>>folsom [p r i s o n] blues<<

[Swifthoof]

I'm stuck in Folsom Prison
And time is d r a g g i n g by

It was a quiet day at the US Army Fort. Men attended to their usual routines. The horses were fed and watered. The heat and dust were relentless.

A scream interrupted the quiet as the large, wooden gates were opened and men came in, dragging a bay horse along with them. The mare reared and let out another defiant whinny as she tried with all her strength to break free from the ropes that held her. At one time she even tried biting and nibbling at them, but the two-legs quickly caught on and wrapped a cloth around her muzzle.

Her teeth were bared in rage as she had managed to turn and was just in time to see the gates close, blocking her escape. No! she thought as she bucked wildly to try and get away, but was held fast by the men. Katori shook her head furiously in desperation and rage as she eyed the ones that took away her freedom. She had been with her father out in the plains, talking and grazing until the sound of hooves and the smell of men made her father snap his head up and tell her to run. She had obeyed and followed him to the safety of the woods and once there, he split off from her as he was trying to lure them away. Katori had kept running, but the ground had suddenly collapsed beneath her; an old wolf trap. Luckily for the mare, the spikes that were there had been dulled with time and had broken under her weight. A few moments later, she had been captured and pulled out to be brought here..to this prison.

The sight of four posts came to her view and she dug her hooves into the dirt, but it was no good. There were too many people and too many ropes. Two ropes were tied to the posts that were attached to her head along with her neck, her middle and her legs. If anything, it looked like they had learned their lesson when Spirit was here. Her sight was soon cut from her as the men put a cloth over her eyes and tightened the one around her muzzle to prevent her from fighting back.

Her ears soon pricked to an odd sound then she felt as if her mane was falling off. Shocked, she tried to get away, but the ropes held her steady. The bay would have to endure it. Her tail felt lighter and she assumed that they cut it as well. If she could, she would have hung her head in shame as she felt her hooves being lifted, one by one, as a two-leg attached something to it. She didn't know what it was, but her hoof felt a bit heavier after that.

A sharp odor caught her nose and she immediately caught the scent of smoke. Instinct rose up in the mare and she let out a muffled squeal of fear. Katori tried to rear, but the ropes cut into her pelt, making it painful. A moment later, her left hindquarter felt as it was being torn off and pain seared into her skin. It was burning her! Then the pain was gone as quickly as it had come, but whatever it was, it still stung. Soon, the cloth was taken away from her eyes and her gaze fell on a rather large two leg in front of her, smiling triumphantly. Green orbs narrowed and she lunged at him, but the ropes cut her short and she could only glare holes into this monster who dared reduce her to a slave.

She felt the ropes being cut and was then brought to the corral. The cloth around her muzzle was then taken off and she whirled around to tear into the nearest two leg but was cut off from the fence. An angry snort escaped her nostrils before she turned on her hoof and studied the corral that now held her. The fence was too high to jump, but maybe if she behaved they would give her other liberties. Katori closed her eyes and swallowed her pride before she went off to a more isolated part of the corral to think of an escape plan.

[iHorse]

(occ;; hope you don't mind me jumping in. ;3)

The day had started out normal for him. His breakfast was brought to him and the water trough was filled. Everyday routine started yet again. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

Mandatory in the routine was to do a routine. Most of the trainee horses were brushed, saddled and bridled. Soldiers came and mounted, and off everybody went to practice the drills. Bays, browns, roans, chestnuts, sorrels, the odd spotted one- only one truly stood out in the drills. Desh arched his neck and mouthed the bit as if it were just introduced to him, a foreleg extended and struck the ground as the weight of his rider settled on his back.

Cremello stallion obeyed in a docile manner as his rider directed him toward the forming lines of horses. Near the rear- as always- he obeyed the bit and positioned himself directly behind the horse ahead of him and directly in the middle of the horses at his either of sides. A command was shouted and everyone moved into a stiff legged walk. The sun, ever vigilant, burned the necks of the riders and made the horses irritable. It made everybody sweat.

Another command was shouted and every horse moved up into a dog-trot. Each and every leg was positioned correctly. Every equine was in tune with the surrounding equines, and the commands from their riders. Ears were pricked in attention, necks arched attractively. Mane had been roached, nothing but stubble remained. Tails belled off, as straight was a ruler, maybe even straighter. Every hoof was shod with heavy, unfeeling iron. Each haunch was burned with a brand. It was the US Army Fort and their mounts.

