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Chapter 25
The Art Of Distraction
"Oh you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more."
– I Do It For You by Bryan Adams
The Lakota camp was filled with night and fog, cloudy veils were drawn about the village. The fire lit in the centre had been dimmed and then utterly extinguished by the pouring, spring rain. How cold and gleaming seemed the surroundings for the young mare, as she observed humans retire in their dwellings one by one. Luckily the drenching cloudburst had ceased to fall, and Rain had warmed her body, thanks to Aranda, who had sheltered her in nearby trees and stood close to her, exchanging body heat with her. Rain slowly started to feel more comfortable and even though the sharp, irritating pain had stopped to irk her stomach, she was still very restless. At the moment, the pregnant mare was eagerly standing close to the teepee where Little Creek was being cared by the village healers. Her blue eyes were intently fixed on the tent, her ears perked forward. From what she gathered, his condition was stable. Since Long Knife and the rest of the humans didn't seem to be very disturbed, she figured Little Creek was no longer in danger. It was the matter of time to fully heal and regain strength. She was positively sure that Little Creek would soon be up and about. At least, she hoped to the Highest Heaven that it would be the case.
Her worried heart had managed to calm down for the night. The anxiety for her human and her unborn foal went away. They were both safe and she was grateful for that. So very grateful. Her throat ached with praise and her heart danced with relief, yet the other half of her heart couldn't stop thinking... wondering about someone. A certain someone she didn't expect to see that night. How did he get there? Why? Rain's contemplations were cut short when she noticed Great Conquest cantering towards her with an easy, smooth gait. Without hesitation, the beautiful mare jogged to meet him.
"How is he?" The war stallion asked, once they breathed each other's scent. His eyes shifted to the medical teepee.
"He'll be alright." Rain smiled weakly. "The medicine men did not seem worried, and neither was Long Knife. I think that's a good sign."
"Sure is." Agreed Great Conquest. "But how are you feeling? Why aren't you resting?"
"I'm okay for now, really." Rain assured, even though her eyelids were heavy and she wanted nothing more than to sleep off her weariness. But there was something else that she desired to know which drove her restless. "Conquest, what happened with Spirit? Why was he here? Where is he? Or was that all my imagination?"
"Rain, please!" The stallion snorted in displeasure. "He is not worth your imagination." He pounded his foreleg in the muddy ground.
"Where is he?"
"Headed home." Plainly said Conquest. "I sent him away."
"Why was he here?" Rain furrowed her brows in confusion. "You didn't hurt him, did you?"
"He was here to collect his little toy." The war stallion hissed through his teeth angrily. He grew so furious every time he thought about Spirit and Nova together.
Rain became quite perplexed. "A... toy?" She repeated questionably.
"The wild mare that helped us get to the village. Nova."
Rain felt as though another freezing downpour had soaked her entire body. "Oh...she is Spirit's mare?" Her voice emitted melancholy.
"Yeah, somehow she ended up in Bolder's company and I guess Spirit left his herd to retrieve her." Great Conquest purposefully left out the part where Spirit told him that he had come to see Rain. Unfortunately, the war horse had become so blinded by anger that he decided to interpret the situation as he saw it, making false assumptions. "I sent them both home."
There was a short pause. The paint mare stared down at her hooves, unable to say anything in response. She was surprised at herself...she wasn't supposed to be so affected and upset by this and yet...
"Rain, he is out of sight, which means it shouldn't be difficult to get him out of your mind too. I'm so ashamed of how stupidly I acted and instead of defending you, I sided with that betraying liar first. Please, forgive me. I didn't know that you left because of that filly...I'm an idiot." Great Conquest extended his nose to her and affectionately rubbed it.
"It's all in the past now, Conquest. Don't worry about it." Rain nickered softly, her lovely blue eyes were downcast. "And it wasn't because of that mare." She added lowly, her heart sank as she spoke.
"What? There was another?" Gasped the horrified war stallion. "That bastard!"
