[lichenfeather]

She is... breathtaking Neara. Amazing job.

Your Name: Lichenfeather
Horse's Name: Called Erämaa (desert) by The People of the tribes but Kufikiria (Imagine) is her true name
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Mare
Legend/Myth: “Grandmother, I saw one! I saw one!” Balru, son of the chieftain screamed as he sprinted through the camp to the old woman’s hut. “What is this child?” The old lady was sitting in a small chair draped with skins of some animal, her wispy hair white with age. “Are you claiming to have seen a dream, a desert spirit?” The boy nodded rapidly. “Yes, yes! I only saw it for a moment but it had a white mane and tail, and a coat the colour of sand and a big white splash across its bum. It kind of looked like a horse!” The boy was jumping up and down in gleeful excitement. The old lady glared at Balru. “Impossible!” she snapped. “That horse, among all the ghosts, does NOT exist.” She continued to glare until his lip began to tremble. “S-s-s-sorry Grandmother. I just thought… because you always told me stories about them that you would want to know.” His voice hit a high note and took on a whiny edge. “Now child. Do you know the story of the impossible spirit, the impossible one?” Balru shook his head. “Well” croaked the ancient voice “Everyone must know the story of Erämaa, the desert spirit.” Balru sat quietly on a purple pillow.

“When the world was young and the whole desert was an oasis the people and the desert spirits lived in harmony. One year, long before my time, a great shaman was born. For many years he brought great goodness and unity throughout the warring tribes.” Balru’s eyes widened. “What other tribes?”
“We know not of the others any more Balru. It is no part of this story.” Balru sank down into the plump purple cushion as the old lady continued in her rhythmic way. “Until one day he went too far. He wanted tribes to bow before him, to pledge servitude and their lives for his experiments. He asked the desert spirits to do the same, but—“ She was interrupted by Balru. “The spirits could talk?!” he asked, awe in his voice.

“They were not so reclusive back then.” She replied. “But yes, so they say. The spirits were deeply by this request and refused contact with the shaman. He was enraged, for, now he had the tribes under his power, he wanted the creatures of our home to bow before him, but they refused. He had a plan to make his part of the great oasis better than the others, but he needed a desert spirit to do so. When they refused to comply he ordered the tribes to organize a hunt, a hunt for the king of the desert spirits. The tribes, poisoned by his words hunted for two moon cycles. At last, unable to capture the king they took his moon coloured daughter. Her coat was whiter than the stars, flecked with pale darkness, so they say. The shaman took the spirit and placed her in a chamber, made of melted sand. What he did not know was that she would fight as he attempted to suck her life away. Instead of using her life force to make his land more fruitful, he took the life from the land and put it into the spirit. The spirit’s coat turned the colour of the sand but was strangely splashed with the white of her former life. She was the desert now, and the people never saw her again. They found the shaman though, a few days later, killed by a snake. This is the story of Erämaa, the one we call the desert. So, my by, you see why it is impossible to have seen such a spirit, any spirit at all. Because they left us long ago. Went back to their own world I suppose. When The People stole her away.” Balru smiled as the old lady closed her eye, but inside he was sure he had seen Erämaa, absolutely sure.

A ways from the camp the mare called Erämaa by The People and Kufikiria by her own kind, smiled, wondering if she would ever see the dark haired human again. She turned away and melted into the desert.

I'm sorry it's so long. I made it semi-fantasy because it is a myth that has been passed down by speaking for many generations, so it has become fantastical. Kufikiria is a desendant of the original horse that the story tells about, but The People don't know about that.

[angelberry]

Your Name: pool9065
Horse's Name:
Height: 16.1h
Gender:
Legend/Myth:

[Arabian.]