A command was issued and the 'herd' began to turn, to finish their first round around the large fort. It was almost cut off by a piercing scream. Many jumped in their seat, riders reined in their mounts, trying to get them back in line. Desh stopped completely and turned to watch as a bay was dragged into the wooden pavilion. Her defiance was every bit visible. Yet- nobody cared. He couldn't help but whinny back to her in an attempt to console her. It was only that her freedom was gone, just as nearly every horse there had had it's freedom taken away.

His reply was lost in a shout from a Sargent. Of course, he was shouting at him and his rider. Desh became away of the spurs digging into his white sides. An expression came to his face, clearly saying: 'Oh, you're talking to me! You want me to move? Forward? Well! Why didn't you say so?' He could smell the anger from the Sargent and the irritation from his rider. Mustang flicked his tail in mute triumph and continued on with the routine ride.

His attention kept wandering back to the bay mustang. Out of his blue eyes he watched as the two-legs swarmed her into angry submission with their snake-like ropes. Her wild mane was roached, nothing left but a mere inch or so. Her tail was trimmed into decency. Her unshod hooves feeling the cold dead weight of the iron shoes. Finally, as a muffled squeal of fear rose with the sharp scent of it, she was bitten by fire. A mark would forever rest where it had bitten. He remembered his freedom being taken away. Desh snorted when he felt the quirt on his flank, he had stopped again. 'No need to do that! You only had to ask!' Cremello grunted as he pushed himself back into a trot.

They continued doing rounds, and his attention, like most of the other horses, were on the newest recruit. Desh noted that the ride was near finished. He calmly took the bit into his mouth and refused to halt with the others. A loud slap of the quirt on his neck, surprised him enough to release it. The Sargent released the riders and they returned to the stables. The hot sun was gone as they entered the coolness of the stables. Each horse got a rub-down, and a quick grooming. Desh shook himself, and looked forlornly out into the corral. 'I wanted to roll!'

Snorting in irritation, he tugged at the rope halter around his head. Cocking his hip out, he rested with his weight at an angle and noticed that the bay mare had been released into the corral. She seemed to be moving off to a quieter spot in the corral, away from the two-legs. Pricking his ears forward, he bugled out a salutation that partly wanted her to look in his direction, and maybe even come over. He figured some talking might take her mind off of her predicament- but he could be wrong.

[Swifthoof]

Green eyes flicked around the fort as she tried her hardest to find a weak point within the walls. Men were walking around near the top of the walls with odd, black sticks in their hands. Guns. She knew that even if she did manage to get out, she would surely be shot down.

Tossing her head in irritation, she struck at the sand with her hoof. She had to get out somehow. A snort left her nostrils as she turned her head toward the gates, her ears pricking forward. From what her father had told her, the gates were opened at least twice a day to let the humans and their mounts out for patrol and then were let back in during the evening. Her only chance would be during those times but with the fence too high to jump, it would be difficult.

Her mind whirled with strategies before a bugle interrupted her thoughts. Cautiously, she turned her head and caught sight of a white horse in the stables. Was he calling to her? She turned her body at an angle, one ear pricking forward as the other bended back slightly as the bay wondered if she should answer. A snort of uncertainty left her nostrils as she looked at the other horses that were in the stables. They were a lot of different colors, but the white horse stood out like a sore thumb. Perhaps if she made some friends, they could help her get out. It was worth a shot.

Swishing her newly cut tail, Katori slowly made her way toward the white stallion pausing every now and then. Her hooves felt a little heavy, but she supposed that she would just have to deal with it. Coming the side of the fence that was closest to the stables, she let out a nicker of greeting to the white horse before speaking.

Hi

[/color] she said as she shifted her weight from one side to the other as the sun mercilessly beat down on her back. Her mouth felt parched and hunger clawed at her belly, but from she could tell, grass was nowhere to be found. What did these horses eat? Sand?[/blockquote][/size]

[iHorse]

Rubbing his chin on the wooden wall of the stable, just above where his rope was tethered, Desh awaited for his bugle to be taken into consideration. Blue eyes watched as the bay mare seemed to be wrapped up in her own little world. For when his bugle was heard, her reaction was that of a slow and cautious one.

