Unbridled Love - Private rp with Brooke0518

[brooke0518]

Looking over at Ember, Tempest shakes his head, gently nuzzling her a bit. "No, I don't. A stallion will often have between five to six mares. I have been on my own for a fair while. I used to be in a bachelor herd. That is a herd where young stallions and colts come together. In a herd, it's generally just mares and one stallion. There are foals, both colts and fillies, but once the colts get old enough, the stallion will chase them away. I've never had a herd of my own before. If you wish, we can start a herd of our own, just you and me. I typically stay here, on this patch of land, that the herds consider to be neutral land. This is the only patch of land, that herds, overall, won't touch. A lot of the times, it's where older horses go, when they are forced out of their herds. They stay here. I just happen to take advantage of that. I may leave this land, one day, if it becomes too crowded. When that time comes, you are free to come with me. If you don't want to join another herd, I will protect you from other stallions," He says. Looking around, he shakes his head. "There aren't enough resources in the whole land, for one big herd. There would also be complications with authority....who would get to tell what horse, what to do. On top of that, a stallion never wants to raise and take care of foals, who belong to other stallions. Those are not foolish questions. You are learning. Every question is good and important, to better understand us," He says.

[tenebria]

Starting with slight surprise at his touch, Ember shifted, trying to dispel the natural discomfort she seemed to feel at the touch. She just wasn't used to anyone touching her, although now it was more of a reaction than a thought process of discomfort. His explanation swiftly removed the emotion and she frowned, listening hard. Wait they did that? She'd known from the other mares in her past life that stallions came and went, and were not attached to any one mare, but she had thought it was just because of the humans! Well... it was more that she'd never thought of it another way. At his proposal of starting a herd of their own, she looked over at him, a bit startled. What.. what did that mean? Did it just mean they would travel together? She assumed so... but did he mean more? Uncertainty once again flickered through her, but she decided not to address the subject directly, especially as he had just said he'd protect her. Her heart thumped slightly at that. Had anyone ever said that to her before? There was something about it, knowing that someone would protect her... warmth flooded away the uncertainty. "I..I'm not sure yet what all this herd idea means" she said slowly "But I know right now i'd rather travel with you than with any herd." she said quietly. Which was an obvious statement, she had barely been able to trust him, and now he was the only one she knew she could trust. Plus she hadn't met any others, besides Cloud. So much to come in the future! His response to her question made her toss her mane with a frown. "I didn't think of that" she said musingly, glancing at the ground as a log loomed up and carefully stepping over it before continuing "I suppose now that I think about it, a big herd would be more complicated. The humans.." she hesitated, then finished her sentence "The humans seem to have little herds in their houses, and a barn of horses is a bit like a herd i guess" she said, trying to make it make sense to her, who had only known confinement and regulated social activity with the other horses. A slight smile passed over her muzzle at his calm reassuring words. "I suppose I will have more questions than I thought. It's like... it's like starting all over. I don't seem to know much of anything" she said with a rueful sigh.

[brooke0518]

Noticing the way that she shifted, Tempest takes a step back, figuring that maybe he was getting a bit too close. Ember was new, so this whole situation was different to her. If she wanted some space, then that was something that he could give to her, while making sure that she was safe, and knew what to do, when it came to survival. He knew that with a herd, that meant foals, but that was not a topic that he was going to broach. She was new, and the entire purpose of this, was for her to experience freedom, including the freedom to choose. Whether it was with him or another stallion, he was leaving that choice, completely up to her, on her own terms. "There is a lot to think about when you are out here like this. It is a decision that is ingrained in all of us, because this is the way that we have lived for generations. I expect that you have more questions, since this is a way of life, that you are not accustomed to. Humans have softened a lot of horse breeds out there. They no longer have that drive for the wild, as it is buried under years of living with humans. It can be brought out, but it is a long process," He says.

[tenebria]

Ember gave a small nod "There is... a lot" she agreed with another slight sigh as she met his eyes before glancing ahead of them to think about what he was saying. "Well that's definitely me... as far as I know, my family as far back as i've heard has been from barns and humans. That must be why I can't seem to pick up on any of this very well" she said with a slightly sad expression before shaking herself, realizing how silly she was being. She looked up with a slightly embarrassed expression. "Considering this is my first day in the wild it does make sense i can't pick up on it all yet of course" she said hastily. She wanted him to know she wasn't expecting everything to come easily to her whenever she wanted or needed it, as most horses in human captivity, or at least those who were in better barns than she had been, all seemed to think. "I'm willing to work towards the knowledge and the instincts, as long as it takes" she said with a bit more firmness as she limped a bit quicker.