Tears were threatening to spill from Rain's blue pools as the shattering memories emerged from her past once again. She shook her head, not wanting to let the unpleasant thoughts get to her. No! She had moved on! She had no rights to get fazed by Spirit's relationships with other mares. "I don't want to talk about this, Conquest. I...I'm so exhausted. It's been a long and tiring day. I shall retire."
"Yes, of course." Immediately nodded the stallion, but before Rain could leave, he suddenly remembered his duties. "Oh, wait! How is your pregnancy coming along? You do look bigger. The foals do most of their growing in the last trimester." He carefully studied her figure.
"Silver Moon and Aranda said that it's still bit early and-"
"Are you waxing?"
Rain's eyes were as round as the moon in the sky, upon hearing his question. "E-excuse me?"
"Well, usually wax determines when the baby's coming."
"H-how do you know that?" She asked stunned.
The stallion blinked. "Um?...I'm your mentor on this pregnancy journey, Rain. If I'm not familiar with such important details, then what the hell am I doing here assisting you?" Great Conquest explained and shrugged.
"Yes, but I-"
"Hmph!" The grey stallion rolled his eyes in dissatisfaction. "You thought this was just a mere hobby for the winter, didn't you?"
Rain giggled. He had seen right through her. "Well...kind of." She admitted with a teasing smirk.
Great Conquest couldn't help but laugh at that too. "Surprise! I'm actually educated."
"You really are something, Conquest." Rain grinned at him with a warm beam. "I'm glad you're by my side."
"Me too." Smiled the war stallion. A tranquil silence came over the two friends again. Rain's heart had returned to bright cheerfulness, thanks to the stallion's easy-going, humorous nature. How wonderful it was to regain the old friendship with Great Conquest, as if they were little youngsters again. Things had become so complicated after they grew up. Great Conquest's fun, caring attitude had changed into obsessive possessiveness when maturity hit them both. It was so refreshing to finally have same old Great Conquest from foal-hood return to her.
The war stallion suddenly jolted, breaking off the peaceful stillness, as he became his micromanaging self once more. "But you didn't answer. Are you waxing? I mean, I know that you are a maiden mare but...what did Silver Moon tell you? You know what? Just let me see. I'll decide for myself if..." He was about to lower his head under her oversized belly when Rain pinned her ears, overcome with embarrassment and annoyance.
"If you duck down, I swear I'm going to smack–"
"Okay, okay. Don't kill me." Chuckled Conquest, backing away from her.
"How rude! That's not something you should do to a mare. " Rain rolled he eyes with a mischievous air. "Goodnight." She swung round and trotted off, giggling to herself.
"Goodnight! But this isn't over though!" He called after her and shook his head. "I'm your mentor!" He reminded her loudly.
"Yeah, yeah.."
The stallion chuckled at the unenthusiastic reply from Rain, snorting to himself. "Oh...mares."
"Great Conquest," A gentle whinny made the amused war horse glance back. It was the sweet, old Aranda cautiously and politely nearing him.
"Yes? Is something wrong, Aranda?" He inquired kindly.
The wise mare nodded, pausing for an instant, not wanting to come off impertinent in her reproach. "I think...you were unfair to the wild Spirit." She spoke up at last. "The free roaming mustangs have a different way of life. Their social dynamics and traditions are distinct for horses like you. River told me what you did and...you shouldn't have been so unkind."
The grey warrior huffed. "He hurt Rain."
"Listen, son...I lived among the wild horses for many years, and you need to understand that they follow rules that help them survive and cope with the harsh conditions. Safety is in numbers in the wild, and freedom has its own price. Mature stallions must gather mares for their herd...they cannot afford to have a small family. The larger the band is, more protected they are." Aranda went on to explain with a calm tone, trying to get through to the angry horse as delicately as possible.
"I've heard about that, but it still doesn't change the fact that he broke Rain's heart. That shouldn't be an excuse." Firmly insisted Great Conquest and for a moment, fell silent. He was quietly debating whether to state his next words or not. Taking a deep breath, he decided to go ahead with it anyway.
