Across The Dunes...

[echo]

War Admiral galloped endlessly across the vast desert. He was overheated from the lack of water, for the pools he found had no more then a few drops.

I will not die here, not now, not ever...

He plunged forward, pushing his body faster, his hooves kicking up a cloud of sand behind him. The sun was beating down upon his body with increasing force.

I do not belong here... I should just go back home...

He looked out in the distance, and hope sparked in him when he saw trees and water. The spark dwindled out when he realized it was just a mirage.

After running for waht seemed like forever and a day, he came across a small, slightly shaded area. It wasn't a mirage, it was a desert oasis, and it saved his life.

He bent down to drink from the deep pool, and ate the lush grass. The oasis was no more then 20 feet long, and 15 feet wide. He pulled up from the water, and scanned the desolate area around him for horses.

What am I doing? There won't be any horses in this desert. It's barren land everywhere.

His thoughts ad gone from being said in his head, to being said out loud.

He trumpeted a challenge. As barren as this land was, he liked it. When he recieved no call, he reared up, his voice booming when he spoke.

This land is mine!

[cherry]

EBONY;
light up, light up, as if you even have a choice

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She could barely hear the calls from the distance from where she was. She had been resting by a tree when the sounds finally got to her. Her dappled body was weak, tired and hot from being in the sun for so long. As moments went by she grew more and more comfortable and more eager to fall asleep. But as an urgent shrill woke her up, she recognised the few words as claiming the land, and that was just against every rule in the unwritten book. She exhaled, flustered already and she hadn’t even seen the animal yet. Inhaling, she put her weight on her legs and pulled herself up from the cool shade and trot over towards the area where the voice came from.

Standing there, was a stallion with his hopes up too high and his ego grown three sizes bigger because he thought he’d just gained some respect automatically. Too bad that Ebony just had to come and ruin that all; but honestly she couldn’t be more flattered! Quickening her pace over towards the equine she got to the edge of the oasis, which was only a few feet away from the horse. "Sorry babes, easy come easy go. Sorry to disappoint you though!" After a few moments of studying him she lowered her skull and swallowed a mouthful of the water, quite aware of the already rival horse in total reach from her. She lifted her head up with a satisfied smirk after being refreshed by the liquid. Though she was quite eager to talk to the horse she remained quite distant. Years of solitude in this place does have an affect on you.

"I’m Ebony, lead mare of the Desert." Doey brown eyes remained focused on the stag, not as violent as usual but she regained a content gaze on him. He looked fine enough to be lead stallion, too bad that wasn’t happening for him any time soon. She hadn’t actually fought for the place yet, but even considering her age she could hold up her own side of the deal pretty well. She protected this land like a child, she hardly accepted members into this so called herd. She was supposed to be reigning here but what was she reigning over? A few puddles and some wisdom trees? That was nothing to be proud about but if Ebony could change that she would, she was just shy, that was all.

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[echo]

War Admiral

War Admiral started at the fast reply of his comment.

Isn't she just the feisty one.

He snorted, she was proud, yet nervous.

I am War Admiral, I come from a racing stable, you may call me Admiral for short, if it suits you.

How is it, do tell me, that a mare such as yourself does not have a stallion to run the place, with you by his side?

Not so easy come, easy go, as I'm not one to give up. It's in my blood, you know the drill, it's a Thoroughbred thing. We do love competition though.

He moved closer to her, until he was right in front of her face.

He flicked the flies from his back, and stared into her deep brown eyes.

There's wisdom in your eyes, I can feel it. There's also a headstrong personality as well.

He butted his head softly against hers.

So, am I going to have to fight you, which I really don't want to do, considering it would scar your pretty body. Or can you just accept me as lead stallion of this land, considering there currently isn't one?