[brooke0518]

Looking at Ember, Tempest gives a reassuring snort, as they continue down the dirt path, trees on every side. "That's alright, Ember. You are new to this. This wasn't your fault. The way that horses and man h av e intertwined, has changed a lot of things," He says. He knew that he would never put himself in a position, to work with humans. He had no interest in that. He valued his freedom too much, to give up such a thing. When they reach the mouth of the woods, he stops, encouraging her to stop as well. "Look. This is a place, that is of the utmost importance to a horse," He says. Looking out ahead, he gazes at the lush, vibrant green meadow, in front of them. The grass was tall and full, clearly full of nutrients. And everywhere, amongst the grasses, were various types of wildflowers. There were also various bugs, buzzing and fluttering around the flowers, and birds chirping, overhead. "I think it's time, we stopped and got something to eat. Here, you will have access to some of the richest grasses, that are available. Are you hungry?" He asks.

[tenebria]

Ember sighed, his words were certainly true. Humans... they twisted all they touched to slave under their power. A moment later she realized he was slowing to a stop, and lifted her head, her breath gasping in her throat, eyes widening as a soft breeze lifted her mane. It as like a dream. But better than a dream. Because it was real. "Tempest" she finally breathed out, still just staring. "How... how is it so beautiful?" she murmured to herself in disbelief. She remembered meadows like this, faintly. And none as lush, as wild, as beautiful. It was peace and safety and comfort all wrapped into one. Tempest voice snapped her out of her daze, and she looked over to him, her eyes gleaming, a true smile on her muzzle. "I'm starving!" she declared with joy, knowing that this time she could easily fill her belly, unlike the other times she had felt such hunger. But before she moved forward, she stepped closer and briefly touched her muzzle to his neck. "Tempest... thank you. I.. I can't express it enough. Never." she said, unable to truly put into words the thankfulness she felt towards the loner stallion that had stepped from the wilds to help a starving mare.

[brooke0518]

Looking at Ember, Tempest's eyes glimmer with amusement. He knew that all of this, was probably overwhelming for her, but he could see that she was excited about this new prospect. So far, there were no predatory animals around, but she was already made aware of that. He would help keep watch over her, and everything around them. Whether it was other stallions, humans, or predators, he was taking his job, seriously. "Well, we have a good amount of rain, that passes over this valley. There are no humans to destroy it, nor their herds of loud animals. Those things constantly eat our food, in other places, so this area, is relatively untouched," He says. Walking out with her, into the meadow, he hears the sounds of birds chirping, the insects fluttering around, and the occasional rabbit, that could be heard rustling in the distance. "Go ahead and eat. You've never had grass like this, before," He says. Feeling the way that her muzzle was pressed to his neck, he returns the gesture, his nose against her shoulder. "You're welcome. You're free now, Ember. You will never have to answer to a human, ever again," He says.

[tenebria]

Ember walked out beside him, listening to his words and looking around with joy. It was just too gorgeous. Too peaceful. Did it really exist? It was wonderful! She smiled at his words and was about to lower her head until she felt him reciprocate her motion, briefly pressing her neck with his nose. A slight shudder of joy and release ran through her. He was promising that. She let out a deep sigh, glancing up and giving him a blissful smile "That's almost too good to be true" she said, but her eyes gleamed with joy at the thought, a thought she would hold onto tightly. And then her belly rumbled, disturbing her thoughts, and she lowered her head to the lush grass, tearing into it with her teeth, and losing all train of thought except that this grass was delicious, and she didn't think she'd ever be able to stop eating it.

[brooke0518]

Closing his eyes, feeling content, Tempest, gently, nudges Ember forward, so that she could take some time to eat. She had had a poor diet, with that two legged human. It was a disgrace....that she had been allowed to get in that condition. The apples had helped, but now was time for her to get on a better diet. There were plenty of plants, that would help her get her energy and strength back. He knew that, before too long, she would be healthy and strong, and her coat would have that shining gleam, that all horses had. While she eats, he takes a moment, to keep watch. Raising his head up, he scans the area, ears flicking around. He was going to be sure, that they weren't attacked, nor would any roving stallion get too close. "Take your time, Ember. We're in no rush. Eat as much as you can stomach, just don't eat too much. You need to slowly adjust to eating regularly," He says.