"You know, I once tried to harm her..." His voice shook upon the memory. "I hated myself so much for that...still do at times. Rain and I grew up together, we knew each other from foal-hood. She was so beautiful and so bright...I loved spending time with her. I always thought that we'd end up together. After all, in my mind, it was written in the stars. One summer, that dream came crashing down when she rudely rejected me and..." He didn't know how to continue the next sentence. It made his skin crawl as he reluctantly recalled his atrocious behaviour. "...I lost my mind with jealousy and lashed out, almost committing a disgustingly vile offence. After that, I promised myself that I would never ever hurt her again. How could I? She is my closest friend. And I also promised myself that I would never let anyone else mistreat her... physically or emotionally."
Aranda observed the agonized and guilt-ridden horse before her, conveying sympathy towards him. "You still love her?"
"I always loved her." He admitted quietly. "Though, this love that I feel for her now is different from what I felt years ago. It was more lustful and inconsiderate to be honest. Now, I just love her the way I loved her when we were yearlings. I love her as my sister. A sister I never had."
"You are a good stallion, Great Conquest." Aranda nickered softly. "You've learned from your errors and changed for the better...which means that you should understand more than anyone what's it like to realize your mistakes and show remorse. Do not judge him so harshly...he loves her too." As the old, bay mare said this, she turned and walked away from the grey stallion, leaving him in his deep thoughts. It was in that second, Great Conquest spotted Blaze and Red proudly returning back to the camp, and he realized that Spirit and Nova had been successfully escorted out.
"And then...there was this...loud, deafening noise and I knew he was gone." Sniffed Nova, tears rolling down her cheeks as Spirit held her close, comforting her gently.
"I'm so sorry. That must've been horrific to witness."
They were both currently standing in a small glade, about a mile or two from the Lakota settlement. The moon was glowing, which was a welcoming surprise after the cloudy downpour that had occurred an hour ago. The world around them was still wet, the rain drops were still dribbling from the branches, the grass was moist, reflecting both of the horses' inner anguish and distress.
"Thankfully I never saw it, but I still sensed it." Nova hung her head, shuddering at the recollection of the tragic event. "Oh Spirit...life is so short to waste time in silly fights. I was so foolish to argue with you like that. I acted immaturely. Please, forgive me..." She said mournfully. "...accept me in your herd. I won't be a nag, I promise."
"Shh...it's okay, Nova. I wasn't entirely on the right either." Spirit smiled faintly at her. "And you're always welcome in my band." He added with a soft nicker.
The filly's devastated expression brightened at that. "Oh, thank you!" She leaped on her hind legs joyously. "I'm so glad we finally put the past behind us."
"So am I." Hesitantly spoke Spirit, feeling conflicted. Something told him that the mare had interpreted his words in her mind very differently and it only doubled his complicated life.
"Let's get home and forget all these troubles once and for all." Nova exclaimed rather enthusiastically and broke into an exuberant gallop. Spirit darted after her and for a brief moment, the filly actually thought that their stride was matching, but then the stallion suddenly extended his pace creating a large circle and spun back.
"Um, Spirit?" Nova stared behind her in confusion, slowing down to a trot. "Home is this way, if I'm not mistaken." She motioned her head towards the direction they had originally taken.
"I know." Said Spirit, yet he did not make any effort to fix his 'lapse'.
"Please tell me you aren't going back to the village." Nova muttered dreadingly, jogging up to him with an expression that clearly questioned his sanity.
"I can't, because I am."
"You're crazy!" She burst, overwhelmed with horror and disbelief.
Spirit stopped and turned to her with a mischievous grin animating his features. "How did you guess my middle name?"
"This isn't funny." Nova snorted. "Those savages tried to mutilate you! You know what that means, right? Goodbye freedom and hello captivity!"
Spirit snickered at the mare's brassy statement. She was not wrong!
"Nova, don't worry–"
"Why are you being so careless?" Her voice quivered in anxiousness. "This is exactly what happened to my poor brother. Not only did he lose his freedom, but also his life. Is that what you want? I cannot bear it!" A small lump rose in her throat, as she tried to fight back her tears.
