Adopters Anonymous ~ CLOSED, please lock

[Bison]

Alright, thanks so much!

[corgie]

Image:

Name: Chance

Character Thread:

Breed/Species: Quarter Horse x Arabian

Personality: Shy-Caring-Nervous-Willy-Smart

Other: Her markings weren't on her when she was born, they are tattoo paints she is also blind, she was born like that but she survived many thought she couldn't

WIP

[Lady Masquerade]

These horses are beautiful! So many good writers went for them so I don't think I have a chance/

[hey-stardust]

You never know until you try. c;

[Lady Masquerade]

I think I'll wait a bit longer to find something I really like. Though that Ferret,ottter thing is adorable.

[bearlygrunge]

[.Name.]
Roemar & Noelleen

[.Character Thread.]


[.Breed/Species.]
Odocoileus virginianus;
otherwise known as the White-tailed deer, Virginia deer, or simply the whitetail.

[.Personality/History.]
[.Reserved Spot for Roemar's Personality.]

The product of a shameful affair, Noelleen is the black sheep of the White-tail deer population in Kineo, Maine; but, this is exceedingly ironic due to her albinism. It really is quite amazing that she lived past her first year and she continues to surprise her unrequested critics by prolonging her exsistence. Her mother found her a nuisence and so abandoned her after only a few days. Luckily for Noelleen, a sympathetic doe who had miscarried her own young took in the pearly white newborn, adopting her as her own daughter. And so despite, Noelleen's mistreatment and lack of love from her uncaring mother, she blossomed under the doe Leila's care. However, life is not an easy thing to bare, there are many tragedies, disappointments, and difficult lessons that must be learned if you are to survive.

Being spotlessly white had never helped Noelleen in her book; in fact, she had only once found a positive side to her abnormality: blending in during the winter. She was virtually invisible then, and this seemed to give the rest of her peers an extra excuse to ignore her. There was, however, one instance that being unseen turned her life around for the better, as well as, the saving of another life.

Noelleen is quiet and unubtrusive because she has been convinced from her fawn years that she is too much and yet, not enough. Having been abandoned by her own mother, she feels that she was too much to handle, too much trouble. And then not enough, since she isn't normal and didn't live up to the expectations of her fellow deer. Leila, the adoptive mother of Noelleen, had been trying to show her that she is a captivatingly exotic beauty, but it didn't help that Leila was shot and killed. Noelleen was on her own for her first winter.

[.Other.]


WIP

[mokapi]

[Dia.]

-spazzes- so many beautiful horse designs. must...fill out.... form.

[Dia.]

Image (of the character you would like to adopt):

Name: Elphie
Character Thread: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=230802
Breed/Species: Equine
Personality and Background:
. :Subburn: .
Elphie is very strong minded, thick skulled, and strong willed... all things that describe stubburnness. She refuses to admit she was wrong, even if she knew that she was. She kind of lives by the phrase, Agree with me or be wrong.

. :Smart: .
Elphie is very smart. She knows how to learn things quickly, and she also has figured out to listen to what people say and eventually use it against them. She loves to learn things, because she feels that when she learn things, she is that little bit close to knowing everything.

. :Odd:.
There is something about Elphie that isnt quite right. Yes, she is kind of odd, strange even.

Elphie is highly intellegent. She is able to get herself out of a 'pickle' and can easily outsmart the average bear. This adds to the subburnness factor of her personality. She knows a lot, but still doesnt know when to back down. Elphie has a kind of dark side.... but not too dark. She flies low, under the radar, and never expects huge things to happen to her. She is fine by herself: She actually loves the peacefullness of being by herself when she can think.

