughed at me, at the ideas that the animals could understand my words. But if they were anything like Pompeii...

I looked down to the white stallion's head in my lap, sleeping as I braided his forelock idly,
and smiled as I began another song.

Protector:
Ahiga's POV
Even at the distance between us, I could smell her fear. In my mind's eye I could see her shaking, so terrified, watching over her shoulder, jumping at every sound. It made me angry, honestly, that this human hung around and tortured my girl that way. I'd never thought to attack a human before, but her wretched persistence made me want to charge and trample her. But she had that white stallion that followed her like some hapless foal that no doubt would fight to protect his master. Still, what challenge could he be? He's obviously pampered and not used to the wild; he'd be no match for me. I could chase them both off so easily...

But maybe it's better not to poke that beast. They have guns, and lassoes, and darts filled with strange liquid that makes you sleep. That's something I knew I couldn't stand against, so instead I continued on in search of the berries my love had been craving. At least the human was keeping her distance for now. She'd restricted herself to the ridgeline that overlooked out territory, only coming down to the lake to water her and the white one. I'd discovered them there one day while Ambala was resting, and stood in the bushes glaring at the two legged hunter and her mount. He'd seen me, and cautiously pinned his ears, prepared to protect her, but when she turned and caught a glimpse of me... there was no malice in her eyes, and she smiled at me. Why would she smile?! Instinct was to run and charge her, but my hooves were rooted to the ground. I couldn't move; I could only glare at her with my dark ears pinned back hatefully. But still she smiled, then vaulted up onto the white horse's back- no bridle, or saddle, or anything- and steered him away gently. I didn't know what to think- he followed her commands so easily, and she was so gentle; none of it made sense. Even the villagers regarded us with a certain amount of hostility, but her. She was in an unfamiliar range of behavior, and to be quite honest, it pissed me off. Also being unable to find these stupid berries did the trick too-

-and in the span of a heartbeat, my blood froze.

A terrified squeal echoed through the trees, a voice I'd know even at a whisper, and without another wasted millisecond I turned and bolted, flying through the familiar forest a speed even I did not know I was capable of. I leapt over logs and underbrush, dipped through the small ravines, and hurtled passed the lake towards the barn. Another scream for help urged me on even faster, and I prepared to attack a white stallion and his girl- but they weren't there. Instead there stood three dark-skinned young men, just barely out of their teenage years; I recognized them from the village. And they had Ambala trapped. Rage lit my vision red, and I launched myself full force at the group. They moved quickly to avoid being trampled, which resulted in me slipping through the barn door; that was okay, because in my mind, I was now between them and Ambala. I never thought... I always knew the village thought us bad omens, but I never expected them to be so desperate to get rid of us. A flash of silver reflected the sun into my eyes and, with barely a breath between, a loud shot rang out. Pain tore into my shoulder and I screamed in pain and anger, but my following charge was cut short as my forelegs crumpled from the pain, unable to support my weight. I'd never been brought to my knees before, and even now the mere thought of it sends a chill down my spine. I could hear Ambala sobbing in fear, the boards at the back of the barn creaking against her weight, but just strong enough to prevent her escape. I snapped at them, trying to scare them off, but they were fighting amongst each other; one was yelling at the teen holding the gun and gestured at me, and his hand was almost in reach... so I tried to bite him, my canines flashing in the dim barn, and all three of them jumped away. Right at that moment hoofbeats sounded right outside the barn, and there was her voice. In my pain-distracted state, I cursed whatever luck god may or may not have existed, and finally let my back half flop to the ground. Blood was now openly streaming from the wound, and the pain was getting worse. I barely listened to her yelling as she jumped down from the white horse's back, and didn't see her rip the gun from the young boy's hand and send them all back to the village. What I did see, though, is her put the gun down in the doorway of the barn and approach me slowly. I pinned my ears and bared my teeth, but all I could do was make empty threats. "Pompeii," she spoke suddenly, and the stallion's attention was immediately hers. "Get the blue bag from the trailer." And in a flash the stallion was gone, and until his return she just stood at the door, murmuring empty words and making my blood pressure raise. She was promising things she wouldn't keep, and it angered me that Ambala was hearing this stupid spiel. So when the white stallion returned and she approached me, promising to help and make the pain stop, I lashed out and bit her arm. The human yelped and jumped back, holding her injured limb, and the look of betrayal in her eyes actually made me recoil. Because deep in those blue oceans, there was also understanding. Like she knew.

"Hey." It was the first time I'd heard the white stallion- Pompeii, I managed to remember- speak, and my orange eyes quickly turned to him. I met his deep amber eyes, and there was that understanding gaze again. I didn't know whether to calm under it, or fire myself up because of it. "Whatever kinds of humans you both dealt with before, that's not Amethyst. She wants to help, and take you somewhere safe where you can remain wild and unharmed, and live your life unhindered. Just give her a chance. May I go comfort your mate? You need that bullet out of your shoulder, or else it will get infected." My ears remained pinned, but I could hear the logic in his words; still, did I risk trusting a human? After what her kind did to Ambala? I shifted slightly and new pain raced like fire through my body, and I let a tortured yelp pass through my lips. Begrudgingly I nodded to both of his questions, and turned and nickered at Ambala, telling her it was alright. I watched Pompeii move to comfort her, speaking softly and explaining everything this human- Amethyst, I remembered as well- was doing to me. She began to calm down and, after almost an hour and a wad of bandages, the pain finally faded to a dull ache, and Amethyst backed away. I didn't dare stand yet, finally relieved the pain had gone, and motioned for Ambala to come lay with me. We nuzzled and she huddled close to me, still very much afraid of the human, and we listened to Pompeii tell us stories of what he called "Amethyst Ridge Ranch". He told us that was where Amethyst wanted to take us, and began to gush about how beautiful it was and how many other horses there were and on and on and on. By the time he'd finished, Ambala had this slight sparkle in her eye, hope fighting the fear, maybe, and she fell asleep quickly. Pompeii had gone and laid down, and I watched something amazing: Amethyst moved to nestle herself against the white stallion, entwining herself in the crook of his legs against his stomach, and rested her head on his forelegs. And right there, she fell asleep, and so did he. I watched them with disbelief, and for the first time, I thought that maybe he was right. Maybe she could be trusted. Maybe...

Looking down at Ambala I smiled softly, and nuzzled my face into her mane. Slowly I slipped away as well, images of the ranch flitting in my head, and hope for what new road might lay ahead.

Congrats! I loved all the entries but this one and it's matching one stood out the most! Sorry for being so late to judge this