[The White Elk Stables] To Find a Horse ... And a Friend?

by **Svasra** on January 6th, 2013, 12:43 am

Svasra Snowsong

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

-Marcus Garvey

Timestamp: 24th of Winter, 512 [Around mid-day]

Svasra knew this was a bad idea. A very bad idea. So bad, she really - in all sane reality - should turn around and march back the way she'd come to the warm arms of her mother and father and the Snowsong Hold. It would be the wisest choice, prevent the doom that was inevitable if she followed this reckless and dim-witted path. Back home, where she was safe. Svasra's eyes flickered their pale yellow of uncertainty, as she almost looked behind her as though someone with divination would know her secrets and scream them to the world.

There was no one there though, of course not. Svasra knew that even as she peeked around the lock of hair that always invaded her peripheral vision. Taking a breath, the Vantha chided her mind on being so nervous, forcefully calming herself as her eyes shifted from pale yellow to gray-blue. For a moment, Svasra just stared at the stables in front of her. It couldn't be that bad right? After all . . . she was just looking for a nice horse . . .

Svasra made her way to the property, trying to seem relaxed, though deep inside she was nervous someone would sense the adventurous spirit that spurred her to come to see the horses in the stables. How did one go about inquiring about horses up for purchase exactly? Did you just ask someone? You know this isn't right, what would your mother say? How exactly do you explain leaving to them? Hmm? Downright idiocy this is. You're just tempting yourself. Sternly ignoring her own thoughts, Svasra entered the The White Elk Stables.

The rich musty scent of horses and hay was the first thing to greet the young woman, the next was the noise of snuffling and hooves clicking on the ground, and the murmur of Frostfawns. Svasra was mildly surprised to feel the heat of the room, quick to shed her outerwear as she moved off to the side to allow some Frostfawns to pass. The girl peered at the horses curiously, eyes a light pink as she cooed to one absently. "Intelligent beings, aren't you?" she murmured, meeting the gaze of a sleek mare, grinning.

Unsure how exactly to ask if any were up for sale, Svasra just roamed the stables at first, looking for some sort of sign perhaps, or maybe someone who looked free to help her? What horse should even be taken on a long journey? They looked all mildly the same, though their coats varied, and size, some looked more muscular . . . and some were so tall! How in the world were you to get up on one of those?!

"Pretty little horse-y," she said uncertainly, outstretching her hand. Svasra instinctively laid her hand flat, unwilling to risk having her fingers bitten off . . . or something. Could horses do that? Either way the horse reached out to sniff her curiously, before leveling a dark eye on her in seeming acceptance. Cautiously, Svasra reached up to stroke the soft nose, stifling an exclamation of surprise at the velvet quality. "Well, aren't you friendly," she added with a small grin at the horse before it retreated to eat.

Now left to her own devices and having made it past two stables with all limbs successfully intact, Svasra was eager to have someone come and show her the workings of buying one. And . . . taking care of one. Svasra pursed her lips and tapped her leg absently in thought. If she was to go horseback . . well it would be wise to know how to take care of the horse? And ride it too. Svasra looked at the wide array of horses, and her frown deepened. This would take a lot more time than she thought . . . perhaps even until Spring. Could she really wait that long? Did she really have a choice?

Deep in thought, Svasra forgot about getting help, hand settled on the gate to one horse's stable, looking blankly at it as it milled around.

by **Silver Frostfawn** on January 7th, 2013, 1:32 am

OOCBy the way, at this point, since I'm assuming we will have met each other in the Midnight Stroll thread, which occured on the 20th of winter, we will have known each other by now. Just so you are aware:)

Silver Frostfawn

Silver had been sitting alone in the corner of the While Elk Stables, half-heartedly working on a painting of one of the young brown ponies for the last half an hour. It hadn't really made any progress however, as her mind was elsewhere. She wasn't really focused on a single thought, moreover she was reviewing the past few nights of her life. Silver had a kind of OCD that required her to know exactly what happened the last few days, how if affected her, and what she would do in the next few days to best help herself.

Her eyes wandered, as her mind did the same. The chatter of the Frostfawns around her seemed to have quieted in the last few moments. She attmpeted, to no avail to bring herself back to focus, but she was to zoned out. Her glance fell upon a girl she hadn't seen in the stables only a few moments earlier. Odd. She seemed familiar though. She followed the girls footsteps as she moved around the first few stables, and moved to touch one of the horses. She seemed lost, which was odd for a Frostfawn. All members of her clan were very comfortable around all types of animals, especially the horses that they kept in White Elk.

Silver was finally able to bring herself back into focus, and rose off her feet. She intended to approach slowly and see if she could help the girl that seemed out of place. However half way towards the girl, Silver realized why she looked so familiar. "Svasra! Silver shouted, a smile spreading through her whole face. She ran up to the girl, leaning against the stable gate next to her. "What brings you here? You seem lost!" Silver started, turning to face the girl.

The brown horse in front of her made its way back towards the gate, sticking its wet nose against Silver's cheek. Silver let out a snort and pushed its nose away giggling. "Thats not very nice Calvin!" Her eyes turned to the red of affection. Calvin was one of her favorite horses in the stables. She was desperate to buy her for her own, but her parents would not allow for another horse. It was unfortunate, but Silver spent many a day down in the stables spending time with him anyway, so it wasn't that big of a deal.

"She's beautiful isn't she?" Silver absent-mindedly stroked Calvin's mane. She suddenly was hit with another inspiration to draw Calvin in all of his beauty. Perhaps running across an open plain, or in the fresh snow after a storm. There were so many possibilities. A pang of sadness hit her as the horse grunted and walked away. But it quickly went away when she realized that he was only hungry. She smiled and giggled as the noise of the stables seemed to rise in volume once again.

by **Svasra** on January 7th, 2013, 10:11 am

Svasra Snowsong

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

-Marcus Garvey

"Svasra!" a voice shouted, jerking the woman out of her reverie as she looked around, eyes flashing colors in her mild confusion. Soon though, a familiar face was running up and filling Svasra's plane of vision, all smiles and happy as she asked, "What brings you here? You seem lost!" For a moment, Svasra could only smile and nod her head in a friendly manner, wondering herself what had brought her to the stables.

Not one to be quick in getting her thoughts straight after being lost in them, Svasra was thankful for the distraction the horse offered as it nosed Silver in a friendly manner. "Thats not very nice Calvin!" she protested in the meek Frostfawn fashion, which made Svasra giggle slightly, shaking her head.

"It's great to see you again, Silver," Svasra finally said with a genuine grin, though Silver seemed absent-minded as she commented,
"She's beautiful isn't she?" It's a she? Svasra eyed the horse absently, mimicking the nickers she heard to coax the horse to her palm where she sniffed delicately.
"I haven't any food," Svasra said with a slight laugh, having only a soft pat on her velveteen nose as any sort of reward. The horse - Calvin was it? - was content with it, munching on her little bit of hay while Svasra mindlessly stroked the horse. "She is," she suddenly stated, in answer to Silver's previous question (or statement, really).

"I am here to look at horses, purchasing one, to be completely honest," Svasra finally said, turning from Calvin with a final stroke and towards her friend. "I'm not interested in purchasing one directly today . . . b-but perhaps in the soon future," she continued, stuttering slightly at the proclamation she was making. It was time she came to terms with it, she had to travel, it was time. "Most likely Spring," Svasra finished with a decisive nod of her round head, smiling. "I heard . . . Frostmarchs are desirable for the cold weather ... or a Gildling for storms?" she said lamely, looking quite uncertain, though she simply laughed and added, "I hope you might be able to help?"

Svasra looked briefly from Silver to Calvin once more, wondering if that was the type of horse she wanted. What exactly did she want? Well a large horse (unfortunately), since she needed it to carry not only her but supplies. It doesn't need to be terribly fast, though being able to be quick would be a bonus . . . what else? Well, it would need to be comfortable outside, and in the cold, since Svasra wasn't sure how long it would take to reach some warmer climates. Also, she couldn't afford to always go to a stable and inn, so it would have to be fine out doors during the nighttime. She was a beginner rider, so a docile horse would be good, not one terribly nippy, or easy to shy. Ah, and one simple to care for? Was there a simple way to care for a horse?

Alright so sweet-tempered, able to go fast, although able to carry enough, comfortable in the cold and outside at night . . . Svasra eyes flashed a pale yellow in her worry, Does such a horse even exist?

by **Silver Frostfawn** on January 7th, 2013, 8:37 pm

Silver Frostfawn

Silver listened to the girl as she detailed her situation. She wondered where she was going in Spring. It wasn't usual for one of the Vantha to leave Avanthal, at least not far enough to need a horse to travel. Perhaps it wasn't her place to ask, but Silver wasn't one to leave inquiries unanswered. "Why exactly are you leaving? If you don't mind me asking. It just seems unusual is all. Silver asked, her lips in a half smile that showed friendliness, but still portrayed seriousness.

To be honest, most of the horses that were kept in Avanthal were used to the cold anyway. Frostmarches were the best in the snow and ice, though Svasra might need to find herself resting often after the first few days. It depended on the length of her journey. Silver once, not to long ago had thought of leaving on a trip to travel the world, and a Frostmarch was definitely what she would have taken. There were also plenty of mixed blood horses that would do well for her in the stables. Possibly even a Zavian, you couldn't really go wrong there.

"And do answer you question, I myself would take a Frostmarch. They are very reliable, and definitely wouldn't feel uncomfortable in the snow". Silver replied, silently happy that Calvin was a Sungold. It was hard for her to imagine, but if someone wanted to buy her, there was no way that they would be denied.

Silver led her companion over to where the Frostmarches and Zavians were kept, thankful that they were in the same vicinity. "We don't have any as striking as Calvin over there, but a couple over here are pretty as well". Silver stated, silently patting the first Frostmarch, Snow, on the head, and giggled as some of the other Frostmarch horses whinnied in protest, begging for attention for themselves.

The Zavians were less energetic as the Frostmarch, but none the less were mostly at the edge of their pens, looking at the oncomers with a keen eye. Though the horses were very well kept, and never treated poorly, Silver was sure that they wished to be out in the free open lands. It pained her to keep them all pent up where they could barely stretch her legs. She many times had snuck some of the horses out, Calvin especially, once all of the workers had left, and taken them for rides. She knew very little about horseback riding, so it was more of a trot then a ride, but she knew that all of the creatures appreciated it regardless.

A few minutes after they had gotten to the Frostmarch side of the stables, Silver heard a familiar screech as Winter came flapping in through the doors, startling all of the horses into a tiny frenzy. The owl landed on her shoulder, and Silver shook her head. "How many times have I told you not to yell when you come into the stables!" Silver shook her head, this was not the first time it had happened. A few weeks ago, Winter had entered the stables in a similar fassion, and one of the Tiaden horses had gotten so spooked it bucked and kicked another horse so hard it needed medical treatment.

"Sorry about that, let me introduce you to Winter, sometimes she can be a bit of a hastle, but I love her. She smiled, and stroked the birds feathers as the horses calmed back down. "So, do any of these young fellas' strike your fancy?"

by **Svasra** on January 11th, 2013, 3:13 am

Svasra Snowsong

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

-Marcus Garvey

"Why exactly are you leaving? If you don't mind me asking. It just seems unusual is all," Silver asked in her kindly tones, though it left Svasra tense and uneasy as she diverted her gaze. Uncertainty flashing through her mind, she followed the Frostfawn blindly as she spoke of breeds and traits. Should I tell her? Svasra barely knew herself, what was there really to admit to? Admit to . . . you sound like a culprit. She did feel like that sometimes, when she looked at how closely knit her family was . . . could she really just want away from that to sate her own unquenchable spirit?

Suddenly though, Silver spoke again, after some mild screeches and a few feathers that Svasra was too busy lost in her own thoughts to notice. "So, do any of these young fellas' strike your fancy?" The Vantha looked up finally, and met Silver's gaze, hers a pale pink as it turned towards the various horses that nickered in her presence. To give herself time to think of an answer, not only to the question regarding horses, but also her own travels, Svasra moved away from Silver towards the stalls, looking at them with a thoughtful eye.

A few pranced in their places, eager to sniff her hand that she extended to each one, burying their velvet noses into her palm which made Svasra giggle helplessly. She moved from one to another, stroking a nose here, patting a flank there. Seemingly lost within the simple enthralling nature of a horse's gaze, Svasra was oblivious to Silver (which she mostly been previously also, if she was to be honest). "Aren't you beautiful," she whispered to one, "You look strong," she added to another.

There were so many choices, how did one choose? Svasra thought she would definitely be wandering these stalls aimlessly until she eventually just closed her eyes and randomly pointed to one. How else would it be chosen? She had no idea of the Frostmarches abilities other than their tolerance to snow, nor did she know if the Zavians were best in Avanthal if she was to stay close before moving on. "The Frostmarches . . . they are very durable in the cold . . . does that make them more susceptible to the heat if I were to travel deeper South? Would I have to trade for another horse that could bear the weather, or would they be fine?" she asked, reluctant to get close to one horse only to see she had to change it if the journey was to go further South.

South. Did she really just admit that? Svasra was about to turn around and explain to Silver when her hand stopped on a stall gate. A horse, about her height she estimated. White with pale gray dapples that seemed to almost glitter in the bright sunlight. A mane that draped over one side, and dark brown eyes that watched Svasra approach with a curiosity reflected in Svasra's own gaze.

"Hey there," Svasra murmured, extending her hand as she again mimicked the nickers of the horses, to some apt degree as her Hold had a keen musical and imitation ear. "Aren't you handsome," she continued. This horse had stayed quiet most of the time, while the others around him had protested when Svasra had laid hands on another. He trotted towards her with an easy gait, sniffing her cautiously, his warm breath tickling her fingers. Glancing at the sign, Svasra smiled and stroked his soft nose as she called him by name, "Frozen Tundra."

For a few moments, Svasra ran her hand along the length of his nose, tracing it up to the peak of his mane were it stopped between his ears. He seemingly enjoyed this as his head bowed to allow her to scratch where his mane stopped, and stroked his ears. She smiled. This was how the decision was made. She knew it. It was like a musician picking up their instrument . . . they knew it was for them, there was no other. It was her writing poetry, knowing there simply was nothing else she wanted.

"Is he for sale?" Svasra asked, turning, looking towards Silver with her eyes a light blue. Frozen Tundra - which Svasra would probably end up nicknaming Tundra (horses sometimes had the oddest names.. there was this one called 'Ice, Baby, Ice' .. anyways, that's another story), apparently, didn't appreciate his petting session stopped as he was quick to nose the back of Svasra's head, blowing on her hair in a faintly annoyed fashion. Svasra laughed lightly, and reached behind her, finding his ears once again, that he was eagerly presented, and scratched them softly. "I am leaving in the Spring, hopefully to just find Avanthal is the one place I would like to be, but perhaps . . . " here, Svasra wondered how much she wished to share with Silver, a woman she had only scraped the surface with those nights before. "Perhaps I will find somewhere to tell the stories of the Vantha to . . . Find someone . . . " she carried on, looking down for a moment with her brow furrowed. Quickly though, she lightened and smiled at Silver.

"I want to have some adventures, like anyone who becomes so attached to their stories they want some of their own to tell," Svasra concluded with an allusion to her storytelling habits in the Red Diamond, where she scraped by a bit of money. "Anyways," she said, walking up to Silver where she stood with Winter. "I'm sorry I didn't greet you earlier, Winter, I was lost within my own thoughts," she apologized, now bowing her head to the bird with an amused glint at the obvious uneasiness of some nearby animals.

"I will pay whatever amount for him," Svasra added, gesturing to Frozen Tundra who whinnied slightly as though to call her back. Looking over her shoulder to the intelligent gaze of the horse, Svasra could only grin and look to Silver hopefully.

I needed a horse that was sweet-tempered, able to go fast, although able to carry enough, comfortable in the cold and outside at night. Sometimes though . . . you just found one. And you knew it would just work between the two of you.

EditsSorry I edited this post a couple times, I was having a hard time deciding on the horse's name. I had Blizzard, then Frost, then Frost Wind, and now Frozen Tundra. I really like Frozen Tundra though, so I think I'll stick with it. xD

by **Svasra** on February 12th, 2013, 3:56 am

Storyteller NoteI messaged Silver about a week ago, though it says she hasn't been in since January 12th ... so I decided I'd wrap this up.

"Svasra!" Turning, Svasra peered towards the voice, and found her mother ambling through the Stables with a smile. Svasra walked towards her mother, gesturing for Silver to follow. "What are you doing here?" Minara asked as she stroked the horses in passing, the comfortable air around her one of a Frostfawn within her element. Pausing, Svasra hesitated to respond, and smiled at Silver.
"I came to see the horses, and ended up meeting Silver here also," she said with a brief added introduction.
"Oh? Did you find any horses to your liking?" Minara asked as she bowed her head politely to the younger Frostfawn. The members of her former Hold always made her smile, and she glanced in approval to the bird Silver had.
"Yes, I did find one," Svasra said with a nod. Perhaps this was time? Time to tell? Svasra looked to Silver and squeezed the woman's shoulder. "Thank you so much for your time, I will go pay the groomer." Hugging Silver she whispered, "This seems like a good time to talk to my mother."

Svasra left Silver, and Minara dropped into step by her daughter. "You could have stayed with your friend," she commented, though Svasra smiled and childishly held her mother's hand.
"We barely get to spend time together, mother, let today be a moment of memories."
"Havok's poetic voice runs deep, eh?" They shared a gentle laugh over the comment, and Svasra moved to Frozen Tundra's stall where she was previously.
"This is the beauty," Svasra murmured, nickering quietly at the male that sauntered over.
"Ah, Frozen Tundra, a young one isn't he? I am sure they only just finished his training," Minara said, reaching out to stroke the horse's nose. He snuffled and bumped Svasra's hand, encouraging her to reach up and ruffle his mane. "There is also Snowflake over there," Minara added as she nodded towards another stall were a curious mare peeked out. "Older than Frozen Tundra, but very quiet, passive - fantastic for a beginner rider."
"I found my horse," Svasra said quietly, in the confident manner that Minara had give up trying to argue with. She smiled at her daughter, and hugged the child close.
"My first horse was Pepper, beauty she was," Minara murmured, "I knew she was mine the day I met her."

Svasra and Minara didn't spend much longer in the stables, and soon found the Head Groom to pay for Frozen Tundra. Leaving the White Elk Stables, Svasra realized she never actually told her mother why she'd bought a horse. She had hoped her mother would ask, and that would force her to tell with her belief in speaking the truth. Instead though, her mother had never asked why she chose to purchase a horse, and most likely assumed it was just the Frostfawn aspect of herself coming through - parents were oddly proud to see their personal traits in their child. Disgruntled, Svasra found herself shy away from the thought of breaking it to them right now . . . maybe some other time . . .

"Wish to go shopping with me today, sweetie?" Looking up, Svasra saw her mother waiting with a grin. Could she leave them? Truly?
"Sure, mom." She jogged to catch up, and walked close to her mother, who felt the same need as her to spend these valued days together.

by **Valkyrie** on February 19th, 2013, 4:42 pm

Svasra :

Sliver Frostfawn :

You Will Be Collected if Worthy

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.

Completed [The White Elk Stables] To Find a Horse ... And a Friend?