purple burst of paper birds
#1
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6th August . 2pm . Broken Arrow Ranch . Optime Form


The deranged whinnying from the barn was perhaps enough to spook the rather fragile minded animals. The constant banging was also doing something to set the animals spirits into such a frenzy. Saul perhaps would have ignored the commotion inside the barn if it didnt have anything to do with him. But the horse kicking up the storm in the barn belonged to him, or had belonged to him for just two days. There was no doubt in his mind that Maia was a firey spirited horse and that the sooner he could get into the barn to sort her out, the better. A surpressed grin flashed over his face at the thought of the large chestnut mare itching to get out of her stall. It was such that he was perhaps over half a mile away and he could still hear her straining and trying to get out. She was going to be fun to learn to break and ride, although he was slightly concerned that she would be a bad influence on the already clingy Arete. Saul quickened his steps, breaking into a jog as he neared the barn. He lifted the bar holding the doors closed and heard the horse stop its dreadful shrieking.


There we go Maia... A little patience goes a long way...


He murmered before throwing a head collar over his newest horse. She barged out of the stall when he released the catch and Saul just managed to catch on to her and set his paws into the ground. She came to a grinding halt as Saul swiftly attached a lead rope to her collar. Corded muscles bunched and released as he forced Maia to walk slowly towards the paddock. He wasn't going to begin today in getting her to let him ride on her, but he was going to do his best to wear her down so that she would at least let him stroke her. It was a small victory, but a victory none the less. Letting himself into the paddock, he released a small fraction of the rope, feeling her lunge forward and away from him. He allowed her the room to move before taking the long whippy stick he'd used for Hermes, softly touching the tip to her legs to get her to move in a circle around him. This kind of training was mostly boring, but it was necessary he knew to get the horse to trust him.

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#2
WC: 338

Range was flat on his back, watching all the clouds float through the sky at a monotonous pace but he admired them none the less. Each breath his pulse slowing just from the relaxed environment the world seeming to move slower and slower as he reached a zen like state.
So papa's finally married to Nayru which is fantastic. He hasn't looked happier it's fantastic. He owes me big time for that. I'll get to him later about it.
He chuckled to himself his eyes closed getting nearer and nearer to sleep.
That was a good celebration talking to uncle Saul was nice, Eclipse is doing well. those flowers were phenomenal!
His nose twitched from the memory as he smirked to himself. An awkward sound breaking the focus, as his eyes shot open wide. He shot up to a standing position instantly, his ears twitching trying to find the nose. When he heard it again he turned slowly and started walking.
That doesn't sound good there had better not be something bugging those horses
He has a stern look on his face coming over the small hill towards the corral. he notices his uncle Saul.
What's this goon doing?
The smirk returned to his face as he watched the horse try and take off, Saul catching it just in time made him snicker. His snicker turns to a smile as the horse relaxed and Saul started doing what he loved.
Such determination, I'd expect nothing less from a member of this pack.
He began a slow drudge closer still admiring the slowly building kinship between horse and rider. As he got closer and closer the smile on his face grew more and more. Leaning against the corral his tail started wagging uncontrollably.
"Hey uncle Saul, you having fun over there? That horse gave you a run for your money a second ago!"
He began laughing at his jest, proud of the surprise factor that was bound to have.
#3
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nomnomnom


Maia pranced nervously from hoof to hoof as Saul slowly drove her up into a gallop. She tossed her head often, snorting and stamping to show her disapproval of the menial task she'd been given. The young male was fairly certain she'd accepted her fate as being the owned and captured now, but there was still a rebellious streak in her that was going to be hard to overcome. There was a rebelliousness within himself that made the male pause for a moment, knowing full well that he had no intention of squashing the fire out of the chestnut mare. His intentions right now were to wear the mare down, make sure she was good and tired before he approached her. He'd already nearly been bitten a few times in attempting to stroke her muzzle as he would with Hermes or Arete. It was best to take the safe option though.


Jovial words made him pause and look around. The grin that stretched his nephews lips was an infectious one and Saul allowed his own blackened mouth to slide into a smile of his own. He knew his nephew to be coming out of himself now that they were settled in Ichika. For the first month, the chocolate and cream boy had been quiet but driven. He was slowly beginning to get back to his usual self and Saul was happy to see the same in Eclipse. Although not a blood relation to Range in the way he thought, despite his knowing nothing of it, the two looked very similar. Hearing his nephews words clearly through the distance, Saul shook his head with a grin.


I'm having great fun, thank you. Maia's just a little... spirited is all.>


He tossed back in return, a chuckle vibrating through his body. It was good to have a laugh and a joke with his family, especially one who had been there from the very beginning of Saul's return to Dahlia in October. He got on well with both his brothers children, but he had spent more time with Range than his sister. He gestured for the boy to join him before offering a few words; Why don't you come and see how you fare against her? He challenged, a glint in his eye.