Come with me... to the Emerald City

The pretty cream-colored mare pranced down the barn aisle as horses all the way down the row on both sides stuck their heads over the doors of their stalls; all except for one of them, the strange grey mare with green markings.
Blondie held her head, newly fitted with an emerald encrusted halter, high and whinnied happily, "Im going to the Emerald City!"
The pretty cream-colored mare pranced down the barn aisle as horses all the way down the row on both sides stuck their heads over the doors of their stalls; all except for one of them, the strange grey mare with green markings.
Blondie held her head, newly fitted with an emerald encrusted halter, high and whinnied happily, "I'm going to the Emerald City!"
The horses down the stable row nickered as she passed, some wishing her luck, others saying their congratulations. Every horse at this prestigious stables had dreams of going to the Emerald City for work. Every being around the Emerald City wanted to be invited there for work.
The grey mare snorted and nibbled on her hay as Blondie neared her stall, trying to ignore her. She doubted she would ever be sent to the Emerald City, why should she? She wasn't normal. Suddenly, a voice outside her door made her head pop up in shock.
"That mare has green marks on her. Are they natural?"
"Well... yes."
"How much do you want?"
"Uh... whatever you will pay. I never expected her to sell."
She pricked her ears. What? I'm sold? The man opened her stall door, a new halter in his hand. He whispered as he gently slipped the halter over the mare's head, "Come with me... to the Emerald City."
The grey mare felt a smile play upon her dainty maw as she was led out of the stall and then out of the barn. There were 2 men waiting already with Blondie.
"I figured one more?"
"We were only asked to order one."
The grey mare's head started to fall.
"But look at her, she would fit in well... and she was cheap."
The med walked around the grey mare, making the third man hold both horses.
The one man sighed, "You're right. I suppose she could do. Her name?"
"Elphie."
"Pretty. Lets head out now, it's not getting any earlier."

One Short Day in the Emerald City

The two horses were led through the gates into the hustle of the city, weaving their way through the lines and lines of people. Some of the people stared up in awe as the large, beautiful, majestic animals trotted past them, tails held like flags, heads lifted to the sky. Others simply stared in front of them and rushed passed, avoiding the horse's, and the people leading them's, eyes as they passed.
They continued to prance down the beautifully decorated streets, hooves making a rythmic beating as they hit the cobbled streets. Eventually, the crowds started to thin out and they could walk freely, looking around them at will without getting caught up in the swarms of people. They started to incline, going up a hill, constantly getting steeper and steeper. Eventually, a green-sided stable came into view, in the middle of tens of pastures and fields, dotted with a shining, well groomed horse here and there.
Elphie and Blondie were led up a jade-colored stone path set btween two pastures, heading to the stable. The stable was huge, the largest for miles. As the two newcomers past, a group of horses whinied and cantered to the fences, snorting, nickering, making all kinds of noises. The horses in the distant took up the same song, echoing for a few moments. Blondie was excited by all of the fuss over her. She threw up her head and whinnied back to them. Elphie merely watched her and lifted her heels up more as they approached the barn. So she was in the Emerald City after all!
They were tied up to a pole outside the barn and left, leaving the two mares to marvel at the large stables. Soon, a group of young men came out, weighed down with buckets and boxes, and began to pull out bottles. Two of them went to the hoses and each grabbed one, wasting no time to turn it out and start spraying them. Elphie danced as the cold water hit her pelt, but a sharp reprimand made her force her hooves stay still. She sniggered at Blondie who got the same warning. It had only been about a few seconds before they were soaked through and dripping when the hoses were dropped and replaced with the bottles. The contents were squeezed onto their pelts or into the hands of a human and then rubbed into the fur.
After being rinsed clean, dried, brushed, polished, and pressed, they were walked into the stables.
"Our old barn was clean... but it was never this clean." Elphie muttered.
Blondie nodded and the two mares were led into neighboring stalls. The stalls were made with freshly laid bedding, a green water tank by the front wall. The hay rack was set with a mix of alfalfa and grass and the feed bucket had a mix of oats and other treats. Elphie flicked her ears as she dug in, this was the life. It was her life, however near to perfect it was. She peered out the window that had a view of the outside and saw the sun starting to set, being slowly eaten by the horizon.

When I meet the wizard....

