Alluring

For many weeks the celebrations took over the herd and the excitement was almost palpable. During these same weeks, each night Selisha crept out of their sleeping canopy away from the safety of the herd. Once she was out of sight, she ripped off her garments and galloped towards her valley, her secret valley, past all the cultured fields of her family and into the canyon where the grass grew wild and free. At the end of a breathtaking gallop through the floor of the valley, she climbed onto the great rock where she stared up into the twinkling lights. At this moment, as she stared up she felt such a strong impulse to call out. But to whom did she call?

On this night as she stared up at the stars, she noticed light in the sky towards the east and realised she would get back to her herd too late. They would notice her absence and her secret would be out. As Selisha stared back down towards the valley floor, there was a rustle in the thick undergrowth beside the track and she stopped quickly. A deep, low growling came from the bushes and Selisha broke into a panicked gallop.

Dazzling

As the valley grew closer and the growling grew louder her speed suddenly quickened. Selisha calmed down and realised how fast the grass was speeding past her. She realised for the first time she had the same look of her mother at full gallop and she rejoiced in it. Her muscles tensed at the thought of her assailant yet that feat itself was almost intoxicating. It felt right. Somehow, in this valley she fitted in like she had never fitted in with her own herd. Yet as she grew closer to the canopy of her family, and the sun climbed higher and higher, how she wished she could share this with someone of her own kind. Someone who would truly understand. Once it would have been her linked brother, Timshu, but even he had become a true follower of the Great Stallion Ochra and they were no longer even friends.

Elegant

Selisha thought to enter the village by the stream trying to go unnoticed when she saw there was already a large group of the herd at the meeting place in the square with her mother and her father, the Sire of the Herd, Mesularia. Curiously, and with great caution, Selisha approached to stand directly behind her mother. Shanara noticed her daughter’s quiet approach but her gaze did not falter from the stranger in their midst. Selisha followed her mother’s gaze and gasped. He was magnificent. As he proudly strode up and down the main trackway of their settlement Selisha noticed she was not the only one of the herd who was held mesmerised. The great stallion standing before them all was completely unadorned. Shocked gasps came from those who had just noticed yet none could take their eyes away from his great form. His muscles rippled over his strong shoulders as each hoof trod evenly on the track. Even the Great Mesularia was shocked into silence, until he felt the nudge of his first Great Mare, Shanara, and his deep voice broke the ensuing silence.

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