-->>and you seem to break like [T I M E]

[[esperanza]]

{don't taint this ground with the color of the past
are the sounds in bloom with you?
cause you seem like an orchard of mines}
j u s t t a k e o n e s t e p a t a t i m e

Afternoon in the desert was hot. Bitterly, unforgiveably hot. It was this time of day when all the jackrabbits and coyotes and rattlesnakes sought out what shade they could. Only one figure could be seen trekking along in the endless heat: a white stallion, dust clinging to his legs, head down. A frayed rope was wound tightly around his right hind fetlock, and it dragged behind him in the sand. The horse lifted his eyes; he was beginning to enter into a canyon. The sun was high and it seemed to waver in the heat. There wouldn't be much shade to be found in there. But the stallion plodded on, with a slow, weary pace, moving more because of inertia than his own will.

As he walked on, the sand shifted from sandy to rocky and the canyon walls rose above him. Small cacti and other desert plants clustered around the edges of the canyon, and every now and then there was a shallow depression in the ground that would be transformed into pools during a sudden rainstorm. Today, however, they only held tiny puddles of muddy water. Once he came across a trickle of water that fell down from somewhere high up in the canyon. The water dripped onto the thirsty ground and was gone.

{i say it to be proud, won't have my life turned upside down
says the man with some gold forged plan
of life so incomplete, like weights strapped around my feet}
t r e a d c a r e f u l o n e s t e p a t a t i m e

Curse that rope! It ate at his skin, burned him, and every attempt he made to get it off only made it tighter. The stallion kicked his hoof against the ground in a burst of irritance. He glanced over his shoulder and glowered at it. Nothing happened. Predictable.

In the back of his mind he wished that he had just stayed there, in captivity. But no, that was madness. He had seen what the two-legs did with mustangs that could not be broken. They were deemed useless and killed. He remembered the first time he had heard a gunshot. It had frightened him like nothing had ever frightened him before.

Ill at ease because of the unwelcome memory, the stallion moved on at a trot, but he could only go a few paces before slowing out of exhaustion. A rusty brown color on the wall caught his eye, and he lifted his upper lip to smell it. Old, dried blood.

He moved on.

His hooves were making clacking noises that echoed in the canyon, and he was sure that if anyone was around they would no doubt hear him. It didn't matter. Finally the stallion couldn't move anymore. He stumbled, stood trembling, and then collapsed. He lay near the canyon wall, where there was a feeble amount of shade --not nearly enough-- and stared out at the world with blank eyes.

[Swifthoof]

It was a hard life living as a rogue. Filled with cougars, wolves and the harsh elements. But he enjoyed it. It gave him a freedom like no other, something he thought that you could never find whenever you were restricted by herd lands and dictators. No, he was much better off as a loner of the lands.

Tossing his ivory head, a small snort left his nostrils as he walked a narrow path that seemed only big enough for two horses standing side by side. One side was blocked off by a huge wall of rock while the other dropped into the river hundreds of feet below. He knew that if he wasn't paying attention, he would surely fall to his death or, if he was lucky enough, fall into the river although it was impossible to tell how deep it was from where he was from.

His ears pricked to the sound of a rattle and he looked down to see a snake curled up near the wall, it tail vibrating to make the warning sound. Brown orbs narrowed slightly as he looked at the rattler watching its beady, little black eyes as they focused on him, its narrow tongue slipping in and out of its mouth. The mustang knew that one bite from the serpent would surely kill him and slowly at that. Carefully, he guided himself as far away from the snake as he could, his body tense as he carefully watched it to make sure that it wouldn't strike. Slowly, he kept on until the sound of its tail was well behind him.

Sighing in relief he moved on, his tail flicking as he picked up his pace to a light trot, the sound of his hooves bouncing off the canyon walls as the sound waves spread across the land. Yes, being a loner was challenging, but there was no doubt that he enjoyed it.

Soon, his nose caught the scent of another and he came to an abrupt stop and sure enough the sound of hooves against the rocky ground entered his ears. It was another horse. A snort left his nostrils as curiosity more or less took over his senses. Sure, he had seen other horses, but most of the loners around here kept to themselves and didn't bother anyone else. But this mystery horse's scent was unfamiliar and he couldn't help but wonder who it was.

Brown pools soon caught the sight of the mystery horse and his eyes soon went to the rope that was around the hock of the other. Was it a tame horse? Or had it simply escaped and somehow wounded up here? Nickering in greeting, the white stallion soon made its way toward the other white stallion. Hold still. I'm getting this rope off of you

[/color] he said, lowering his head and fastening his teeth around the thick material. He gently pulled and tugged at the fibers of the rope with his teeth until he felt them loosen and with that, he bit through the weakened ones as the rope soon broke and fell limply to the ground.