He bobbed his head lightly when she laid her eyes on him. Good, she had heard him. Abnormally long ears pricked in her direction, one often sliding off to the side as he waited patiently for her to make her way over to the stable. He thought he had heard a snort of uncertainty, but brushed it off as a sound from the stables.

Cremello stallion flicked his tail, the white strands smoothing his flanks and hind quarters. Brushing off any flies that could make a mood more miserable when they stood in the heat. Whuffling to himself in mild mirth, Desh watched as the mare slowly made her way over to him. Pauses were freely given. She was clearly in no rush. Soon she was at the side of the stables where the fence nearly kissed the side of the stable. At her nicker of return greeting, he released a baritone whicker of acknowledgment.

'Hi'

'Hello', he rested his chin on the wood, his pink muzzle just out of reach of the sun. His hide was prone to burning if he was not kept out of it. Even though he knew that, he longed to be out under the warmth of it. He was always in the shade, and only turned out for a few minutes near dusk or evening. He whuffled to the mare, 'Welcome, I'm Desh,' Huffing out a friendly puff of air. Eying her restless behavior, he quickly glanced at the gate, the four posts, and her mane and tail, he drew his head back. 'Feed might come to you tonight, with our evening feed. Or you'll be broken with no food or water for some days.' He usually wasn't good with being subtle, but being blunt and straight to the point was his forte.

[Swifthoof]

Black tipped ears pricked at his words and she could feel dread filling her. Great. If they tried riding her now, she would surely buck the humans off one by one but if they waited a few days, waited for her to weaken just a bit...then she wasn't so sure if she could do it. At least she got a warning from this white stallion.

Pushing that aside, she soon responded back. Thanks for the warning. I'm Katori. Nice to meet you, Desh

[/color]. A friendly smile adorned her muzzle before she soon sighed and rested her chin on the wooden post. Her gaze then couldn't help but wander toward the doors again and she longed to get out and run full speed back to her home. At least there there were no fences or ropes to hold her back. Briefly, she looked around the enclosure, her ears swiveling to catch the sounds of the fort. It was so strange; like a different world to the mare. Why did they capture her? From what she could see, the humans looked like they had plenty of mounts. Unless..they need mares... she thought and she hoped that wasn't the case.

Snorting again, she soon focused her attention back on Desh. How long have you been here?[/color] she asked, tilting her head slightly in a curious way. Perhaps if he had been here long enough, he would know some of the weak points of the fort. [/blockquote][/size]

[iHorse]

Looking at the two-legs doing ground work drills, Desh could only find mirth in it. Working under the hot sun, no rest until sundown. Of course... The horses would be brought back into the picture in perhaps another hour. A patrol would have to be done, check the perimeters for such and such.

Dragging his blue eyes off of the working two-legs, he returned his full attention back onto the mare. Blowing out a soft puff of air when she responded with her name.

'Thanks for the warning. I'm Katori. Nice to meet you, Desh.'

Roman muzzle dipped as he bobbed his head, It may or may not come in handy, but your welcome. Katori- nice to have had you cross my path. He whickered in a friendly manner. Desh turned his gaze to follow Katori's as it headed toward the gates. He had done that very often when he had been first captured. Longing to be back out there- in the wilderness, back with his dam- instead of in this god-forsaken land of dirt and sand. At the memory he pinned his ears and struck out at the stable wall. 'Thud, thud, thud.'

With a sigh, he ceased his activities and laid his chin back on the wooden wall. Pink lips pursed as he thought about his time here. Cremello's thought were cut short, when a question fluttered into his ear.

'How long have you been here?'

Desh looked thoughtful for a moment then heaved a sigh before answering Katori back, If I can remember correctly.. I've been here for two years. He allowed a small smile to show, ears slicked back unhappily, I can tell you- every day of my first month, maybe into the second, I rebelled strongly, but I found myself getting accustomed to the bit, the saddle, the weight of a two-leg. I even fell into their routine before three months was up.

Snorting away such foolish talk, Desh did not wat to dash anyhopes of the mare. She was only new to the fort, and had fight in her. Though, every horse that came here had fight. Desh suddenly pricked his ears forward with energy, and pondered a question aloud. A smile on his pink lips, How long do you expect to stay here?