This DAM is gorgeous <3 I'm actually going to look up this coat color, it's actually really interesting.... ^^

Your Name: Arabian.
Horse's Name: Little Cloud, but many times she has been nicknamed Willow to represent her grace, delicateness, and beauty.
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Mare/Female
Legend/Myth: In ancient times, a very, very long time ago, a prince traveled across the desert with his small kingdom and beautiful wife. Her name was Geima, meaning "cloud" in Arabic. Her hair was the color of the sand itself, which was odd for her heritage and family background. Geima's mother, father, grandmother... all the way back through her ancestry had thick, straight dark-brown to black hair. But Geima's was wispy, wavy, and as blonde as the cloths she made. Soon after the thriving kingdom set off across the desert, the princess died a sudden death. Little did anybody know, Geima was pregnant. Not even the prince himself knew. But when a sandstorm followed shortly after her body was never found. Whether it was a coincidence or not, no one knew, but the prince glimpsed a pale, sandy colored appaloosa blur on the horizon. It's long, cream-colored mane and tail swept around its head and legs. Peeking out from between her legs, was a small buckskin colt, eyes glittering and sparkling like the brightest emeralds, and mane the dark brown of his mother's eyes and father's hair.

Legend now has it that the beautiful princess had instantly reincarnated into a beautiful mare with a coat color as rare as the largest diamond. The little colt would have been the next greatest prince, and then king. But others say the prince's vision was clouded by grief and his mind has made up the image out of sadness and hope that he had actually had a son. After years and years of the legend, the colt's name was made up; Amir, meaning "prince" in arabic. On the other hand, some stories even evolved into things even a young kid couldn't come up with.

The name Little Cloud was given to the mare seen on the horizon by the prince on that hot, summer day in the desert. Many people claim they have seen this Desert Appaloosa Mustang mare, but most sightings are actually a passing cloud touching the horizon of sand. Some people say they have seen the mare, but really those times have been sand blown into the wind and was mistaken as the beautiful mushroom-coated horse. Those who really have seen Little Cloud were lost in sandstorms after rain that was usually brought after sighting these Mustangs with long manes and tails. The myth/legend passed down from mother to son, father to daughter over millions of years has evolved and changed, but the one thing that stayed the same was the fact that she can walk in her descendants' dreams.

The thing is, this beautifully coated mare really does exist, but many people chose to leave it as a myth and don't dwell on the fact that she could be real. Little Cloud really can walk in her descendents' dreams, and during those dreams each daughter and son suddenly appear in the sandy dunes ofthat are constantly changing, like hot, orange oceans. What happens in those dreams nobody knows, because they are never passed from descendent to friend, but to their sons and daughters. Many times in those dreams, Little Cloud and Amir send signs and messages about their futures.

There are many loose ends to this legend; many things people still do not know about the whimsical mare people have claimed they have seen in later years. Legend has it, as well, that Little Cloud and Amir had more sons and daughters of their own. No one has ever seen those Desert Appaloosa Mustangs because they are well hidden in the oasises of the desert, where no man walks because they think the water and palm trees they see are only mirages. There are so many other things people really don't know about the stories and legends, myths and tales; they've been swallowed up by the sandstorms of time. One of those things, is the fact that Little Cloud's exclusive, unique, special mane and tail length and color were never passed down, and disapear from any of the colts' and fillies' genes. But whether you'd like to believe the legend of Little Cloud is for you to decide.

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(By the way. I apologize for the fact that my story is quite similiar to Abhorsen's. I in no way meant for it to be that way, and I had not even seen her post until I was PM'd about it. I was not inspired by it at all, and it simply was a coincidence that some facts were alike. However, I think that both legends/myths are different in more unique ways and only some basic things are alike. Other than that, I do not believe that I'm at fault and I actually really like my story, so I'd rather not have to change it c: But, I would totally understand, Neara, if you would like me to change it. Again, I'm sorry to have them be so alike but I didn't copy Abhorsen's story or even get inspired to make a variation based on hers. Thanks.)

[Doodle Buddy]

Your Name:
Horse's Name: Aglaia (meaning splendor or beauty)
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Female
Legend/Myth: "There have been many stories of hardship and struggle in the dry, lonely world of the desert. But none are as heartbreaking or mystifying as that of Aglaia. The mare of the dunes. There are many versions of this story, I have heard many and this is my version. Sit down and get comfortable, this may take a while but I promise you won't be disappointed"

Aglaia was born into a herd at a large oasis, this was unusual for a DAM mustang. They are usually alone, but this was the life Aglaia preferred. Until the day the humans came when Aglaia was a young filly. They came on large, noisy monsters that shone and smelled awful. They came charging into the oasis and destroyed everything. They killed a few of her herd members and she was separated from those her survived. She was alone now and she didn't know what to do.