"Nothing of that sort will happen to me, I promise." Spirit assured her, extending his nose and stroking her softly. "Besides, I'm not afraid of bunch of domesticated horses." He waved it off, cocky smirk appearing on his lips. He couldn't help it, there was nothing he wanted more than to reunite with his beloved.
"Spirit, don't underestimate them. They almost ripped you into pieces. Please, let's just go home."
"I can't. This is my foal we're talking about... I have to be there. I didn't get a proper chance to meet–"
"Spirit," Impatiently cut in Nova, blowing air through her nostrils. "if Rain wanted you to be in her foal's life, she would've come to you herself. Her silence can only mean one thing...she doesn't want you getting involved. Respect her wishes and let's go in peace while we still have the chance. Do not take such a risk, I beg you. I lost my brother to brutality, I cannot lose you either. It'll be too unbearable." She sobbed meekly.
Spirit exhaled with a heavy sigh. There was some truth in Nova's words, no doubt... however, he had set his entire heart and mind on the matter. Which meant that nothing and no one would ever get in his way. No matter how rational their words sounded. He was going to accomplish what he had originally determined to carry out, and there was absolutely nothing Great Conquest or his minions could do about it.
Resolutely, the stallion spoke up. "What happened to Onyx is tragic, indeed, but we're in a different situation. I'm fortunate to have you by my side. You will help me achieve my plan, won't you?" Yes, in a way, he was once again risking his very freedom. If those angry horses stripped him off his pride, he could very well just forget about living in the wild and find himself a human owner. But with all things considered, Great Conquest and Red with their little ultimatums weren't going to scare him off. Spirit had dealt with way more dangerous creatures and elements before. This was hazardous for sure, but nothing he couldn't handle... At least, that's how he encouraged himself. Positive thoughts were the way to go. In the end, it was all worth it and he would try to do everything in his power to get back to Rain and their unborn foal.
"How can I help?!" Nova squealed in shock. "I was completely useless when those savages attacked you! I couldn't stop them. Don't rely on me, abandon this foolish undertaking right now."
"Nova, Nova, Nova..." Spirit shook his head, looking slightly disappointed. "You are not useless. You're way more capable than you give yourself credit for. Trust me, I have an idea and it can only work if you assist me." He gazed deeply into her eyes. "Please, I need your help. I need you."
The young mare fell mute for a second or two, as she pondered on his desperate pleas. How could she resist those beautiful, fiery eyes that were staring right into her soul? "Fine!" She gave in dissatisfied. "But it better not be something reckless."
"Reckless? Me?" Laughed Spirit innocently. "Never."
The two wild horses stayed in the glade for the night. Spirit believed that his scheme would only succeed if they waited till daybreak. That was not only the peaceful, silent hour before the usual bustling started in the village, but it would also give them enough time to make Great Conquest think that they were both long gone.
"If we go back now, they'll be sure to catch us..." Explained Spirit. "Let them believe that we're on our way home...and right at the crack of dawn, when no one suspects our return, we'll reappear with an efficient plan."
Thus Spirit and Nova remained in one place under the ragged stars, hidden behind clouds. Midnight seemed to be guarding the silence in the dim clearing, as the cool breeze brought the whisperings of the future that was altogether vague and clear. The filly huddled closer to the young stallion, breathing in the cool night air as it floated by without a care. Nova's tired limbs relaxed, her head lowered and she slowly drifted off to sleep. Spirit gently rested his head over Nova's withers, but unlike her, he could not let go of his restlessness and obtain stillness inside his heart. All of the thoughts of midnight crowded his racing mind. How could he possibly relax or smile when she was gone, miserably present in his own mind, but faithfully out of sight? Nova was there, by his side...and yet, he still felt so lonely. His heart was empty, left with just midnight memories. He reminisced about the warmth that once held his love for her in place, the warmth that sparked the fire that once burned so bright, and the warmth of her skin while he caressed her sweet face in the heated dark of the midnight. But soon all of these midnight memories would fade into the cold loneliness scattered with undeserving rage. He feared that soon, he'd realize that the times they shared and the love they made would slowly disappear into the night, overtaking with nothing but anger, bitterness and jealousy. He would no longer have these midnight memories, and despite other individuals around him...he would still feel completely and utterly deserted without his Rain.
