Chapter 24

The Stallion & His Mare

Well, turns out I had overreacted a big time.

Even though, Little Creek was kind of worried about our late arrival, he didn't seem upset nor angry. After he and his human friends rode up to where Spirit and I stood, all of us together jogged all the way back to the camp without a fuss. It seemed like my boy and his human friends didn't think much of what had happened. The horses however, were a completely different case. Wind, Dawn, Blossom and Blaze had been the ones who'd galloped towards us with their humans on their backs. On this occasion, my Little Creek had been mounted on the gentle stallion, Wind. And even though, everything was subtle and calm, I couldn't help but notice the knowing glances passing between the two stallions and the two mares. They had sly and mischievous expressions throughout the whole ride. Blaze and Wind nickered proudly at Spirit couple of times, while the mares giggled.

Ugh, it was so annoying! I tried to avoid eye contact with them and since the humans were guiding us, it was easy to ignore the horses.

Through this exchange, I couldn't help but wonder what my stallion was thinking about. Spirit at first was quite overwhelmed when the humans surrounded us with relieved exclamations and sighs, but then he eased up and mostly had a stoic and unmoved exterior.

"It's a good thing he didn't run your mare all the way back to his wild homeland." One of the two-leggeds commented to Little Creek, motioning his head to Spirit, who was already safely back in his pen.

"Rain would never leave me." My boy remarked, his trustful eyes never shifting from me even for a second. He kept brushing my long mane with delicate movements.

"But he could've, if he wanted to- look at the muscles on that stallion." Joined Long Knife, his sharp voice piercing my ears. I snorted, and I could detect Spirit pinning his ears at him from his corral.

Little Creek tensed a little, remembering the time the Mustang almost murdered his foolish friend, who had dared to raise a whip on him. "He has a good heart." My owner said softly, his gaze focusing on Spirit now. "He wouldn't forcibly drag my girl to his untamed land."

"You seem awfully sure about that." Long Knife responded in surprise, he was still seeing Spirit as a crazy, aggressive and dangerous stud.

"I am sure. Just because he is a little wild, doesn't mean he has an evil heart. In fact, he has a kind and a noble spirit" Little Creek spoke up, moving closer to the fence, observing the stallion with his attentive gaze. "He admires my mare. I don't think he'll ever hurt her."

That's why I adored Little Creek. He could read our kind so well...it was mind blowing.

Spirit looked up, his brown pools meeting my owner's deep stare. I noticed how the stallion's handsome features softened at my human for once. It was like he was beginning to appreciate Little Creek's honestly and generous soul. Slowly, Spirit dipped his head in agreement, letting out a soft nicker. His warm eyes found me and he smiled as he bid me goodnight.

I returned the nicker and followed after Little Creek who was grinning from head to toe. "It seems like you two have become good friends." My boy remarked as we made our way to the open fields.

Yeah right...'friends'. If only you knew Little Creek... if only you knew.

The next day was considerably cloudy - exact opposite of the previous, gorgeously sun-filled day that Spirit and I had shared together. It had been couple of weeks since Summer gave way to Fall and the humans were slowly getting ready for the arrival of Winter.

The celebrated Harvest festival was today. The preparations had started from the early morning. Our human friends were gathering some of the crops they had harvested, pumpkins, potatoes and cabbage. The women prepared and cooked the buffalo that the men hunted. Underground storage caches were filled with dried meat and fruit, and large quantities of firewood were stocked.

Summer had been really dry and not as bountiful for us as before. The tribe had been low on supplies and hunting had been quite difficult for our two-legged friends. However, despite these challenges, it seemed like we had finally pulled through and looked ready for the cold days of Winter. This excellent outcome was a positive reinforcement for the entire tribe, including myself, to continue working hard in keeping our homeland safe and sound.

I was happy this afternoon, and completely reassured...we were going to be fine after all. I smiled, perking my ears towards my boy, who was busy chopping wood for the campfire. But that wasn't the only reason why I was so happy. A certain stunning stallion stood next to me, curiously observing the activities around him. Oh, Spirit...he made my heart flatter like no other.