[Swifthoof]

The sound of humans yelling made her turn toward the source to see them lined up and walking as one while one yelled out commands. The bay mare shook her head briefly in a confused manner. She would never understand humans or their motives.

The cremello's whicker soon had her turned back to him and a small smile crossed her muzzle before she nodded in acknowledgment. Green eyes watched as his ears had pinned back and he struck out at the stable wall, the sound reverberating through the fort. So, it looked like he still had some fight in him and wasn't happy about being here. If she got out, she would surely be happy to help him escape too.

If I can remember correctly.. I've been here for two years.I can tell you- every day of my first month, maybe into the second, I rebelled strongly, but I found myself getting accustomed to the bit, the saddle, the weight of a two-leg. I even fell into their routine before three months was up

Her eyes couldn't help but widen slightly. Two years...that seemed like a lifetime to the bay and she couldn't help but wonder what she would do if she was stuck here for that long. She would surely not let any human ride her even if they tied her up and prolonged to feed or bring water to her, she would fight. Although, Desh had managed to fight for at least three months, so maybe she could do it too.

How long do you expect to stay here?

The mare couldn't help but think for a moment. She wasn't sure how long she could be cooped up in the corral that is if they didn't move her to the stables first. But hopefully, she could stay for three days and maybe escape under the cover of night. Somehow, someway she was getting out in less than a week even if she died trying. I don't know..but I'll get out in less than a week. You can be sure of that.

[/color] she answered, nodding strongly as she pawed the sand, sending up dust. If you want, we can work together and get out of this place. What do you say?[/color] she added, flicking her tail and tossing her head in excitement. [/blockquote][/size]

[iHorse]

Hearing nothing out of ordinary, it made him sigh. Wishing something would happen, that was not-routine. Cremello snorted softly and rubbed his roman nose on the wood, right where the rope halter rested. Long ears were pricked to the sound of the bay mare's voice, only none came to his answer.

Blue eyes flicked up to see her eyes widen at his two years of being captive. He blew out in amusement. It goes slow at first, but trust me, it speeds up when you're ridden every day and everyday you find new ways of fighting. It becomes your routine until you accept it.

In the beginning, Desh had let nobody come near him. Had he known it then, the army almost thought it was useless trying. Stubborn as they were, they never voiced their doubts but tackled the young stallion as if he were the enemy. No points for guessing who won the battle. It was only after a good several months of so-so behavior, that he found he could annoy them in such small ways. He adopted it into his lifestyle, making some days a little more not-routine than others.

His question brought forth an answer, attention was brought back to Katori. She seemed full of life, and more than willing to put up a fight for her freedom. She must have something to fight for, besides her freedom. Something meaningful, he thought to himself.

'I don't know..but I'll get out in less than a week. You can be sure of that.'

[/color]

Desh barely managed to keep a snort of mixed emotions, doubt and near humor, at the mare's answer. His blues eyes couldn't help but widen instead, Less than a week? Thinking over her answer, trying to come up with a polite answer, he found himself listening to a proposition.

'If you want, we can work together and get out of this place. What do you say?'[/color]

His heart leaped at the offer. He could return home! Desh bobbed his head with contagious energy, That would be a chance in a life time.[/b] He turned his attention to the thick wooden gate. It was closed, but that meant it would be open sometime or later. A sudden thought came to him, and he directed his steady gaze back to Katori. Do you have anybody that you were taken away from? Any kin, or such?[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[Swifthoof]

Her head couldn't help but tilt to the left slightly at his words as a small gust of air blew out from her nostrils. She guessed that when she let someone ride her, she would rebel in her own way. A nip there, a kick here and maybe a shove and an 'accidental' trample. It would all balance out in its own way.

She heard his snort of mixed emotions and she shrugged a shoulder. Sure, getting out in less than a week seemed impossible for one horse, but she was determined to do it. Her father managed to do it, not within a week, unfortunately, but she was sure if he could do it, she could too.

At the thought, her mind couldn't help but wander toward him. Was he okay? Did he manage to outrun them? Her thoughts were soon interrupted at the white stallion's exclaim and she smiled at his enthusiasm, tossing her head. At least she would have help and the bay wondered if other fort horses would like to rally with them. Katori was sure at least half of them were born wild like her and, hopefully, still had some fight in them.

Do you have anybody that you were taken away from? Any kin, or such?

