And now, another chapter. I know it seems that this story has NOTHING whatsoever to do with Metropolis, but it will very soon. I will not answer any questions about Tima at this time. I have also allowed guests to review.

Thanks for all the lovely reviews friends! Peace!

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The chicken fetus was a nice way to start the day, Stagsleap greatly enjoyed having something warm in her stomach. She slowly got up and walked over to a corner and plunged a boney hand into a burlap bag full of cracked corn for the chickens. As soon as the feathered beings heard the gentle rapping of corn falling to the ground, they pushed themselves off the wood floor and scampered over to where the golden pile of food lay. The woman grabbed a thick piece of oil cloth, a surcingle, a make-shift bridle, and walked outside into the cold.

Stradivarius was waiting for her under the shelter; as soon as he saw the saddle and bridle, he nickered happily. After throwing the cloth over the broad beast's back, and securing it with the surcingle, Stagsleap gently put the rope reins over the black crested neck and slipped the bridle on.

Stagsleap was relatively tall, but getting on a horse's back was no easy feat for her. She was too weak. She lifted a hand and tapped the friesian's withers.

"Down. Down." She said gently, and the black equine slowly and carefully laid down on the hard wooded floor of his shelter and stood very still as his beloved Guardian climbed on and picked up the reins.

At the sound of the clucking from his rider, Stradivarius had to think a moment on how to get back up without throwing his rider around. With his mind set, he slowly got up on his front feet, so he was in a sitting position. Assured that his lady was still secure, he thrust his weight forward to allow his hind legs to straighten out. He had forgotten about the shelter roof. The dull thump above him, and the realization of what had happened, was enough to greatly depress the stallion for the day. Stagsleap shook it off and petted his neck, smiling and reassuring him.

Gently nudging his sides, the black stallion and the lady astride him began to walk out to where the road to town began. The town was a cluster of orange lights, like a colony of fireflies that had all died in the same place and their behinds were flickering as life was ebbing out of their small brown bodies.

When the pair reached the road, Stagsleap halted him and looked around.

Ever since Stagsleap and come to this small town, she had told everyone her horse was a Percheron, not a rare and expensive friesian. She always made sure to have her horse walk in public, never trot or canter. She did not want her horse to be stolen.

The coast was clear, not a human in sight. Stagleap firmly nudged the stallion's flanks and whispered, "Canter." Stradi reared up and plunged down the road, his feathered legs soaring through the crisp morning air..

~~~~Ack - sorry this chapter is so short - I just wanted to get SOMETHING up for you guys to read..