As soon as the first light struck the dark sky, Spirit and Nova made their way back to the Lakota territory, coming to a halt at the hill that overlooked their lands. Everything was quiet, the horses were resting in the meadows, the humans were in their little dwellings that resembled clouds to the two mustangs. However, just as Spirit assumed would happen, he spotted Great Conquest keeping close guard at the edge of the camp. His eyes were closed, his ears lay slightly back and overall, the grey stallion appeared to be quite at ease, but that did not signify that he was unaware of his surroundings. The hours of cracking dawn were extremely tranquil...nothing moved. Not even the trees seemed to stir from their sleep.
"Good thing I've come prepared." Smirked Spirit to himself. His confidence however, did not calm down the anxiety of Nova, who was trembling and rethinking her decision.
"Ahh..maybe this was a bad idea?" She nickered nervously. "I mean, you cannot disrespect Rain's wishes. She would've told you if she needed your help with raising the foal. She's probably fine on her own. Perhaps, she won't be too happy with you for invading her privacy like that?"
"Well, sucks to be her, then." Spirit snapped. "I ain't going nowhere until I straight things out. Now please, stop fretting and let's get on with it."
Nova chewed on her lip, looking stressed and lost. "What's the plan?" She asked after a pause.
"Here, stand against the wind, so that they won't scent your presence." Gestured Spirit and proceeded to explain his idea. "The plan is simple. We're gonna adopt a predator strategy: The art of distraction."
"A what?"
"Wolves, when targeting their prey, first distract the leader of the herd, while one of the members sneaks in to steal the selected quarry when the defender is not watching."
Nova's wide eyes and terrified expression upon hearing his words made Spirit laugh out loud.
"Okay. That wasn't a good example. What I'm trying to say is, that we need to distract Great Conquest."
"First of all, I'm a little disturbed." Nova confessed in shock. "How do you even know that ruthless predator strategy?"
"If you want to be a good protector for the band, you must know your enemy."
"Alright, and you want us to become wolves and they're the... prey? I don't get it." Nova mumbled in confusion.
"No, no. I simply meant that we should divert the attention of Great Conquest." Clarified Spirit. "And by 'we'...I mean you."
"What?" Gasped the young mare. "You want me to distract that psycho?"
"Oh come on, he's not so bad."
"Not so bad? He literally threatened to break your legs!"
"That was just a cheap talk." Shrugged Spirit with a light-hearted chuckle. "And he was only being protective, that's all."
"He's insane. Quite frankly, I'm afraid of him."
"Listen, if you manage to divert Great Conquest, his henchstuds won't even know I'm here. We must lure the leader in order to weaken the defence."
"Look at that predator talk." Nova commented slyly, slightly amused and slightly disapproving.
"Well, you gotta do what you gotta do." Smirked the young stallion.
Nova sheepishly glanced over her lithe shoulder, reluctant and unsure of everything. "Look, I really don't think I can do this. How am I supposed to distract him anyway?"
"I'll leave that up to your creative imagination." Winked Spirit.
"What? No, no...no...no. I may be a wild horse but I don't have a wild imagination like you do." Nova argued anxiously. "I don't know what to do. This will be a total fail."
"Oh come on! You females are always so great at it!" Spirit assured her. "Flip your mane, bat your lashes, I don't know...do what you must. Oh! Oh! You can even use a rope that's lying right there to trick him!" Spirit nudged her, motioning towards the Lakota camp with sudden excitement. "I believe in you!"
"R-rope? You've clearly lost your mind. There's no way I can do any of that."
"Why not?"
"I'm too shy for such things. I'm sorry, but I can't–" Nova spoke quietly as heat rose to her cheeks.