His words soon echoed in her ears and she nodded. My father and my mate. My father, Lucian, was here for a few years before he managed to escape a year ago.

[/color] she answered as her gaze soon went to the gate again as if just by looking at the wooden door, it would open. But she knew it was hopeless. The mare had to come up with a plan and fast. Flicking her tail to rid of the flies that pestered her, she soon turned back to Desh.

Katori was about to ask if he was taken away from anyone when she felt a rope land around her neck. Her green eyes blinked in surprise before she turned to the humans that had captured her. Pinning her ears back, she held her head high as they started leading her out of the corral and toward the stables. Baring her teeth in distaste, she entered the stables that had no walls to separate the horses so they were basically free to roam and interact with each other if they weren't tied to a post like Desh was. The ropes were taken off, but she was fitted with a rope halter over her head. The material was itchy and sometimes pinched her skin, but she supposed it was for the humans to have more control over her. As if.

Tossing her head, she kicked out at the stable wall before she looked around and made out the bright white of Desh's coat. At least she had a friend to talk to. A friendly smile adorned her face as she came up to him. So..before I was interrupted....what about you? Were you taken from anyone?[/color] she asked. [/blockquote][/size]

[iHorse]

Each horse in the stable was left to their own business, some were tied, most were left free to roam. The ones that were tied were the trouble-makers. Either maneuvering the latch on the stable door to open, releasing the horses from their captive state. Only they had learned and had caught the ones doing so, tying them to their own area. Plus- a few of them were biters, kickers included. Two-legs made perfect targets. So clueless until the last moment.

Seeing her toss her head at his answer, Desh wondered how they would do it. How they would escape back to the wilderness. The wild. Their home. His question struck an answer, he listened with long ears pricked toward Katori as she nodded.

'My father and my mate. My father, Lucian, was here for a few years before he managed to escape a year ago.'

He bobbed his head in surprise. 'It must run in the family', he thought. Katori's sire had been captured and then escaped. He lowered his head to satisfy an itch on his foreleg, then hearing a sudden scuffle in the corral he flung his head up with a snort. The bay mare had a rope around her neck and a few two-legs swarmed around her. Flaring his nostrils he watched them drag the headstrong mare toward the stables. Tugging against his tether Desh tried to keep Katori in view, leaning his full weight against the rope, he gave up when it put pressure on his poll.

Scanning the stable full of horses, he finally found her walking toward him. He smiled and sighed inward. He still had a friend to talk to. Desh snorted softly and arched his neck, lowering his head, blowing out once. Sorry, I should have been watching. A sheepish smile appeared on the pink lips. Cremello pricked his long ears to her returning question, 'So..before I was interrupted....what about you? Were you taken from anyone?'

I was. I was taken from my mother's side. He looked back toward the wooden gate, it held everybody inside. It may sound silly. A three year old still with his dam. But I was all she had. My sire vanished long before I was born. We stuck together, and I was caught during a storm. They figured she was too old, I guess, so they didn't even try for her. Flicking his ears, he turned back to Katori with a friendly smile, How'd your father escape? You planning on doing the same thing?

[Swifthoof]

Sorry. I should have been watching

At his statement, the mare shook her head and shrugged. It wasn't his fault anyway. It was the humans. Her eyes couldn't help but flick around the stables and she wondered if she was one of the few mares here. Lucian had told her that there were far more stallions than mares and that the females were mostly used for breeding purposes if they weren't used for riding. Katori shuddered inwardly. Autumn's a season away.. she thought as she looked up at the sky, but found most of her vision blocked by the stable ceiling. At least it would help her keep cool and maybe she could observe the humans activities from here.

I was. I was taken from my mother's side. It may sound silly. A three year old still with his dam. But I was all she had. My sire vanished long before I was born. We stuck together, and I was caught during a storm. They figured she was too old, I guess, so they didn't even try for her

Black tipped ears flicked back to the white stallion and she couldn't help but turn and give a soft, sympathetic snort. So they had both lost their mothers. For him, it was a capture and as for her, a wolf pack.

How'd your father escape? You planning on doing the same thing?

Katori tossed her head as she worked her mind on what he had told her. It hadn't been much, but she supposed she could work on what he had said. He didn't really tell me much. He said that the two legs were predictable and that he behaved himself then once he got the chance, he managed to get out.