It had been a few years since Aglaia was separated from the others. She has been barely making it by but she has survived. She hadn't seen any other mustangs since the attack but she had sadly seen the humans. Not the same ones but she had seen small bands, like towns. Aglaia resents the humans and the fact they destroyed her life. She wanted her revenge...but how?

Aglaia was 4 now and she was ready to figure out how to take revenge on a certain group of humans who had been hunting DAM's, they recently caught one and it was trapped in a cage. Aglaia had seen him before, his name was Devaraja. Aglaia looked around and smiled when she saw a sand storm coming, it would be the perfect cover for her to slip in and attack. She hid behind the dunes and as the sand storm came down she ran with it, under the cover of the sand she was able to free Devaraja and she stomped down the tents and their food supplies before she ran away back over the dunes. The humans died a few days later and Aglaia smiled as she finally done what she needed to do. She trotted off back into the cover of the sand.

"Aglaia is still out there you know, she is still out there protecting the other mustangs of the desert. She is known for the bravery and strength she possessed in order to save others. She has a new name she is know for now. She is known as foráda to̱n ammólofo̱n, or mare of the dunes. She spends most of her time wandering the desert in search of those who need help, or humans who need to be put in their place. So if you see her my son...run"

[icetea~]

Your Name:*IceTea*
Horse's Name:Amber Rose or Mirage
Height: 16.1h
Gender: female
Legend/Myth:She is a very mysterious D.A.M. She is so quick that if you ever spot her is a cloud of dust or a mushroom cloud like an explosion has occurred in the middle of the desert.its always her kicking up dust.And not to mention how well her coat goes with the sand.Amber Watches a small village everyday curious to see how they live but never goes to close.She also hides out at one of the most beautiful watering holes found in a desert.She has a nickname others refer to her as the Sarabi Legend.She's shy and timmid and never interacts with others so thy who see her believe she's a mirage or a hallucination and therefore she is the sarabi legend.Sarabi is Swahili for mirage..

The legend has is that if a person stranded in the desert crawls around long enough he may be granted a glimpse of the famous sand storm or mushroom clouds formed by the Sarabi mistress.It is so rare people beleive they are seeing things since she's so quick like a blur of a mound of speckled sand. If you are on the verge of death. they say she can sense pureness in your heart. If she does she'll grant you an oasis to replenish your self and take of silently but hinting you back to civilization.

[Temperance.]

Your Name:
Ashwyn

Horse's Name:
Amanita
{Part of the scientific name, Amanita muscaria which is the latin name of a very poisonous mushroom
Thought it was particularly suitable XP}

Height:
16.1h

Gender:
Mare

Legend/Myth:
{This story is told from the words of Nightlock, as a "bedtime" story to her colt Arsenic -both owned by me-}

"Long ago, it is said, the desert was made up of only one great herd. There was peace and tranquility within them, with no one mustang thinking themselves better than the others. Yet one day something changed, a lone stallion, dark as midnight, became discontent and claimed himself to be better suited to lead them than their current herd leader. This caused great tension and strife within the herd, causing it to fragment into two pieces; those that followed the dark stallion, and those that remained faithful to their old leader.

During this time of tension a prophecy was foretold; a foal would be born with an impossible coat. A foal that would change the life of the herd for all eternity.

Sure enough a mare, the mate of the old leader ironically, gave birth to a single filly whom had a faded beige coat and the most confusing aura about her. Her mother named her Amanita, after the poisonous mushrooms that so delicately graced the oasis, and many were frightened of her and felt an odd sense of foreboding in her presence, though they did not know why.

The filly grew into a beautiful young mare, and it was on her third year of life, at the time when the sun was eclipsed by the moon, that a sudden change came over her. It is said that her eyes glowed an unearthly colour, and with a shriek that split the heavens everything changed.

The two herds were whisked about by a great sandstorm that Amanita unwittingly created, engulfed and deposited throughout the desert, yet these scattered mustangs were further separated by the introduction of two new emotions; greed and selfishness. For you see, before Amanita's curse the herd and only ever been drawn by a need to support and better each other, even the black stallion had only been drawn by a yearning to do better than his previous leader for the herds sake, yet now all the mustangs were afflicted by the desire to have MORE, and for it to benefit THEM."