The clanking of tack and the grooms setting up for the day made Elphie jump with a start during her nap between breakfast and work time. She still wasnt used to the fast-paced life of the city, and she had already been there two weeks. She was cosntantly wondering when she would finally meet the owner of this fine stable: The Wizard. She had been brought out for light training under saddle every day since she got here. The trainers never overworked her, letting her keep her energy and her desire to work. She lifted her head over the tall stall door, silky grey mane falling gently over it.
Her favorite groom, as well as her trainer, the one they called Tom, came over with her emerald halter and slipped into her stall. He laughed as she lipped at his coat, searching for a treat. He pulled a half a carrot out of his pocket and handed it to her and Elphie munched on it happily as he slipped the halter on. The next moment, she was being led out to the grooming "station." She would be brushed and polished, then taken out for a ride, brushed down again, and let out to graze and frolic in the pastures. However, today seemed different.
The grooms still brushed her and fussed over her mane and the odd part that stuck straight up, but today they took even more care than usual. They even applied a type of jellatinous substance to get her mane to lay flat. Liquid was brushed on her hooves and it took them longer to brush her than usual. But finally they were finished, but instead of Tom taking out the fancy but plain, leather saddle, he was holding an even fancier emerald encrusted saddle, which was soon strapped to her back. Then instead of the plain leather bridal, he held out a bridal that matched the saddle; the precious stones glittering across the browband and noseband.
Elphie was untied and by another young man while Tom swung into the saddle, and they were off. Tom felt nervous rather than his relaxed self, and his usually quiet hands fingered the reins nervously. As they headed down the cobbled paths, they turned a different route, the one that didnt lead into the heart of the city. As the hills shrunk before her, Elphie stared at a magnificant building.
She gazed up at the large stone palace in awe as they pranced up to the gates. She tucked her head and lifted her legs higher, feeling that it was the right thing to do: To be as presentable as she could be. Tom hopped out of the saddle and hit his knuckles against the large, sturdy wooden doors, producing a dull thudding sound. Elphie perked her ears with interest as as face peered out at them through a small rectangular window. The face looked her and Tom up and down, then shut the window without saying anything. Tom only let out an exasperated sigh and placed a hand on Elphie's neck. However, in a moment, the face was back, swinging the large doors open, revealing a large, lush courtyard.

The Wizard will see you now!

Tom grabbed Elphie's reins and walked her into the courtyard. She pranced slightly, perking her ears and looking about her with interest. Wow was the only thing that she could think as her eyes traveled over the beautiful yard. Tom followed a "tour guide" under an arch and before they knew it, a perfectly conditioned arena lay in front of them. Someone strode towards them, Elphie noticing the strength and pride in his long step and the way he held his body and head.
Tom bowed down as he came closer, then straightened back up. Elphi just watched him.
"Is this Elphie?"
"Yes."
"Interesting coloring..."
"Its what made her stand out at the farm."
"I can see why. She fits in well here. You've done a good job with her."
"Thank you, Sir."
Elphie blocked out the rest of their conversation, more interested in the scenery around her. Past the arena was endless grassy meadows. How she longed to just break free and run over there, but she knew it would be no use now... Tom would be taking her home soon and everything would be ok.
The new man had started to walk around her, running his hands over her pelt and muscles, peering into her nose, mouth, and eyes. Elphie held in a large snort, refraining from snotting all over him. Tom was laying a hand restlessly on her neck. She flet his stress coming off him in waves, and she felt nervous from it, shifting her weight slightly. The man had circled her fully, "Beautiful horse... She's a keeper."
"Should I leave her with you or bring her back to your stables?"
"You can bring her to the stables for now."
Tom nodded and dipped his head to the man before turning and leading Elphie away. She flared her nostrils as they went to leave, excited to feel free again after being in the courtyard. She breathed out a sigh of relief hearing the doors rumble shut behind her, feeling Tom seem to do the same. He lifted himself into her saddle once more and they were off, heading back to the stable.
She was brushed and then put back in her stall. She peered over the gate as Tom walked away towards the office where the phone was chiming. She heard him talk to someone, then watched as he came back out.
He was smiling broadly, "Tomorrow's going to be one of the best days of your life Elphie."
Elphie only snorted and nudged his hand as he reached out to pet her. Tom laughed and held out a piece of carrot which she took gratefully. The mare watched him leave the barn and then sunk down into the fresh straw, sighing.