Satisfied, he looked approvingly to other stallion and saw the blank look in his eyes. His brows furrowed as he stepped back, wondering whether or not to ask what was wrong. It wasn't really something stallions did, not like the mares. Although to him, the stallion looked exhausted as though he had run for miles and just collapsed here. Nodding, he soon turned away and started cantering back to the cave that was maybe a mile away. It would take a while to get back to the other and he doubted with the condition that he was in that he could go anywhere. Slowing through a sharp turn, he picked up his pace to a gallop as the rest of the path was pretty easy to maneuver. A few minutes later, he spotted his little cave and he slowed to a stop before trotting to the back of it and picking up as much moss as he could that was soaked with river water.

Snorting, he galloped back to the other stallion, hoping that he somehow didn't find the strength to try and get to the river. Seeing the other, he let out a muffled whinny before coming up to him and dropping the water soaked moss near his head. Here. You must be thirsty. [/color] he said as he stepped back and waited to see if the other would take it. [/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

Vaguely, only with half his awareness, he heard the sound of hoofbeats echoing in the canyon. Was there another horse around, or was it simply a ghost? He had heard that horses lost without water often imagined seeing and hearing things. Maybe that was it. Nombre let his eyelids drop, almost closed his eyes, but something inside stopped him. It's not your time yet.

Were those hoofbeats getting closer? Something--someone--nickered. "Hold still. I'm getting this rope off of you."

Alright then. He felt a tug on the rope, it loosened, it was gone. Such relief. Nombre heaved a deep breath. And then the hoofbeats started again, continuing down the canyon. Soon they picked up into a gallop and faded out of earshot.

He let the silence envolope him--silence was supposed to be peaceful, right? He didn't know if this was peaceful, but it was nice. In the distance a coyote barked at something. Then, he gradually became aware of the sound of the river rushing through the canyon. That wasn't so nice. His throat burned with thirst.

"Here. You must be thirsty."

When had that other stallion gotten back? He didn't have time to wonder though, as the welcoming scent of wet moss flooded his nostrils. Nombre stretched foreward and took a large chunk of moss in his mouth, squeezing it and letting the water run down his throat. Strengthened, at least for a little bit, he managed to stand up, although his legs still trembled. And then he realized that he was absently chewing on the moss in his mouth. Was he supposed to do that? This was the first time he had ever witnessed horses drinking from moss. Strange. It tasted strange, too. But it didn't seem exactly polite to just spit it out, so he kept chewing on it until it was fine enough to swallow. Then he turned to study the stallion who had brought the moss to him.

Ironic, that he had first guessed the hoofprints to be those of a ghost, because the stallion was white from head to toe, just like he was. Maybe we're both ghosts, he thought sarcastically. But instead of risking sounding crazy, he just opened his mouth to say, "Thanks." The hoarseness of his own voice surprised him.

[Swifthoof]

Chocolate pools watched as the other managed to raise his head and take the moss in his mouth as his ears flicked around for any dangers. It was common to find a mountain lion or vulture in these parts and in the condition that this stallion was in there was no doubt that a hungry cat would find him to be easy prey.

His attention was then turned back to the horse as he kept chewing on the moss before swallowing it. Kiba hid a smirk and was about to say that he wasn't really supposed to eat it, rather to just lick the water from it, but he thought better of it. No use now and the other was already standing up on shaky legs and the white stallion took the opportunity to briefly flick his eyes over the stallion's body to check for injuries. If he did have any, he knew that a lion would come prowling in no time.

Thanks

[/color]

Auds pricked to the other's hoarse voice and the stallion nodded his head. Your welcome[/color] he answered and then wondered whether or not to ask what he was doing here and where his two-legs where, but decided not to risk it. There was a chance he was wild and merely escaped some that tried to capture him. In the end, he decided to ask Might I ask what you're doing around these parts?[/color] as he gestured to their surrounding with his head. [/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

Nombre didn't miss the other's smirk as he chewed the moss, but he didn't quite register it. His stomach growled. Time to get some real food, I suppose.

[/b] Maybe there was something edible growing near the river.[/color]

"Your welcome," the other stallion said. Nombre looked over him. He hadn't seen many horses outside his own herd before, and he was sure he had never seen this one before. He didn't smell like a Darksun, either. Could he be Cimarron? Nombre considered the possibility, ears tilted. This far from their territory? Probably not. The other white stallion was most likely a rogue, then. Nombre had never had that much respect for rogues, but maybe something in him was changing. Right now, he was homeless and herdless. I guess that makes me a rogue.

