username: BadgerBuddies
couple:
Berry and
Ecruteakprompt:
Berry is known for being an unusually kind and relaxed, laid back stallion. He can frequently be found sharing his food with others, which is probably why he and his buddy Valor are such close friends now. Berry is also known for his declared war against the squirrels that terrorize the horses at the farm, and watching him try to deal with the little acorn throwing bullies is quite a sight. Maybe that’s what first caught Ecruteak’s eye.
The roan male was already well established in his reputation at Badger Buddies Ranch. There wasn’t a horse or person on the property who didn’t admire him. Ecruteak remembers being unloaded into a stall and feeling trapped and alone when she first arrived. When she was finally turned out to paddock for the first time, Berry was the first horse she saw over the fence line. Something about the strawberry stallion stuck with her, and even as she tried to focus and make friends with the other mares she was housed with, she found herself peaking over the fence to catch another glimpse of Berry.
Once she had cemented her place within her own herd, Ecruteak found herself constantly gravitating towards the fence line, even sometimes resting her head down on the wooden posts. She longed for the day the beloved stallion would come over and introduce himself, but it felt like it was never coming. Nevertheless, she smiled and laughed at his antics and kind gestures from afar.
Summer was nearing, and all the horses at the farm were seeking out shade to keep cool. Ecruteak forfeited her coveted spot near the fence line for the first time and moseyed over to the nearest shady oak tree and laid down, thinking nothing of it. Her movement displaced a couple of little grey squirrels from the ground up to the tree branches. The pale faced mare had no idea what she had just gotten herself into.
The mare’s front feet sprang out as she gasped; something just hit her square between her eyes! She rose quickly and shook herself off, wondering what on earth that could have been. Suddenly, she began to get pelted and felt that same sensation all over her body. She flinched, and when there was a moment of brief ceasefire, the mare peered up to see not just the two squirrels she has displaced, but a WHOLE ARMY OF THEM. Her eyes widened, and Ecruteak quickly fled the comfort of the shade as a second round of acorns were launched at her.
Berry had heard the commotion from the beginning, and had now watched the scene unfold. He saw Ecruteak race towards the fence line near him and decided to meet her over there to share his wisdom on battling squirrels and to make sure she was ok.
Ecruteak was heaving by the time she made it to the fence, Berry smiling and explaining “They never get any easier to deal with, trust me. I’m the expert around here and I still can’t scare ‘em off.” She looked up and smiled at him, thanking him for his comfort and companionship in a time where she was frightened. The two touched noses and nickered to each other, happy to be in each other’s company. Berry made sure to stay with Ecruteak for the rest of the afternoon, feeling like he needed to protect her and comfort her. He felt a strong connection to Ecruteak already, and each day found himself coming back to the fence line to stand with her, offering her protection if she ever needed it.
(599)
