SSWM - 645
The kitten had mewed, the horses neigh, and Heath simply sighed. It was a breath of fresh air and his mane swaying in the winter’s cool air as he road through the stables and out into the bright sun. They all called to him, even his new feline friend whom he thought would be staying with his love, Ruri. The small cat had followed him home but would no doubt return to the cabin he resided in. They all said their good byes, the stallion that he claimed knocking against the stable door in protest. But Heath needed a solitary moment; he needed nothing more then the sky above and the ground below. The mare he rode so easily became an extension of whom he was that it was only natural for the Marshal to choose her to join him, even for an alone moment. Though he had begun to adorn his form with clothing, he chose none for the ride and sat in the saddle just as nature had intended. He gave her the reins and the two rode through the worn path away from the farm and into the nothing that surrounded it. He felt hoof beats flow to the thumping of his heart, and the wind was all he heard in his ears. Trees gave way to a clearing, and his kicked the roan mare into a gallop. Expertly careening through the frozen grasses, avoiding the patches of snow that lasted the mid winter melt, Heath and mare crossed the meadow only to enter the tree cover once more.
He slowed, feeling his need satisfied and easing the horse into a trot. He patted her neck, calming her as she guided him through the forest. His breathed heavily, just as the horse did. The air was cool, yet not with the sharpness as days past or as they would be in the future. Winter had yet to die to spring, but it was a sweet taste of what they all looked forward to. Lumière moved beneath him, and he allowed her to roam as she pleased. Heath simply rode, and attempted to clear his mind. Things had been calm, yet there were always moments he did not understand. He wished to call the woman he loved his mate, and yet he did not simply ask her. Jac was no longer lingering in the shadows, though Heath still hoped to solve their differences. The male ducked under a tree branch, noticing it just in time. Rocking back and forth for a moment he realized it was best to focus on the task at hand then letting thoughts drift to the future.
Sounds in the distance spoke of a river, but the mare did not need encouragement to head in its direction. He reined her in, and dismounted once she slowed. Cautious of their footing the coy-wolf moved slowly until the trees thinned and then stopped completely at the smell he found lingering near the river and the pack’s border. Honey colored eyes moved up river, finding what caused the scent and surprised at the sight of a wolfess not far from where the pair had emerged. The horse knew no difference in her yearning for water, ignoring the strange wolfess and drank from the cool moving water. Heath stood, motionless as he examined her from afar. It was her scent that startled him, for she was obviously of the Dreaming pack. Heath had avoided such meetings since the leader had banned him and thrown him out of their lands.
His black and sandy colored arms crossed, just before making the blunt decision to cross the river. It was cold, though shallow and the sun shone brightly against his back for warmth. Heath lead the mare across, who gave no protest. If the Dreaming female hadn’t noticed him yet, she was bound to now.