"Might I ask what you're doing around these parts?"

"Escaping," he answered without hesitation, glancing at the burn mark on his left flank. He started walking, slowly, toward the sound of the water.[/center][/size]

[Swifthoof]

Escaping

Snow white ears pricked forward at the stallion's words and he nodded in response. So, it looked like he was a wild horse and had escaped. His eyes flicked to the burn mark on the left flank of the other, but he said nothing of it. A small part of him was a little curious about it, though. But he knew it was no use asking, did it hurt like an ignorant fool. No doubt it did.

Kiba watched as the stallion went off toward the sound of the river it seemed. Even if a horse was in the deepest part of the canyon, one could still hear the sound of the river as it cut through the rock formation to provide the only source of water for miles. Snorting, the stallion took a step forward before speaking again. If you're looking for water, it'll take you a long while to reach the river. The only shorcut is if you fall off the cliff ahead of you.

[/color] he said, walking forward until he was a few feet from the other. I can help you, if you wish. I know this canyon and in the condition your in, I doubt you'll get far. [/color]
[/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

"If you're looking for water, it'll take you a long while to reach the river. The only shorcut is if you fall off the cliff ahead of you." Nombre glanced back at the other stallion, blinking. I can help you, if you wish. I know this canyon and in the condition your in, I doubt you'll get far.

Something about the words 'the condition you're in' made Nombre's ears swivel back. He wasn't weak. But another voice inside told him otherwise. Yes, you are weak. Swallow your pride, fool.

He turned around, admitting to himself that he didn't know these lands, and without the help of someone else, he would probably get hopelessly lost. It seemed he couldn't do anything by himself anymore, he thought, remembering the black stallion who had helped him escape.

"Alright then. Show me the way."

[Swifthoof]

The ivory colored brute watched as the other's ears swiveled back as though he was offended by his words. But it was no time to be prideful now and if the stallion didn't want his help, it would be his choice and Kiba would go on his way. As the other turned around, Kiba watched him with calm eyes as his ears pricked forward to see if he would reject or accept his offer.

Alright then. Show me the way

[/color]

Nodding, the stallion then turned around toward the exit of the canyon and where the desert was. Near the wall, was a small batch of cacti and he knew that juice inside the prickly plant would help them make the half day journey toward the river below. Tossing his head, Kiba struck out at the plant with his hoof a few times until it cracked in half some of the juice falling onto the hot sand. He lowered his head and picked up the small piece careful not to spill any of the liquid. Walking back to Nombre, he placed it near the stallion before stepping back. I suggest you drink it. It'll give you some strength and the river is about a half a day's walk from here.[/color] he said as he walked back to retrieve the other half of the broken plant.

The taste of the juice was a bitter and he didn't hold back from making a face before it died down and went smoothly down his throat. Snorting, he went back to Nombre, his white tail flicking away the flies that had been attracted to the bitter liquid. We might as well know each other's names. I'm Kiba. And you?[/color] he asked as he started walking forward, his nose and ears alert for any dangers. [/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

Nombre followed the other white stallion, watching in curiosity as he struck a cactus open with his hoof. Nombre tilted his head sideways, one ear foreward and the other back, as the other carried half of the plant back to him. What in the world was he doing?

"I suggest you drink it. It'll give you some strength and the river is about a half a day's walk from here."

Drinking cactus? Nombre raised an eyebrow, but he ducked his head down to tentatively sip at the juice. The taste of it seemed to sting his tongue, it was so sour, and he jumped back in surprise. But the wonderful feeling of liquid pouring down his throat convinced him to finish it. He drank the rest of it, grimacing at the taste.

"We might as well know each other's names. I'm Kiba. And you?"

"Nombre," he answered, following the other. "You're a strange one, Kiba..." he said, with an expression that might be called a friendly grin. Drinking water out of moss, and then drinking cactus. What was next--throwing his head back to catch the very rain?

[Swifthoof]

A small smile crossed the white stallion's muzzle as the other jumped back from the taste of the juice. He couldn't blame him, the taste was rather unpleasant, but it would help them.

Nombre. You're a strange one, Kiba...