The Wizard and I

Tom came running into the barn. He through Elphie her hay then dashed into the tackroom. The mare glanced outside, it was still dark... Why was she supposed to get up so early? She heaved herself to her hooves and started to eat, trying to ignore the rushed actions of Tom and the crashes and curses that revealed them.
She had barely eaten all her hay when he threw the stall door open and slipped the fancy halter over her head. She watched in amusement as Tom nearly tripped over the door's track and led her out of the stall, making Elphie trot behind him as he raced to get her tied up. She decided to be good natured and go along with it, ignoring the things he dropped and how when he groomed her, he started to use the wooden side rather than the bristles.
Elphie glanced at the horses peeking over their stall doors, blinking sleepily. Some nickered to Elphie, and she nickered back. Blondie stared at the rushed Tom as he nearly forgot the saddle pad as he was trying to get Elphie tacked up.
Blondie raised an eyebrow, "What's got his mind so tied up?"
Elphie shook her head, "I dont know, but he seems happy and kind of nervous."
"Are you going to meet the wizard?"
"I met him yesterday."
"Oh... then I dont know what he could be so... ithat about then." Blondie chuckled and ducked down to eat her hay.
Elphie shrugged and stood patiantly as she watched Tom run to get Blondie next. She heard her snort of protest, "But I was just getting started on my food!" But Tom didnt seem to care and tied her up next to Elphie and went through the same rushed process again.
Suddenly, the sound of many of the young men erupted from down the path leading up to the barn. The next moment, the group of them appeared, flanking the wizard as he strode up to Elphie, patting her neck. Two grooms walked up and untied the two mares, holding them for Tom and the Wizard to get on. Elphie tensed as the Wizard got into the saddle. His movements were clumsy compared to the polished riding of Tom. He held his weight oddly on her back and his hands fumbled with the reins while he got settled. She watched with envy as Tom swung into Blondie's saddle lightly.
"Shall we be off?"
"Yes, lead the way Tom."
Tom walked Blondie down the path and Elphie went to follow. The Wizard felt nervous sitting on top of her, not being able to settle down in the saddle and holding himself stiff. Tom nodded to the Wizard as the path widened out and they could walk comfortably side-by-side. They turned onto a dirt path. Elphie noticed that they were going to ride through the fields and possibly the forest. She began to feel good and awake and started to lift her hooves up a little more, prancing slightly in front of Blondie for a minute before the Wizard pulled sharply on the reins. She sighed inwardly, and pushed her nose out, trying to relieve the pressure on the sensitive corners of her mouth. She heard Tom gently point out why she was doing what she was doing and then felt the pressure loosen and she tucked her head once more, walking politely next to Blondie. She hoped this wouldn't be the whole ride.
However, events like that continued to happen every few minutes as they made it to the field; Elphie would start to feel good, the Wizard would get even more nervous, and Tom would have to remind him gently to give me some room for my head to be comfortable. She started to feel jumpy as the Wizard started to be stiffer and stiffer, until he was almost like a statue sitting on her back. Tom looked at the wizard, "I'm going to pick up some speed, give Blondie some excersize." He nudged the mare into a trot after a nod from the Wizard. He too nudged Elphie and she trotted after Blondie, trying to ignore the pain in her spine as he bounced on her back. She lifted her head as she felt all of his weight in the stirrups and felt him stiffen up even more and he pulled on the reins, trying to slow her down. Elphie simply stopped, annoyed.
Tom looked back at them, "Are you ok sir?" He trotted Blondie around to look at the Wizard.
"Oh, yes. But is Elphie ok?"
"Well..." He looked concerned, "Why dont you go ahead and let me see you ride her..."

Something has changed within me, something is not the same. Im through with playing by the rules of someone else's game."

The Wizard stiffened once more and then nudged Elphie. She picked up a trot but when she felt his weight on her back, bouncing harshly on her spine, she had enough. She picked up some speed and his weight was thrown all over the place, but still most of it was in the stirrups. She threw up her head and turned sharply, only just noticing the horrified look on both Tom's and Blondie's face. The wizard was like a statue in the saddle, bouncing sharply on her spine. She knew that all she had to do was lurch suddenly to either direction, and he would fall right off... and she took advantage of it.
She threw herself to the right, and the Wizard was thrown to the left. She heard a thud and a yelp, not sure if the yelp came from Tom or her "rider." She glanced back at the others, Blondie standing stock still, staring at her, "What did you just do..." Elphie just shook her head and watched a paniced tom run over to the Wizard, then glance up at Elphie. She couldnt stay there, she would be strangled for throwing the almighty Wizard of Oz. Elphie turned and bolted for the trees, not looking back.
Tom looked down at the Wizard, "I am so sorry sir. Are you ok?"
He glanced up at the grey mare he had come to love so much, then down at the Wizard again.
The Wizard noddedd, "I'm alright..." He groaned and heaved himself to his feet. Tom watched as Elphie shot off like a bullet and shook his head.
"If you are alright, I'm sure you wouldnt mind if I went to go fetch her again?"
The Wizard shook his head, "No problem, Ill just wait here."
He sat down on a flat rock and watched as the young man slipped back into Blondie's saddle and kicked the mare into a trot, canter, then gallop and raced after the runaway mare.