Nightlock's eyes glittered as she studied her trembling young colt, who was looking up at her with fear in his eyes as he envisioned the carnage and terror that had occurred as a result of this.

"That's right my little one, and that is why -to this day- all the mustangs of the desert can never fully be united, for Amanita, the one with a strange coat, cursed us all."

Nightlock paused for a long moment, her eyes growing distant and almost thoughtful as she spoke again,

"Though it is said that in times of great trial, or when one particular stallion or mare attempts to gather many mustangs together in unity, Amanita arrives to scatter them all and fill them once again with greed and selfishness, thus keeping them from returning to the old days of harmony."

[JiaPop]

Your Name: jesus4ever
Horse's Name: Michal (Mih-kael)
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Mare (female)
Legend/Myth: "3 years ago, I saw a beautiful Desert Appaloosa Mustang. It was a filly and she looked quite young, but she wasn't a foal. Anyways, I remember walking towards her, she was alone and she had a long mane and tail. The beautiful filly didn't see me yet and I continued to walk closer. She was prancing about as if nothing was wrong, as if everything was perfect. That's when I came up with her name, Michal. It means 'perfect'. Suddenly, she saw me! Michal turned towards me and cocked her head just a little bit. I remember smiling once I saw that she was a mushroom roan. Mushroom roans are rare! I walked closer, very slowly and she stepped forward too, just a little bit. Without thinking, I thrust my hands forward and she backed up. Then, she ran away. I didn't mean to scare her, especially because she was a mushroom roan. Mushroom roans are very rare to see when you're looking at Desert Appaloosa Mustangs." The man who was talking looked at the dark sky that was dotted with stars before speaking again. "Legend has it, that if you touch a Mushroom Roan Desert Appaloosa Mustang, they will trust you and immediately create a bond with you. Once you have a bond with it, you will be able to sense if there is danger approaching your Mushroom Roan Desert Appaloosa Mustang, and it will be able to sense if danger is approaching you as well. Also, if you're within ten miles of your 'partner', you'll be able to call it and it will come to you. You will also be able to read each other's mind and feelings. The mushroom roan will also never bond with another human being until the bond is broken. It is very special bond and the only way to break it, is to say,'I set you free my friend' in Hebrew." A low sigh escaped the man as he bent down and picked up some sand, letting it sift through his fingers. "I wouldn't break it though. They're very rare anyways." he murmured as he started to walk away. "Maybe you'll find one yourself, like how I found Michal."

3 years ago...

A mushroom roan Desert Appaloosa Mustang cantered through the sand in silence and she came to a high point. Then, she let out a loud whinny, rearing up, as if she was worshiping someone. Her name is Michal. As her hooves made contact with the sand again, she looked at where she came from, not surprised to see no tracks. Michal then started to trot in a large circle before stopping and kneeling down. With a sigh, she rolled and stood, shaking sand off of her fur. "Ah. How it is such a beautiful day!" she cried out with a whinny.

Suddenly, the mare heard something move and she turned to see a human. It was a male with medium dark skin and black hair at the top of his head. The sides of the human's mouth moved upward and Michal cocked her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. The male then took a step forward, and then another. With great caution, Michal stepped forward too. Could this be the chosen human? All of a sudden, the male human thrust his forelegs(arms) forward and Michal stepped back. No, it couldn't be. Michal then turned and pushed herself into a gallop, going as fast as she could. Before long, Michal found her herd.

