Northern Star

The beautiful black Racking Horse cantered along the shore of the lake, flicking her excesively long tail which dripped with water already as her hind hooves splashed the aqua around. She carried the scent of the Hidden Oasis terra, and was one of the four proud members there. She did not know that her good friend Epona was in danger at the moment, or she would have gone to help. As it was, Northern Star was just exploring the Valley a little more and relaxing.

Mark & Stable

Mark often rode Stable around the Lake. And now he was surprised, as he paused to let his mare drink, that he spotted Northern Star! He instantly recognized her as one of the horses stolen from the Ranch. She was a rarity around these parts. Kicking Stable lightly and tugging the reigns, he pulled her around and guided her slowly towards Northern Star. Very slowly, he began to coil up a rope that he always brought along with him. He talked very softy as they approached, hoping not to frighten her.

Northern Star

She turned all her senses towards Stable and Mark, recognizing them quickly. She tossed her head and whinnied, happy to see another mare. For all her great beauty, Norther Star was far too trusting and her instincts were dulled. She took a few steps towards the two before dipping her head a bit and standing still. "Stable, that is your name right?" the mare questioned, disregarding the man and his strange noises.

Mark & Stable

The dappled mare nodded her head just faintly, "Yes, that's my name. I don't think I ever caught yours though?" Stable replied, moving closer at Mark's will until she was only about a yard from Northern Star.

Mark still talked, calmly and slowly. The rope had been coiled in hand now as he reached out, trying to touch Northern Star's muzzle as they drew near. If at all possible, he wanted to catch her with no struggle.

Northern Star

The mare snorted and tossed her head back, rearing up slightly as Mark reached out to her. She backed up a few steps, staying out of his immidiate reach. "Northern Star. I hope we did not cause too much trouble at your home? He was such a fine mare though, the one that freed us." The Racking horse went on in almost a dreamy voice, thinking of Cheval.

Mark & Stable

Stable moved a bit closer as Mark beckoned her too, "Ah, that's right. Northern Star. And no, you didn't cause too much trouble... damage wise anyway." She laughed lightly, "Although my master wasn't too happy to see you three gone."

Mark stopped three feet away again and reached out his hand even slower. Still he talked quietly and reasuringly.

Northern Star

Northern Star snorted lightly, "Heh, well that's good then." This time, she allowed Mark to come near and touch her. It had been a while since she felt the caress of a human, and to be honest, she missed it. Her shiny, black mane and tail were knotted with cockaburs and other such things, and she longed for a human to brush them out as they always had.

Mark & Stable

Mark stroked her muzzle, now noticing the burs and debris in her fur. He'd have to deal with that later, if he could bring her back to the ranch. Now he slowly brought the rope forward and tried to ease it over her muzzle and around her neck. All the while, he spoke and petted her.

Stable flashed her tail against her side, swatting away a horsefly. She stomped her hindleg at the stinging pain the insect left. "Stupid flies!" She complained. "Anyway, it'll be nice to have you back. Your owners surely miss you, I'd imagine."

Northern Star

She hesitated, suddenly remembering all the free time she had spent and how much she had liked it. But it was too late! Her ears went back as the rope was slipped over her head and around her neck. She reared up slightly, tossing her muzzle up in disdain, "Wait! I don't want to be caught! I want to be free!" But she did not struggle against him, although her laid back ears showed she was not happy.

Mark & Stable

Mark held firmly to the rope, while reaching out a hand to try and touch her muzzle and calm her down, "Woah, easy girl! Easy!"

Stable pulled her ears back slightly, but stood still. "Don't worry. You'll get all those nasty burs out, a safe place to sleep, and plenty of food. You'll remember how much you like it." She pointed out, trying to calm Northern Star as well. At Mark's command, she turned and began to trot to the Barn. He tugged lightly at the rope, trying to get the other mare to follow.

Northern Star

She pulled her ears back now, resenting the tug of the rope around her neck. But she calmed a bit at Mark's touch, relishing human contact again. Nodding to Stable , the black mare followed obligingly after her, letting herself be led by the rope.