[tenebria]

Ember glanced back and smiled, eyes bright before lowering her head to the grasses once again, the sweet blades crunching in her teeth. It was so delicious she didn't have time to worry or think or remember, just savor the sweetness and try to wrap her head around the fact that this was now her life. Hearing Tempest she lifted her head again, blinking and swishing her tail, feeling more relaxed than she had in... well... years to tell the truth. She knew she had as much time to eat as she wanted... but trying to wrap her head around that wasn't really working. "I will try not to rush, but habit takes over common sense in times as these" she said with a faint smile around her muzzle before dropping her head again, the sweet smell almost intoxicating in it's strength to her nostrils. But she did try to eat slower, after all, she wanted to savor it all, not just gulp it down!

[brooke0518]

As he keeps watch over the land around them, Tempest occasionally looks over at Ember, his eyes twinkling with amusement, at the way that she was eating the grass. "It's that good, isn't it? Don't worry. When it comes to food, it's always obvious, what grasses, you are supposed to eat, and which kinds aren't so nice to us. The thing about nature, is that it provides for everyone. Some things are best eaten by others, but nature makes it easy for us to distinguish." He says. He leans down, taking a mouthful of grass, chewing the sweet blades, that were full of flavor, before looking back up, around them. It was nice and peaceful, with a cool breeze, and loud eagle, overhead. Flicking his ears around, he looks over, to his left, when he hears the sounds of rumbling hooves in the background.

[tenebria]

Ember looked up again and smiled back, a bit embarrassedly, but she could hear the kind tone to his common sense words. She tilted her head as she chewed, then nodded "That makes sense, so many creature living out here, and yet all survive without any help but nature. I hope I have enough instinct to avoid the bad plants" she said thoughtfully and a bit doubtfully, then she smiled slightly again and dipped her head back to the grass, unable to stay away from it. A wild cry caught her ears and she lifted her head sharply, lookign to the skies to watch the eagle with new fascination as it soared freely through the air. Just as she was now free. It thrilled her to the bone to be able to compare herself to the wild creature and find a similarity. After a few moments she turned her attention back to the grass, feeling herself begin to relax in the calm atmosphere. But the peace only lasted so long. Hearing a shifting from Tempest, she glanced over, then raised her head uncertainly, seeing his attention was directed elsewhere. "What is it?" She queried, a bit worriedly, stepping closer to him.

[brooke0518]

Flicking his ears, Tempest keeps an eye on the nearest hill. He could hear neighing in the distance. They weren't too close, but they could get closer. "It's Neptune and his herd. They are nearby. Neptune is one of the stallions, who is closer to my age. We used to play together, before we were told to leave the herd and find our own bachelor bands. I've known him, my entire life, so it's expected that he would stay in the same area. He lives in his herd, with his mate, Buttercup. I've only run into them, a few times," He says. They used to be close, though nature's rules meant that that amicable friendship, wasn't guaranteed to last. Stallions could be incredibly vicious, with each other. He knew that well, when he had gotten into a fight, with jigsaw, another bachelor stallion. Thankfully, he had only gotten a bite, in that fight, but he had survived, as had Jigsaw. They had stayed away from each other, after that encounter.

[tenebria]

Ember listened intently, her eyes flicking up to the direction, half fearful half curious. But Tempests words calmed her and she gave a nod "Well I'm glad he's your friend" she said with relief, relaxing. "I used to think that meeting other horses in the wild lands would be exciting, but now... now I can only think about if they might want to take me away again" She said, pinning her ears in slight embarrassment. What he must think of her, a scared mare clutching to him for safety. But she couldn't help it. All those warnings about stallions had stuck with her deeply.

[brooke0518]

"Well, some stallions are like that. Many are vicious, because it is survival of the fittest. The more mares that a stallion has, the more offspring that he can sire. Plenty of them will just mind their own business, provided that you stay out of their way. But plenty will always go out of their way, to expand their herds. But many try to ensure, that their herds get too big. The bigger the herd, the harder to manage. Most stallion try to keep their herd, between 5-8 mares, excluding the foals. One stallion tried to collect a herd of 15 mares, and that whole idea went bad, quickly. Now, he keeps his herd at a manageable number, though he did lose his mate," Tempest says. "Neptune is generally pretty civil and his herd is a decent size, with several foals, so he isn't looking to expand, right now."