Too late for second guessing, too late to go back to sleep. Its time to trust my instincts, close my eyes: and leap!

Elphie weaved between the trees, dodgine branches. She tripped as her bridle got caught up on a branch. She pulled hard on it, and the leather snapped, sending the emerald embelishments flying every which way. She started up again, leaping over a log and continuing to run.
The bridle getting caught on the branch slowed her down, and she looked back slightly at the sound of hoofbeats and saw Tom racing after her on Blondie. She gathered her energy and sped up, faster, faster, until the sound of Blondie couldnt be heard over her own thundering hooves. Suddenly, the ground under her gave way and she found herself sliding down the hill in a mix of plant and dirt. Im going to die... Im going to die. The thoughts rung in her head as she kept on going and she saw a huge dropoff beneath her. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the fall, but was shocked when she stopped moving. Am I dead already? She peeped open one eye and breathed out a sigh of relief when she was but 5 feet from the drop off.
She heard a startled yelp from Tom was he pulled up beside the slide. He hopped off of Blondie and tied her loosely to a tree then shimmied down the hill towards Elphie. The mare struggled to get up as he approaced her, but the man lay a hand on her neck, holding it down, "You need to stay still Elphie."
The mare stopped struggling as Tom carefully cleared the rock and dirt away from her legs. Finally, he stepped back and watched her get up. He had picked up the mangled bridal when he saw it, and now draped the reins around her neck, leading her up the hill anad stopping next to Blondie. He sighed looking at the saddle. The thing was in shreads. He wasnt even sure if it would fall apart if he touched it. Elphie stood still as he unstrapped the girth and pulled it off of her, but then stepped back when he reached out to pat her nose.
She noticed the saddness in his eyes as he realised she didnt want to come back to the stable; she didnt want to face the realization that she had thrown the Wizard of Oz from her back. Tom turned with the mangled saddle and bridle and went to get back up on Blondie. Elphie stretched her nose out to nudge his back. The young man turned and smiled weakly, but was not able to hide the tears forming in the corner of his eyes. He placed the saddle on Blondies back temporarily and threw his arms around Elphie, who just stood there and sighed.
Tom pulled away and secured the other saddle to Blondie before lifting himself into the saddle. He turned and glanced back at Elphie.
"I guess you've made up your mind, hm?"
The mare stared at him. Blondie blinked, "Bye..."
Elphie nickered back at them as they trotted off.
Back at the stables, Tom untacked Blondie and instructed another groom to brush her down and someone else to take the good saddle and put it up. He turned to the Wizard, "I am really sorry about what happened sir."
"Im sorry that you lost one of the horses here."
Tom looked down at the beat up saddle and bridal at his feet, "Me too..."
The Wizard sighed and turned around, then left, limping slightly. Tom gritted his teeth and went to Elphie's old stall. He set down the old saddle and bridle outside the stall and started to clean it out. Many people came in to see him; to ask what happened. Tom only shrugged, telling them that she was lost in the woods. He only found the saddle and bridle at the top of a rockslide.
Elphie trotted through the forest, kicking at a bug. She snorted and cantered out into one of the fields. She could see the stable faintly from where she was. Had she made the right choice of leaving? Her mind answered the question for her. Yes, she had made the right choice, if it meant continuing to be ridden by the Wizard.

Borrow the moonlight... until it is through.