[/color]

Kiba responded with a grin of his own followed by a chuckle. I've been called worse, Nombre. But in the area that I live in, medicinal herbs are very hard to come by which is why a horse has to improvise and use cactus instead.[/color] he answered. Flicking his ears back and forth for dangers, he then asked. If you don't mind me asking, where did you come from?[/color]. He was curious to know and it wasn't that often a stallion would choose to come here instead of going east where there was plenty of grass and water instead of a desolate wasteland such as the place they resided in now and he couldn't help but wonder if Nombre was escaping from more than just humans.[/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

Nombre lifted his head to take a deep breath. Now that he had someone to talk to, he wasn't about to be so depressed. When was the last time he had actually talked to someone? Conversations with the other horses in the fort, on the rare occasion they happened, were often short, or involved an insult battle. Flicking his ears back, he remembered the bay horse, Ikusa. He still had a score to settle with him.

But this horse Kiba was unlike any other stallion Nombre had met. In the Darksun Herd, strangers and even those you knew were prone to be on the cynical side. Yet this horse had helped him, for no gain of his own. It was something completely different to Nombre.

I've been called worse, Nombre. But in the area that I live in, medicinal herbs are very hard to come by which is why a horse has to improvise and use cactus instead. If you don't mind me asking, where did you come from?

Now they came to it. Nombre heaved a sigh before answering.

"I was born in the Darksun Herd, but...oh, maybe a year ago, I was captured by two-legs."

[Swifthoof]

As he waited for Nombre's answer, the stallion was on constant vigilance, his senses alert for predators. He guessed living on his own made him paranoid since a lone horse was most likely easier to catch than say, two. But with Nombre's current state, a cougar was bound to be tracking them, if not sooner than later.

I was born in the Darksun Herd, but...oh, maybe a year ago, I was captured by two-legs

[/color]

An ear swiveled back to catch the stallion's words and he raised a brow. Two legs, eh? Must have been rough..[/color] he responded although he had to admit that once he heard he was from the Darksun herd, it made him a tiny bit uneasy. Rumors about the herd from the northeast were rather..unpleasant. From what Kiba had heard they were dark horses bent on stealing the land from the neighboring herd. Although they could have been wrong since Nombre seemed nice enough. [/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

Two legs, eh? Must have been rough...

Nombre snorted at that. "I survived." Yeah, he survived. Barely.

He looked at the other stallion, studying his expression. He was probably wondering why Nombre had ran south instead of home. Right now it's not much of a home, he thought. He glanced at the ground, sighing as they walked through the canyon.

[Swifthoof]

I survived

[/color]

Kiba couldn't help but smile in amusement. So you did.[/color] he answered as he came up to the cliff and looked down, seeing the river below, a narrow line of blue separating the next cliff. Nodding, he then turned the left toward a small trail gradually heading downward. He hoped that Nombre had the common sense to stay close to the rock wall and to not look down. It was a long drop. The sound of falling rocks made him look up and he saw the brief glimpse of a tail before it disappeared. Cougar...[/color] he muttered. Turning to Nombre, he gestured for him to follow as he kicked up his pace to a trot, the trail starting to widen bit by bit before it ended in a series of trails.

Taking a glance to the nearby cliffs above him, he looked around to see if the cougar was still tracking them and by the scents around him, it seemed it was still on their trail. A small sigh escaped his muzzle before he took one of the trails that headed toward the river. He knew many of them intertwined with each other and it was easy for a horse to get lost if they didn't know the area. Not that it's any of my business....but why didn't you go east?[/color] he asked, slowing as he turned to look at him.[/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

"So you did."

That was where the conversation ended, at least for a while. Nombre simply didn't have anything else to say, so he focused on the ground in front of him. He was a horse of the plains, not the mountains; used to galloping on free endless fields, so the narrow, steep path was not at all something he wanted to take lightly. To be truthful, it even scared him.

"Cougar..."

At that, Nombre started, slipping foreward a few inches. Pebbles fell down the path in front of him and dropped down the cliff beside him. He glanced up, but couldn't see anything: the cat was hiding among the rocks, no doubt using its tawny coat to its full advantage. But he could smell it, that ancient stench that every horse instinctively feared. His ears were pricked; nostrils were flared.

He followed Kiba's example and proceeded at a slow trot for a few paces, but the path was still too steep for comfort. He made the mistake of glancing down at the seeming abyss beside him, and that was enough for him to slow down to a wary, but quick, walk. Relief flooded him the instant the ground started to level out. The rushing sound of the river was louder now.

Not that it's any of my business....but why didn't you go east?

Nombre was so intent on listening for the cougar that the other stallion's voice startled him. He glanced at Kiba blankly; it took him a while to comprehend the question. When he did answer, his voice was hesitant. "Oh, I...I lost my sense of direction."

So he'd rather make himself look like an idiot than tell the truth?

"Momentarily," he added.