A dark gray Desert Appaloosa Mustang lifted her head and turned towards Michal. The dark gray mare was 7 years old and she was 16 HH. Her name was Zina. "Hello Michal." she nickered softly, taking a step forward.
"Hello Mother, I saw a human today." Michal replied, pawing the ground once.
"Oh! Was it the chosen human?"
"Sadly, no." Michal walked towards the right and looked at the desert in silence, the wind brushing her long mane and tail. Zina then approached her again.
"Michal, why are you so picky?" snorted Zina.
"I choose carefully. That is all there is to it. The human put his forelegs out too quickly. We shouldn't have a human that rushes us." Michal paused before continuing. "The human is supposed to help lead us to a sanctuary after I bond with him. He should be a great leader. Not ambitious, but kind. He shouldn't rush us, but make sure we are safe. The human needs to be just right." Zina shook her head after listening and snorted.
"I just don't understand you. I'm gonna go. Okay?" Zina started to step away once Michal nodded and dismissed her with a wave of her long tail.
"Okay mother." Michal looked towards the horizon as stars slowly started to dot the darkening sky. It was a beautiful sight to see. Thunder suddenly filled the air and Michal turned and looked in the direction. Because a human had spotted long-haired Desert Appaloosa Mustang, a storm was coming towards the location the human had spotted her. Michal smiled slightly and lowered her head, looking up at some of the stars. "Oh Chosen Human, where are you? You need to be honest, kind, caring, and wonderful, yet I cannot find you! How I wish you could appear, so I may help lead my herd to the sanctuary, where we will be safe from humans and only you will know of our location. Please show soon. Please." Michal nickered lightly as she lowered her head and allowed herself to fall asleep in her standing position.

4 years later...

A herd of Desert Appaloosa Mustangs walked in a desert, getting closer to their sanctuary. Michal was leading hem along with a light-skinned human that had dark brown hair. He was the Chosen Human and his name was Aaron. Aaron had bonded with Michal months before and now they were leading the herd to the sanctuary. Michal felt tired, but joy flickered in her heart as the herd edged closer.

Aaron's feet dragged across the desert sand as he trudged along. Suddenly, he fell and lay there in silence. Michal stopped, which caused the herd to halt as well. The mushroom roan nosed the young man with wide eyes, hoping he was okay. Aaron then turned onto his side and looked up, shading his face from the hot desert sun.
*Get on my back.* Michal thought-spoke to Aaron and he slowly got up, his legs shaking.
*Okay.* he replied shakily, trying to get on. On the first try, Aaron collapsed. He then tried again and got on successfully. Together, the two led the herd towards the sanctuary. Finally, they got to the sanctuary. It was a large oasis, filled with plants and grasses, surrounding a big, sparkling pond.
Aaron then dismounted and looked at Michal with bright eyes. *I will see you again, my friend.* he thought-spoke, rubbing her face gently with his hands. Michal bobbed her head, agreeing. After a few nights at the oasis, Aaron's energy returned and he traveled home, hoping to see Michal again. When he got home, he told his family about a beautiful horse he saw and became friends with, but he didn't go into detail.
(Very beautiful.)

[Glint.]

Your Name: Glint.
Horse's Name:Soul
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Female
Legend/Myth: W.I.p

[ChristainAnimalLover]

Your Name: ChristainAnimalLover
Horse's Name: WIP
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Female
Legend/Myth: WIP

[Merlin's Heir]

Your Name: TheHorseWhisperer
Horse's Name: Asisa ('Aw-cease-uh')
Height: 16.1h
Gender: Mare
Legend/Myth: Legends and myths are... strange things. To believe them or not to believe them? Well this one, I assure you, is very simple and straightforward. Believe or not, that's your choice. But personally, I think this one rings with truth.

Long ago, the spirits of the desert were looking down upon the Desert Appaloosa Mustangs. They saw that there were many impure hearts and the number was getting higher every moment. They had no great leader to look up to, no "role model". So the desert spirits decided to make one for them. They argued for days, discussing whether it should be mare or stallion, young or old, and so on. Finally they decided on a mare. Young, about four years old, to symbolize the innocence of youth. Then they tried to decide on a color.
"Chimera," one said. But another reminded them that there was already a chimera, and that, since chimeras were rare, they should not create another during the same century. The one who suggested it argued that it would make her special. Then one spirit, Aenepanályto*, the spirit of uniqueness and individuality, who had been silent the whole time, suggested something.
"Mushroom," she said. The others all turned to her, confused. "Mushroom roan," she repeated.
"Mushroom roan?" a spirit asked in surprise. "That's not a color!"
"It is," Aenepanályto replied. "A very rare, supposedly mythical, color. That would be a very appropriate decision, seeing as most Desert Appaloosa Mustangs consider us myth." And so it was decided. A mushroom roan mare, four years of age, perfect and pure of heart, to lead the others back to the right path...

*Aenepanályto - a modified version of the Greek ανεπανάληπτος (anepanáliptos), meaning "unique"