Elphie stood at the top of a cliff, grey mane blowing the wind. She was waiting for Tom, as she had snuck out to visit her every night since she "disappeared". She spotted the small, human-shaped shadow at the bottom of the hill, running towards her. She stayed put. The moon was the only light, and she didnt want to trample him as he ran up to her. She shoved her nose into his coat and he laughed, fishing out an apple from his pocket.
"We've all missed you girl."
Elphie snorted and lipped his arm. He laughed and hugged her neck. The grey mare sighed and let him pat her and hug her. She had to admit, she missed Tom very much being by herself... He grabbed her mane and swung onto her back and nudged her to trot. Elphie did so gladly, and soon, they were galloping all over the place. When suddenly, voices and flashlights disrupted them. They both froze, staring at the direction they were coming from. Tom turned her and then she was running; it was clear he didnt want to be seen.
Elphie dashed into the forest, flashbacks of the fateful day coming back to her. She stayed clear of the place where she had fallen in the rock slide. She had traveled the forest many times now, knowing all the good and helpful places. Tom just stuck on her back, trusting Elphie. The light of the flashlights faded as they ran through the woods, but the echoing sounds of the people following them was persistent. Elphie could hear curses coming from Tom's lips as they fled from the people. Eventually, the noise behind them died down.
Elphie didnt know what to do. Should she keep running, or should she stop? Had the people left, or are they just being quiet? She was breathing hard and the moon was beginning to get lower in the sky, preparing for sun rise.
Tom sat up and gently tugged on her mane, letting her walk. The both glanced behind them, and there was no noise except the sound of their heavy breathing and the sound of their hearts beating strong and fast.
"Alright..." Tom breathed, "Time for me to head back."
Elphie turned instinctively and headed out of the woods, ears pricked for any sign that those people were still there.
Back at the barn, the grooms were setting down their flashlights, staring at the awkward young man.
"I swear I saw Tom go up to the hill and the next moment I saw him riding some horse!"
"We never saw anything. Are you sure that it was Tom and not some random person?"
"Only grooms are allowed to the stables at all ours."
"Thats true enough."
"Ill keep a look out..."
"You do that son--"
The man broke off at Tom staggered into the barn, rubbing his eyes, "I heard a comotion. What happened?"
They all stared at the young, awkward groom, who glanced down, hiding his eyes embarrassed.
Elphie paced along the rocky banks of a river, thinking. Why had those people come to disrupt her time with Tom?

Fail quote is fail >.< (No suitable quote could be found)

Elphie tossed her head and trotted up and down the hill. Tom hadnt come to visit her in days. Had something happened to him?! Suddenly, she was a single flashlight beam light up from at the bottom of the hill. She lifted her head and let out a whinny and the flash light rapidly came closer. Eventually, the beam traveled across her body and she freaked, jumping in the air and bolting off, a blur of grey and green. Being on her own has made her jumpier than she used to be.
She heard the clumsy thumping of human footsteps racing after her, but the sound quickly drowned out as she outran him. She nearly slid down the side of a cliff, but stopped herself, breathing heavily.
The young man collapsed on his knees after running behind the grey mare. Yes, Elphie was alive... But how would he prove it to the others? He gathered his strenth and hobbled back to the barn.
Tom was sitting in the corner of Elphie's old stall. He sighed and fingered the green nameplate that once was on the door. He sighed again and leaned his head on his hand. Suddenly, he heard foot steps, then the creaking as someone opened the door, "Elphie's not dead and you know it."
Tom blinked, putting a hand up to sheild his eyes from the flashlight, "What are you talking about Jeff?"
Jeff laughed, "You know what I am talking about. Dont pretend that you werent the one I watched go up to meet her on the hill every night for a while."
"Elphie fell down during a rock slide."
"I saw her tonight."
"You did?!"
"Yes..."

March of the witch hunters....

