MCSM One Shots (2018-2019)

Under a Starry Sky

Competition Entry for @EmTheMinecraftTurd 

#7kReadsContest

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Open plains, acres of lands in nobody's possession. Fields of tall grass, long green blades gently swaying in the calm breeze. Almost a sea-green colour as they reflected the dark night sky above.

Blissful sounds of nature, hooting of howls, the occasional howl of a wolf in the far distance. The chirping of crickets hidden within the clusters of grass, filling the calm night air with their singing.

All soon interrupted by a low, rumbling sound. But the sky was clear, with no a cloud in sight – this wasn't thunder.

Breaking out of the shadows, a jet black horse. Galloping with long strides, neck arced, mane and tail streaming out behind him. Sweat glistening on his midnight coat, stars reflected in his dark eyes.

Rider on his back bending low over the horse's neck, standing ever-so-slightly up in the stirrups, lifted above the saddle. Brown eyes filled with determination, chestnut hair streaming out behind her. Armour casting a soft glow in the moonlight.

Jesse tightened her grip slightly on the reins, starting to slow her horse down. The stallion tossed his head in objection, giving a light buck.

Jesse sat confidently in the saddle, not phased by her horse's antics. She pulled gently on the reins again, politely asking the horse to slow down. The stallion finally decided to obey, slowing his stride down into an energetic walk. A few more gentle coaxes, and the horse stopped dead.

Jesse lifted her leg over the saddle, slipping down to the ground. Giving her horse's sweaty neck a slappy pat, letting a few encouraging words fall under her breath.

The horse snorted, gnawing at the bit in his mouth while his black tail swished irritably. Fretting in a way Jesse's normal old gelding never would. But Jesse needed a young, strong horse that night, one that had to be capable of carrying her all these miles out of Beacontown.

Whispering a few more words of reassurance to the steed, Jesse slipped his reins over the branch of a fallen tree. The horse impatiently pawed at the ground, before finally starting to settle a bit.

Jesse walked through the tall grass, the blades brushing against the dark turquoise steal of her armour. Her diamond sword dangling from her belt, it's crystal coloured blade shimmering with enchants.

The crunching beneath her boots faded away, as Jesse stepped onto a patch of a sand. The hint of a smile tugging at her lips before it faded again.

Her gloved hands quickly searching through the tall grass, gathering a pitiful pile of twigs and dry leaves on the sand. She knelt down, expertly striking two rocks together above the unlit fireplace. Gently blowing on the dry leaves as they met the spark.

A small, flickering flame started to emerge, quickly spreading itself through the dry leaves and twigs. The fire giving a golden tint to Jesse's brown irises, flickering flames reflected in her pupils.

Jesse lowered herself down further, until she was seated beside the fireplace. She gently tugged off her gloves, leaving them on her lap as she held her bare hands up to the fire. Her cold fingers relaxing in the heat of the flames flickering near them.

Jesse let out a slow exhale, closing her eyes for a few seconds as she felt the heat dance upon her skin. Feeling some form of relaxation which she haven't felt in so long.

The young woman sat back from the fire as her cold limbs regained some heat. Her eyes opened again, staring into the flickering flames. Embers starting to dance up in the night sky, the orange sparks contrasting against the pearl white stars.