[/color] she answered, shrugging as she looked toward the gate again. Freedom was just beyond those doors and all she had to do was figure out a way to get both her and Desh beyond them. [/blockquote][/size]

[iHorse]

The sun slowly climbed to it's peak in the sky, and it wouldn't be long now until it settled down close to the horizon and sank out of sight. It would then get cool, and more comfortable for the horses, as well for the humans. Everybody would soon be getting antsy, and pretty soon it would be time for the afternoon patrol, then closer to evening another one.

Stallion sighed, he was most often chosen for the the evening patrol, and chosen for the lead. He was the one that everybody could see, and keep with if they somehow got separated. Even though this was a strike against the two-legs if they were to be under ambush, it was somewhat practical. Plus, if it wasn't in the evening, then it was in the morning. Never in the afternoon, being prone to easy saddle rash under the intense desert heat.

Desh came to just as the bay mare shook her head with a shrug. He blew out softly, a persistent support. She might have been able to give them a run for their money, or make them work. Then again, she would be exerting herself as well in such a heat. Thirsty, and most probably hungry too. Freshly branded, and shod. Perhaps it was just as well that they had caught her quickly.

Ear pricked over in Katori's direction as she peered skyward. He raised his head slightly to look- nothing but the ceiling. Her thoughts were her own, as well as his were his. Shifting his weight, he sought a more comfortable position. He settled into one just as Katori snorted sympathetically, an ear flicked toward her again in silent acknowledgment. Eyes were directed at the soldier's barracks. It was almost time.

'He didn't really tell me much. He said that the two legs were predictable and that he behaved himself then once he got the chance, he managed to get out.'

Desh turned so he faced Katori, Well, that sounds like he was broken to me. He probably waited until he was taken out on patrol a few times, then maybe he took his chance then? She was facing the gate again. It was typical behavior, looking at the gate, everybody did it. Horses and two-legs alike, tamed or wild, trained or green. Free rein, liberty and plenty of elbowroom waited just behind it. Complex thoughts were needed, more so than simple ones, if one wanted to escape.

Suddenly a door slammed shut, and out strode a confident looking human. Course was for he stables. Desh shifted his weight again, this time straining his neck out over the stable wall and pushing against the wood. A bugling whinny sounded from him, long ears pricked forward attentively and blue eyes glued to the lone human. It was Shannon. The one who had tamed him, broken him, and had been accepted into Desh's idea of a substitute herd.

Shannon strode over, coming straight toward the cremello stallion. Gloved hand rubbed the roman muzzle affectionately, and half of an apple presented. Desh gobbled the apple and bumped the hand, whickering as he chewed, blowing out twice in show of a favored herd mate. Curious and meticulous eyes ran over the near-by bay mare, quickly taking in a few details. Shannon smiled and turned back to Desh as the greedy stallion searched for more, "Later, bru', later." A final rub was given to the stallion, before a whistle sounded and soldiers began to ready themselves and their mounts for the afternoon patrol.

Walking off to get a mount, Shannon turned on his heel and returned to the ever-so-glad cremello and released him from his tether. "See you later, bru'." With that, Desh watched Shannon mount an already saddled sorrel mare, and spur her into a canter. The gates opened and about twenty some horses and riders spilled out into the afternoon heat.

Sighing, Desh let out a fare-well whinny and then turned to survey the near-empty stables. Walking a few paces away, further into the stable, he stretched good and hard before turning and saying with a smile to Katori, Ah! Finally some leg room.

ooc;; I was unsure if Shannon Owens was a man or a woman. ^^; So I left it pretty neutral.[/size]

[Swifthoof]

Well, that sounds like he was broken to me. He probably waited until he was taken out on patrol a few times, then maybe he took his chance then?

Katori's ears flicked toward the cremello brute and she shrugged her shoulders once more. Probably

[/color] she answered, her voice slightly distant before she rested her head on the top of the stable wall, sighing. She felt so fatigued and her hunger pains were starting to get to her. Looking around, she spotted a trough full of...something. She supposed it was food, but as she went over to it, she took a small step back in surprise.

Delicately, she sniffed at it the 'food' seeming to be clumped and somewhat moist. She had no idea what it was, but it was better than starving. Swallowing her pride, she opened her mouth and took a bite. It was tough to swallow, but she managed it and she couldn't help but make a face. The so called food was so flavorless and bland, it was pathetic. What she wouldn't give for an apple.