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#4
WC: 230

Range's smile turned to a ridiculous one as his bi-colored eyes showed an obvious reaction to the challenge. He shuffled his feet slowly at first unsure as to whether or not he should, beginning to bite his lower lip lightly.
Well....failure is just a learning experience
He leapt onto the corral balancing on the edge of the fence shakily he made his way to the closer edge. Nearing it he almost fell but saved himself as he finally plopped down inside. Shifting his weight from foot to foot getting used to the dirt he now walked on he made his move.
Why does competition taunt me so?
He waited as the horse passed then proceeded into the inner circle inching his way closer to his uncle he jumped over the rope when it got closer, then moved in as close as he could.
"So what's her name?"
He said with a mild subject change curiousity getting the better of him as it always had.
"She's a real beauty! nice coat, flowing mane."
This made his smile ease into a happier one rather then the challenged but it quickly turned back as he looked towards his uncle once more.
"So what was this challenge? and how do I beat you?"
He said this arrogantly pushing his chest out with confidence.
#5
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nomnomnom


He looked a little uncertain at the first mention of trying to contain the animal by himself. Saul had only just managed to hold on because of his superior muscle mass and he knew beyound a doubt that while Range was getting larger, he was no where near Saul's size. He was right to show a little uncertainty. However, boyish competition reared its head and the male jumped up onto the fence, dancing along it while he nearly fell to come closer to the horse and his Uncle. Saul grinned softly as the male dropped down, waiting for Maia to make her round, which she did whilst flaring her back legs out to try and kick the boy. Luckily Range held his caution and waited till she was well past before he moved into the inner circle. He wasnt fast enough to make it all the way to Saul however and he had to jump the rope once before he reached Saul's side.


Her name is Maia


He answered softly, the long stick tapping gently on her rump to get her to speed up into a rocking canter. It was then that Range commented on her mane. Saul knew she was different to most horses- she was chestnut coated but her mane and tail were a flaxen colour, the colour of corn against her darker coat. Hoof feathers were a stark white, as was the blaze down her forehead and nose. She was a beauty, there was no doubt about that. She'll make a fine mother one day. He commented, thinking of his plans to bring more horses into Ichika. As soon as Maia was in heat, he was going to see what Hermes really thought of her.


His nephew spoke once again and Saul thought briefly that he was much like Gideon in this respect. Always talking and conveying emotions, thoughts, feelings. Saul chuckled softly as he puffed out his chest, before reaching out and attempting to push him backwards. Its not a challenge per say... More just to see how you cope with her. I'll slow her down and then I want you to lead her once around the paddock. He said, knowing to lead her, Range would have to hold the lead rope close to his own body and her head. He couldnt lead her in the way Saul was doing now- lunging was something completely different to leading. Slowly her down to a spirited walk, Saul tied up the lunge rope and replaced it with a shorter lead rope designed to keep rider and horse close together. Dodging a squealed bite to his shoulder, Saul handed the rope to his nephew, a smile on his face, but poised to rescue him if something went wrong.

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#6
WC: 224

Range smiled and gladly accepted the rope, holding the horse close he stroked it's muzzle, amazingly it sat quietly as he did. He took a few shaky steps worried about a bad reaction upon nothing happening he lifted his head proudly and began walking.
"Good horse Maia! your doing so well!"
He was just passing the halfway point of the corral coming, nothing but pride as his chest was nicely puffed out and he wore a toothy grin.
"I'm not a horse, but I think Hermes is gonna enjoy her company"
He chuckled having avoided making that sentence dirtier.
I have this wierd feeling...
As the negative thought crosses his mind the horse would buck, the rope coming out of the young man's hands. As the horse spun almost on spot Range saw the back legs coming up. Without thinking he dove between the beams of the corral landing safely outside. Having rolled across the grass for an extra five or so feet just in case Range laid there motionlessly.
That was closer then i wanted.
He rolls onto his back staring into the corral as he begins to laugh uncontrollably.
"Almost took my head off! naughty Girl!"
He sat up and looked to his uncle who had just started to handle the situation.
#7
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nomnomnom


Saul was surprised when Maia dropped her head and allowed the boy to take the lead rope and stroke her. Perhaps he'd been taking the wrong approach with Maia all along and Range had the right idea. Stumped for the moment, Saul watched as Range tentatively moved forward, the chestnut mare moving behind him in a semblance of placidity. He looked confused for the moment, green eyes widening as Range got more confident the closer to the halfway mark they got. Cinnamon backed ears flashed forward at the brown boys praise of the horse that was otherwise proving to be a wild cat as far as behaviour went. It was almost too good to be true.


In fact, it was too good to be true. As Range spoke once more, complimenting the mare, he could see the shift in the air as Range paused. There was a moment of utter silence as Range's gut told him that something was going amiss. With a sharp whinny, Maia whipped her back end round, ears flat against her skull and an angry expression on her face. Range was faster, rolling into the gap in the fence and out the other side. Once her threat had moved on, she began to careen round the paddock, searching for a way out. Despite it all, the look of his nephew covered in dirt on the floor was enough to make him shake with laughter. I guess she doesnt feel the same about you, dear boy. And it looks like she gave you just as much a run for your money as she did me!


He called after the boy as he assessed the situation with his horse gone wild. She was still in the paddock, but she wasnt calming down. With a sigh, Saul took a running leap at her, landing on his middle horizontally over her back. Quick creamy fingers moved to grasp her head collar while his body moved to free itself from her back. He didnt want to be on her when she began to buck. Using the head collar as leverage, he managed to swing his right leg over her body, for a brief moment sitting on her back like he would to ride her, before slipping down her right side and grasping the collar more firmly. She gave a squeal but remained where she was. Saul heard Range comment again and turned with a grin.


That'll teach you to be so arrogant around horses!


He offered before grasping hold of the lead rope and deftly switching it back to the much longer lunge rope. It was going to take a lot to wear the mare down, that much he knew.

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