"Please, Nova...this is for my foal." Implored Spirit. "And besides," He tossed his dark forelock, cheeky grin appearing on his face "...we both know you aren't as shy as you make it seem." He winked teasingly.
The last sentence caused the filly to blush crimson red in embarrassment. "Oh, stop it you." She playfully pushed Spirit away from her. "That was a completely different circumstance."
"This is a different circumstance too." Insisted the stallion. "Please, this is about my foal. I can't do this without you."
"Hmm...I don't know." Debated Nova, still very hesitant about the whole matter.
"You've got this! You can divert him. You're smart and you're charming...you possess all the qualities to make this a success."
Nova couldn't help but smile timidly at that. "You really think I'm charming?"
"Yes."
Taking a deep breath, the mare nodded in acceptance at last. "Well, okay. I'll try my best."
"Perfect!" Spirit pulled her in a quick hug. "Thank you!"
"But I'll do things my way." Nova threw in almost immediately. "I'll improvise."
"Yes, of course!" Eagerly nodded Spirit. "Like I said, you can use the rope."
"Okay, what's with you and the rope?"
"Um...personal experience?"
"You tempted someone with a rope?" Nova stared at him questionably.
"No. Not me. I'm not that talented, but never-mind, just go...I'll wait for your signal in those bushes over there."
With another deep breath, the mare strode forward. "I can do this." She told herself again and again. "I'm confident, I'm charming and I'm smart...I can do this..." Her self-assurance didn't last for long. As though another air took over her, she suddenly swung round and trotted back to Spirit. "Oh no. What was I thinking? I can't do this..."
"Oh yes, you can! None of that talk!" Spirit exclaimed in frustration. "Go!" He nudged her.
"Fine."
Gulping fearfully, Nova shut her eyes for a second and then reopened them, slowly striding toward the camp. She could hear the racing thuds of her heart in nervousness, her anxious thoughts almost made her stumble. She almost turned back yet again when she noticed that Great Conquest had suddenly become alert and his focus was now fixed on her. "You've got this." She comforted herself. But she was so frightened... this war stallion was surely demented! What if he threatened to break her legs as well? "Oh...don't go there, don't go there." She told herself, realizing that it only added to her anxiety. Then she saw the grey horse narrowing his eyes, pinning his ears at her in hostility and trotting forward to meet her.
"Okay. This is it." She took a deep breath and let out a heavy exhale.
"Nova?! What the hell are you doing here?" Great Conquest demanded angrily, as soon as he came near her. There was disbelief written all over his countenance.
"Uhhh..." Nova froze, forgetting everything Spirit had suggested her to do. "...I...am...I uh..."
"Why are you here?! Did he sent you?!"
His aggressive bark made her jump in panic, all the previous recommendations discussed with Spirit flew away from her head. Quick! Say something! ANYTHING! "Um...oh dear gosh! I've fallen down!" She announced in a very awkward manner and collapsed her body on the ground.
"No, what are you doing?...that's not attractive." Spirit muttered, cringing at the display before him.
"Are you okay?" Great Conquest furrowed his brows, taken aback at the unforeseen reaction he had received from the filly.
"Alas, I'm not!" Dramatically declared Nova. "Spirit and I got into another argument and I left that brute once and for all! I didn't know where to go...I was all...all alone at night and...and then I sprained my ankle." She forced tears on her face, appearing as disheveled as she could master. "Oh what a world! What a miserable world I live in! I had nowhere to go...please, don't be mad at me. I'm only a poor victim. Owie..."
It was quite certain that Great Conquest did not expect to hear such woes of exclamation from the wild, young mare. "Which ankle?" He asked in concern, lowering his head to her legs.
"Ahh..." Nova paused, trying hard to come up with a suitable answer. "...um...ALL of them!"
"All of them?" Great Conquest repeated in stunned confusion.
"I know! Woe is me! I can barely walk!"
"This is SO not what I imagined." Spirit whispered to himself. It was way too painful to watch Nova struggle like a dying fish out of water. This was definitely not attractive, but wait...for some weird reason... it was distracting.