Catching his warm gaze, a small smile crept on the corners of my muzzle. We had spent most of the day studying the bustling camp. Spirit kept asking me questions about the tribe's strange ways, what we did during season's changes, and I explained everything in detail to him.

Once his curiosity seemed satisfied, the stallion playfully reached forward, nibbling at my withers. "Spirit!" I gasped surprised. "What are you doing? They'll see us." I blushed, feeling heat rising to my cheeks. I quickly looked around, hoping none of the horses or the humans at that, had noticed his extra friendly gesture.

The Mustang chuckled at my reaction. "Oh come on, Rain. Who are we hiding from?" He asked with a teasing glare. His extremely beautiful, shiny coat lighting up otherwise, a very dull and gloomy Autumn weather.

"We're not hiding...we're just keeping this between us." I corrected in a whisper, my crystal eyes shifting from here to there, frantically looking to see if anyone was watching.

"But I don't want to keep this between us." The stallion let out a loud whiny. "I want everyone to know that you're mine." Before I could protest, with one swift motion, he cradled my head with his own, softly brushing his cheek against mine.

"Not here." I insisted, moving away from his touch, nickering cautiously and tilted my head to where Little Creek was chopping and gathering firewood.

Spirit sighed, slightly rolling his eyes, he wasn't too pleased with my skittish behavior. "Alright then," He gave in with a deep breath. "let's go somewhere else." He suggested, desperate to have some alone time with me.

I sheepishly looked sideways, as the Lakota camp continued to bustle with activity. It was quite busy and chattery, making it hard for both Spirit and I to enjoy each other's company. But I didn't want to disappear from my owner's sight. I knew he was keeping a watchful eye on us, despite his chores. He would certainly realize something was up if we dared to run off somewhere.

"I don't know." I replied quietly, hesitating in my steps. Feeling a little self conscious...what if everyone was staring at me? Judging me even?

Obviously too tired to argue with me, Spirit decided to take matters in his own hooves. Unlike me, he wasn't intimated or ashamed. Why would he? He was free to act however he'd like and he was free to love whoever he wanted. And woe to those, who had anything against it. With a confident stride, he snapped into a gallop and we began running towards the rolling hills, away from the eyes of curious humans and horses. If it weren't for this mutual rope, I would've stayed behind. But now?... I simply had no other choice and so I followed. Partly worried at what might be thought of us and partly loving the fact that he took me away from the camp for a while.

Once sure that we were alone and had our privacy, Spirit stopped, pulling me closer to him and nuzzling me gently. "See? Alone at last." He nickered softly, sending electric tingles up my body.

"It is nice." I remarked, pressing my forehead against his and breathing into his nostrils. It was really quiet and so peaceful now. He made me feel really special. It was like I didn't want to be with anyone else anymore. Just him...only him.

Well except for Little Creek, of course. Now that human boy occupied most of my heart, but Spirit was quickly gaining favor as well. He was winning me over and already abided half of my heart.

"Rain, my love..." Spirit whispered gently, caressing my neck. "Don't be ashamed of us." His deep, brown eyes tenderly settled on me and I couldn't help but embrace him again.

"I won't." I promised, gazing warmly at him as the wind stirred our forelocks across our eyes.

Squealing with happiness, Spirit leapt up and down, trotting around in a perfect circle, slightly tangling up the rope that hang on our necks. Lifting his legs straight and high, he piaffed as his long, dark tail, swung like a banner to and fro with his dance.

He really was putting on a show - his limbs working in unison and his strong muscular form made my stare burn into him. His display was so amazing to watch... No, he was so amazing to watch.

"Studs..." I smirked cheekily, my gaze intensified. "..all about impressing fillies."

"Aren't you impressed?" Spirit inquired, stopping in his tracks, his eyebrows raised playfully.

"Oh, should I be?" I giggled, clearly teasing.

The stallion half smiled, the breeze lifted his thick mane as he stood before me, making him look like one of those famous, and breathtaking Andalusians that I had often heard about. He was straight out of a dream...better than a dream.

"Very much so." I decided to give him a truthful answer, my head stuck out slightly on the last word, my flaxen mane fell like a curtain along my crest.

Spirit's lips turned upwards in a handsome smile as he puffed out his muscular chest. He observed me with a passion-filled gaze. "You're so beautiful." He said, making my heart throb once more.