Elphie waited on her hill, having not given up hope on Tom. Sure he hadnt come for the past month, sure more and more people were spotting her every night. But she would not give up on him. Suddenly, she heard horses' hoofbeats, along with the hushed whispers of humans. She pricked her ears and strained her eyes, but the light from the new moon was much too little to see them well at all. However, as far as she could tell, Tom was not in that group of people and neither was Blondie.
She spotted ropes and halters and suddenly got what the huge group of people were coming for. They wanted to take her back to the barn. Elphie didn't want to go back. She would do anything not to go back there. She was happy out in the wild; learning truly what happiness and freedom is... not what humans want you to think. She threw up her head and let out a squeal before kicking her heels up at the party and racing off. Her nostrils flared and her tail was held like a flag out behind her. The thundering of many hooves told her that she was being pursued... and it wouldnt be easy to outrun them this time, as they werent on foot.
She crashed through the woods, weaving in and out of the tall, noble trees. Suddenly, a familiar scent hit her nose. TOM! She raced towards him and slowed down slightly so he could hop onto her back. She squealed again and he held on for dear life as they raced along the river banks and through the trees. The sound of the grooms behind them still didnt cease though. She felt her own hard beating harder and harder, as well as her breath getting louder and louder. Tom was clinging to her back, not telling her to do anything, knowing that she knew this area better than he did. She felt him look over his shoulder every few moments, checking the distance there was between them and the party.
At one time, she felt one of his hands leave her mane and she thought he was falling, so slowed down considerably. When she looked back at him, she saw that he was only pulling a black hood over his head and she picked up more speed once more.
Yet the hoofbeats continued to be louder and louder and suddenly, Tom forced her to the right quickly. Elphie's heart pounded even more as she realized he was leading her right to were the rock slide was. When he jumped down, she thought he was insand.
"Come on Tom! We have to run!" She pranced a little ways off, then came back. But Tom still looked down at the rocks that were still there. He even started to walk down the hill as the thundering of hooves became louder. Elphie, not knowing what else to do, followed him.
"You need to cooperate with me Elphie if you want to stay free."
Elphie stomped a hoof, understanding him fairly well. The young man pointed to a cleared space, "Lay down there and look dead."
The mare pricked her ears, but stood in the cleared space like he had asked, but he still looked at her.
"Lay down Elphie."
She snorted quietly and lay down in the rocks.
"Good girl, now if you see or hear anyone coming and its not me or Blondie, pretend to be dead. Dont move."
He started to set up the rocks around her and she decided it was a good time for a nap.
"Ill be back for you..."
The people came up to the ridge and looked down at them. Tom looked up "Now do you see."
The dirt on his face were streaked with dirt and he stumbled up the hill. A man at the front sighed, "I guess you were right Tom."
She heard the party retreat away from the rockslide but still didnt dare to move. Tom said he would be back for her.

For Good

She blinked open one eye hearing a single set of rythmic hoofbeats.
"Elphie!" Came the shrill, girly whinny that could only belong to Blondie. Elphie snorted, "I'm here."
She lifted her head to see the mare at the top of the hill, Tom perched on her back. He smiled and jumped down, running down the hill to clear the rocks around the mare. When he had finished, Elphie stood up. Tom grabbed her around the neck then pulled away and headed up the hill.
"Elphie, girl... if you want to be free, you cant stay around the Emerald City..."
She looked at him. What did he mean by that? He continued as they joined Blondie at the top, "I'm going to take you to the forest away from here... where those men cant bother you again. He jumped onto Blondie's back and Blondie swished her tail, "Follow us!"
Tom nudged Blondie to pick up a trot and they were off, headed away from the stable, deeper into the forest. They had to cross a stream a few moments after starting, but it wasnt too much of a problem. They traveled in the woods for a while until they emerged by a dirt road. Tom turned Blondie to the left and then picked up a canter, Elphie following, interested in where he was leading her.
Eventually, they came to another forest, one that smelled and looked way different from the forest by the stables. There was a thin mist clouding between the trees, but it was peaceful rather than spooky. It was just plain beautiful the way the light shined through the branches.
"Well... this is your new home. You like it?" Tom whispered. There were no people around, just the three of them.
Elphie nickered and pranced off the road into the trees, standing in the mist.
Tom laughed, "You look like your everyday ghost horse." He jumped down from Blondie and walked up to her. "Any passerby would freak if they saw you standing in the mist like that."
Elphie nuzzled his shoulder and he hugged her neck, "I'm going to miss you, Elphie." He pulled out a carrot and give it to her, then tore himself away from her.
Elphie nickered and chomped on the treat then watched as Tom swung into Blondie's saddle, "Ill try to find time to come and visit. But no promises."
With a last, griefstricken look, he turned and trotted Blondie away. The mare let out a shrill cry as they left, but when they disappeared, it seemed as though they had never been there.
Elphie sighed and flicked her tail, trying to call them back. It didnt work. She turned and disappeared into the foggy forest in search of something to eat or do.
She knew one thing for sure, this new life would be lonely... but at least she was free.

Other:
Theme Song: One Short Day

SpellCheck in Progress
Inspiration is the Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz and Wicked. Elphie is what Glinda called Elphaba...

[hey-stardust]

It's just an alternative look, faded markings and a different coloured eyes. c: