𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗔'𝗦 𝗟𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗬 ── Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Chapter 5: Unveiled Horizons

Luna's POV

As my hooves rhythmically thrummed against the earth, Spirit and I galloped gracefully along the stale grass, the Lakota kid securely perched on my back.

 I tossed my head, my illustrious mane billowing in the wind, while Spirit's voice beckoned me to follow. However, our journey was abruptly interrupted by the distinct sound of another set of hooves approaching.

 Casting a quick glance to the side, I found myself captivated by the sight of a stunning sorrel tovero paint mare. Her slender, well-rounded physique and roman nose evoked a sense of elegance, and her crystal blue eyes met mine with a profound intensity. A radiant smile adorned her muzzle as she turned towards Spirit, forging an undeniable connection between us all.

With an unexpected burst of speed, the enigmatic mare effortlessly glided past me and Spirit, causing me to skid abruptly to a halt while Spirit closely trailed behind. My ears flattened against my skull as frustration welled up within me, but before I could voice my protest, ropes sprang up, constricting tightly around my neck and even entangling my horn. 

I hissed in defiance, baring my fangs and stomping my hoof in a display of resistance. Yet, as I caught sight of Spirit's similar agitation, our eyes met and we found a shared understanding. Then, the American paint mare bestowed upon us a benevolent smile, beckoning us to follow her lead. Reluctantly, I lowered my head and submitted to the tugging force of the Lakotas, heaving a weary sigh as I begrudgingly trailed behind them.

As Spirit nudged me, I responded with a reassuring nicker, whispering to him, "Don't worry, if the humans try anything, I'll defend us with all my might."

 Spirit snorted in agreement, shaking his head while his warm brown eyes twinkled with amusement. A reciprocal smile played on my lips as I playfully bumped my shoulder against his. Together, we followed the lead of the Lakotas, descending down a gentle slope that revealed what appeared to be another settlement, unlike any we had seen before. 

V-shaped tents dotted the landscape, and a myriad of horses and humans filled the space. I flared my nostrils, sensing the unfamiliar scents, but perhaps these humans were not as bad as we initially feared.

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"I guess I was right after all," I muttered under my breath as Little Creek, the Lakota child we had rescued, gestured for us to enter the corral. Spirit and I huddled close together, our flanks touching, ready to defend ourselves if necessary.

 However, my initial aggression subsided as Little Creek gently removed the bridle and bit that had been used to try and control us. I managed to give him a strained smile, grateful that the uncomfortable metal was no longer restricting my movements or biting into my tongue.

 Shaking my head, I touched my horn to the ground, summoning a beautiful burning red rose that twirled towards Little Creek. Surprised, she plucked the rose from its stem, sniffing it with relief. I returned her smile and walked around the corral, noticing Spirit's brooding expression and flicking an ear in his direction.

"You okay there?" I asked Spirit, and he nodded, turning his head towards me. He growled, questioning how I could give the human a rose. I let my head fall onto the fence, my back now turned to Spirit. "Well," I started, and suddenly the American Paint mare approached us. I dipped my head in acknowledgment as she spoke, assuring us that we would soon find comfort in the camp and promising to show us around the next day. I huffed before reluctantly nodding. She then turned to Spirit, who had turned his back to her, and chuckled, remarking on his behavior. I shrugged and explained that he becomes gentle once you get to know him. She hummed before turning on her hooves, waving her tail in goodbye. 

"Well, see you around!" she called, disappearing.

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The next morning arrived with a sense of urgency, and as I swiftly rose from my slumber, I couldn't help but revel in the feeling of finally being able to rest, if only for a brief moment. It had been so long since I had experienced a peaceful night's sleep, ever since the day my mother and I were cruelly separated.

"Slept well?" came Spirit's questioning nicker as I looked over at him, already munching on some bright red apples. I couldn't help but smile at his playful curiosity. "Yeah, actually I did," I replied, rising to my hooves and ducking my head to take a bite of the apples too. The simple joy of sharing a meal with my loyal companion brought a sense of peace to my heart, if only for a fleeting moment.

He smiled and nudged me with his muzzle before walking around me. I looked at him with a raised brow as he circled me, then suddenly pushed me to my side, causing me to yelp and fall over. "Hey!" I neighed, slightly indignant. "What was that for?" I asked, a mixture of surprise and amusement in my voice.

"Sorry, sweetheart, it was just so tempting," he murmured, and I shook my head, jumping to my hooves again and tapping him on the head with my horn, careful not to stab him. We ate our breakfast in silence, and when the morning turned to afternoon, Little Creek came over. Rain was with him, grazing a few hooves' length away.

I looked at Little Creek and sighed, knowing he would try to ride you, majestic Spirit. But you were not just a horse; you were a wild unicorn who would never allow yourself to be tamed.

It appeared as though Spirit harbored the very same sentiment.

Spirit playfully resisted as Little Creek tried to cover him with a blanket, moving towards the other side of the corral with a barely audible whinny. I couldn't help but chuckle softly, seeing that he was clearly teasing Creek. I also showed a similar defiant spirit, elegantly avoiding the Lakota rider's attempts, holding my noble head high and swishing my tail with confidence.

The two of us then engaged in a complex dance, elegantly encircling each other, heads held high, tails gracefully swishing, our hooves barely touching the earth's surface. Little Creek, amused, emitted a soft chuckle and nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well, I shall grant you respite today," he conceded. He then turned his attention to Rain, the splendid American Paint mare, beckoning her forth. It was at that moment that I observed Spirit cease his playful antics, fixating curiously on the captivating mare. And for the first time, an unfamiliar pang stirred within my heart, causing my ears to twitch involuntarily.

I tried to ignore that strange feeling, shaking it off as much as I could, and tilting my head in confusion as Little Creek attached two tethers, linking Spirit and me to Rain, urging us to follow her.

Then she said, "Come with me," in a pleasant voice, gently moving her tail as she led us out of the corral. I was shocked when Spirit suddenly surged forward, quickly passing Rain and me. We exchanged quick glances before hurrying to catch up with him. But as we got further from the camp, we were suddenly jerked backward, affecting Spirit as well. He made a sad whinny and turned around, his short mane bobbing with the motion. "Oh, please come!" he begged. "We are free to leave!"

I looked back and saw Rain, gracefully lowering herself to the ground and fixing her innocent eyes on us. "No," she snorted firmly, her gaze gleaming with determination as she circled Spirit in a restricted path.

It pained my heart, but I suppressed it, maintaining an attentive stance with a quizzical tilt of my head. She completed her circuit, then swiftly leaped and tugged the rope, causing Spirit to stumble over the side, reminiscent of his actions towards me earlier this morning. I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head in amusement at the peculiar expression on his face as he glared at Rain.

"Sorry," she giggled before turning to me. "I want to show you both our surroundings, on the condition that we don't venture into the wild realm," she stated firmly. With no other choice, Spirit and I followed her, and it was truly wonderful. From now on, my concerns about my own thoughts would likely fade away.