Speak of the devil.. thought the mare as she watched a human walk over to Desh and rub his nose and low and behold- feed him that delicious fruit. Her ears slightly laid back in resentment, but she soon pushed it aside. It was pointless anyway. The bay watched as Desh was untied from his post and she took a step back to give him room to stretch his legs.

Ah! Finally some leg room.

At his words, Katori responded with a grin and a light chuckle. Looking around, she saw that the stables were practically empty with one or two horses left as the others most likely went out on patrol. Tossing her head, she looked over at Desh, returning his smile. You deserve it[/color] she said, snorting softly. Say..how many mares are in this place, Desh?[/color] [/blockquote][/size]

[iHorse]

'Probably'

[/i]

Answering with a silent shrug of her shoulders, he missed her action but caught her word. Desh was busy with hunting for the perfect spot to roll, meandering around, upper lip testing the soft layer of dust. Foreleg coming out and striking when the cremello stallion paused in his business.

Finding a spot, he folded his forelegs and the rest of him followed. About to stretch out his neck and begin rolling, he paused when he noticed Katori near the food trough with a look on her face. Something wrong with it? Tasted good this morning. he asked curiously. Morning bran mash, if he remembered correctly. All the breakfasts they got was either sweet feed with oats, clump of hay or on special days bran mash. Many didn't pay attention to it unless it was the oats, only scarfed it down before they had to get ready for training and patrol. There's some hay round the corner, it's stacked pretty close, you can just reach to get it.

'You deserve it'

Smiling back at Katori, he stretched out his neck and flopped over onto his side. Grinding the dirt into his creamy white coat, Desh groaned in pleasure. Finally the pestering flies would be thwarted- well, for a short time anyway- from descending and biting him. Managing to get onto his other side, he flailed his legs and without success of trying to roll back over, he settled back onto his chest. Looking more like a dirt brown paint rather than a cremello when he finished and laid still.

Desh perked his ears forward as the bay mare posed a question, a soft snort drawing his attention back to her.

'Say..how many mares are in this place, Desh?'[/color]

Stallion frowned as he thought, looking around him to try and come up with a good number of the mares caught. Only a few... Maybe around three? Four with you now. It's a small number, but it's all they can catch around here. Bachelor stallion, however, that's a different story. Lots of them, not guarded by a herd. So we have more stallions. Snorting softly, he pinned his ears in curiosity, flicking them forward when he added more, Why?[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[Swifthoof]

An ear couldn't help but flick forward in surprise as the other laid back against the bay's head. This was actually good to him and the other horses? They need to get a taste of some real food soon thought the mare but she guessed that the fort horses were used to it by now. Green eyes watched as the white stallion laid down and following suit sounded good to the mare, but his next words stopped her.

There's some hay round the corner, it's stacked pretty close, you can just reach to get it.

Snorting in curiosity, she soon followed his direction and as she turned the corner the bay spotted what she supposed was the hay Desh was speaking of. To her it looked more like dried, brittle, long stalks of grass that were commonly found in the winter. Shrugging, the mare lowered her head before taking a clump of it out and hungrily chewing it. It wasn't bad but certainly better than whatever she had before. Bran mash was it?

Going back toward Desh, she soon saw that he was rolling around in the dirt, a groan of imminent pleasure escaping him. It sure looked good to her. A small smile soon crossed her face before she folded her legs beneath her and rolled around in the dirt, managing to get an itch on her back out. Wonderful. The mare let out a small whinny in happiness before she rolled back over on her stomach in time to catch his answer to her question.

Only a few... Maybe around three? Four with you now. It's a small number, but it's all they can catch around here. Bachelor stallion, however, that's a different story. Lots of them, not guarded by a herd. So we have more stallions.Why?

The mare took a few moments before replying, scratching her cheek with her foreleg. Lifting her head, she looked back at him. My father had mentioned that some of the mares here were sometimes used for breeding purposes...and..well...I don't want to be one of them. I don't think any mare wants to be bred with a strange stallion.

[/color] she answered, her gaze turning back toward the gates. The young bay couldn't help but wonder where Shetan was and what he was doing now. Did he know that she had been captured? She was sure that if he couldn't find her, the fiery stallion would most likely look for her in every nook and cranny if he could.[/blockquote][/size]