Before I could respond, friendly nickers and neighs from the other horses reached my ears. Wind, Dawn, Blaze, Blossom and couple of others were making their way towards us. Around this time of the hour, when they weren't needed, the humans released all of their horses to graze and have their freedom.

"Oh great." I muttered a bit nervously, once realizing that I had forgotten about that detail.

"Nothing to worry about." Spirit assured me confidently and together we trotted up to them, meeting them half way in the fields.

The two stallions greeted Spirit politely, both Wind and Blaze took to him quickly and admired his courage. There was something about Spirit that struck everyone, not just me. I really liked that none of them were hostile towards the Mustang.

Even though, our interactions were friendly and tranquil, I couldn't help but notice how proudly Spirit trotted among the horses as I followed his lead. Obviously, he was showing me off to everyone especially the stallions, subtly declaring that I was taken and they needed to back off. I was his now!

"So are you two an item?" Wind, the stallion with a blue circle around his eye started, as the mares in the background nickered curiously.

I blushed, timidly averting my gaze, knowing that most of them already knew just how together we were.

Used to being a leader and always taking charge, Spirit didn't hesitate to take it upon himself to respond. "Rain and I have grown close, yes." He said softly, his loving eyes searching for mine.

"That's so exciting!" Squealed Dawn, followed by neighs of approval from the other mares.

"I'm just curious, stallion," began Blaze with a wary countenance. "How did you win her from Great Conquest?" His brows half raised.

And just like that, my shyness was swiftly replaced by annoyance. Here we go again...the 'stud talk'. Fighting, winning, challenging...ugh. As if I was a piece of property. In full honesty, it was a harmless question. After all, most of the horses here had witnessed the two fight before. So they were naturally curious about it. But what bothered me was that somehow everyone here believed that I was rightfully Great Conquest's mare in the beginning. And that wasn't true at all. I was never 'his' to begin with. We were just friends! I snorted in displeasure while Spirit tensed at the question. He too thought the exact same thing. When was Rain Great Conquest's mare?

"He didn't have to!" Came a sharp neigh from across the field. Jerking our heads, we were met by the grey war stallion himself.

I quieted as I found his honey-colored eyes. He didn't look aggressive or threatening however, neither was he welcoming and friendly like the rest of the horses. Proudly he came forward, ears slightly pinned back at Spirit.

The Mustang observed him with silent and stoic glare . Although initially calm, I knew that he wouldn't stop himself from charging at him if the situation arose to that.

"Isn't it right, Rain?" He asked, taking small steps towards me. "I don't think our fight was necessary considering the fact that your heart already belonged to him. What good would it do?" Great Conquest declared, scanning everyone around him. I could hear the surprised whispering from the other mares.

His eyes then settled on Spirit, hardening slightly. "You're lucky. Has any mare ever offered herself to another in hopes of saving the one she loves? Although, I do believe you don't require saving, stallion. You can put up a fight." He smirked at the last sentence, probably remembering how Spirit had kicked his ass when he had threatened me.

With that, he continued moving along and walked passed us, followed by some of the mares.

Spirit's eyes however, widened in shock upon hearing this news. "What is he talking about?" He turned to me, as I gulped nervously, overcome with uneasiness.

"Never mind him." I threw in quickly. Ugh, why did Great Conquest always complicate things?

"That night..." Spirit wondered, his thoughts racing back and forth. "...when you said you'd go to him if there weren't any fights-"

It was pointless to hide this from him, he already made sense of it all. "Yes." I dipped my head, my voice weak and soft.

"What?!" Spirit neighed horrified.

Wind, Dawn, Blaze and Blossom instantly left our side, knowing that this was a private matter and we needed to figure it out on our own.

"Spirit please-" I began shakily, once we were both alone from the ears and gazes of others.

"I can't believe this!" Exclaimed Spirit, his fierce eyes flashing in anger. "Why would you do something so foolish? Why would you give yourself up like that?! What were you thinking? Why Rain? WHY?!" He roared, stomping the ground in fury.

"Because I love you!" I cried out at last, silencing the agitated stallion in front of me.

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