"Can you stand up?" Great Conquest inquired, his voice suddenly became concerned as he nosed her gently.
"OUCH!" Nova screamed with an overdramatic outburst, making the grey stallion jolt backwards, while Spirit felt like recoiling in a shell and never coming out in the world ever again, thanks to Nova's horrible performance.
"We're doomed." He concluded, shaking his head in embarrassment. It would only be matter of seconds till the war stallion comprehended their uncoordinated, ridiculous stunt.
"Does it hurt?" Great Conquest asked; still, by some miracle, unable to see right through Nova's poor acting.
"Yes! It's so bad." The young mare continued as she lay on the ground, looking helpless and innocent. She desperately stared behind Great Conquest and silently gestured, tossing her head sideways, indicating Spirit to start sneaking in the camp already. Unfortunately, her cue was missed by the wild stallion and she ended up resembling some sort of a retarded swan.
"Um, what's with your neck?" Great Conquest questioned hesitantly, utterly shocked at everything that was transpiring in front of his eyes.
"Oh...uh...I have a neck sprain too." Nova bit her lip, cringing at her own self. Neck sprain? What the heck? Doesn't matter, just play along! She flipped her hair, hoping that this could 'entice' the stallion somehow and yet, it made her look even more awkward, because now part of her mane was stuck to her mouth. "Blah!" She spit out strands of hair, appearing anything but seductive.
"Are you...oh-okay?" Great Conquest spoke, looking decidedly frightened.
"How can I be okay when I can barely walk?" She said, her heart lurching within her chest, as she hurled her head once more, attempting to signal Spirit again. It did not work and she was losing her patience. She was at her wit's end with all this nonsense! "MOOOVEEE!" She finally neighed at him, which at last prompted Spirit to snap out of his dazed state and slowly begin to creep in the settlement. Truth be told, he had become so preoccupied with Nova's clumsy, awkward display that for a second, he forgot why he was there in the first place. All he wanted to do was jump in and somehow get the hopeless Nova out of that unpleasant situation.
Great Conquest was about to glance behind him when Nova swiftly stood up and threw herself at him. "Oh please! You must support my weight!" She batted her lashes rapidly, which produced an even more of a negative effect because now she looked as though she was having a seizure.
"Who were you talking to?" The stallion lifted his brows suspiciously, but nevertheless allowed the young mare to lean her swaying body on him.
"Me? No one."
"You said 'move'?"
"I said MOOOOO." Clumsily corrected Nova, letting out a nervous laugh. "I was imitating cows. Cattle are such fascinating species."
"R-right." Great Conquest gaped at her in shock. He figured that severe ache in her ankles and the trauma of losing both her brother and her 'beloved' Spirit made her go absolutely nuts. "Do you want to try and get a drink? I'll lead you to the river?" He offered courteously.
"How kind of you! You are SO gallant!" Nova exclaimed little too enthusiastically, startling Great Conquest in the process with her squeaky voice. Anxious to appear normal, she spotted the rope Spirit was referring to earlier and grabbed it with her teeth. What should I do now? She awkwardly played with it, swinging it high in the air and before she knew it, accidentally smacked Great Conquest right across the eyes.
"Ouch! What the hell?!" Cried the stallion. "Are you trying to blind me?"
"Oops...sorry. I'm so sorry." Nova cringed, throwing the rope back on the muddy ground. "Ugh, I knew this was a stupid idea. I shouldn't have listened to him. A rope?" She muttered under her breath.
"Let's get you down to the river before you injure someone." Great Conquest said, shaking his head in utter confusion.
Although, taken as a whole, Nova's stunt was an utterly miserable attempt on the art of seduction, it certainly worked as a distraction and Spirit managed to get through the camp without being noticed by Great Conquest, who presently, was supporting and guiding the young mare to the river.
A big round of applause for Nova's flirting skills! :D
So, in order to celebrate Easter, I thought I'd treat you guys with 2 new chapters this week! Next one, titled as "Written In The Stars" will be posted this Sunday. Stay tuned for that and in the meantime, share your thoughts on this one!
