Into The Dark [Tucker/Open?]

[Hazel]

Night had fallen in the desert, and the heat of the day washed away as the stars came out to dance in the sky. Large red rock formations loomed on either side of a lone mare walking through the dried remains of an ancient riverbed; the years of flowing water having cut clean through the stone, leaving the walls of the shallow canyon polished smooth. It was a moonless night, not a cloud in the sky and not a whisper of another life nearby. For the time being, the spotted mare felt at peace. She walked slowly and carefully, one foot after the other, the scent of water and new spring grass luring her down the path. Her senses unaware of everything but what was in front of her, Ava pressed on. It couldn't be too much farther forward, could it?

Before long, the path widened, opening up and down. In the middle of the clearing lay a small pool of clear water, the stars shimmering off it's still surface. Coming to a halt, the mare stopped and stared, her ears pining forward. A window into the heavens, the only source of green life for miles around. Small clumps of grass grew around the pool, tempting the hungry mare. Sniffing and looking about, always careful, she crept forward, her lips gently tearing at the green food. Satisfied with being alone, Ava relaxed, her tail twitching slightly behind her as she munched. What a nice night it had turned out to be.

The days were usually so hot; the wide expanse filled with nothing but red rocks and scrub brush. How long had it been since she had come across another horse? She shivered as memories flooded her mind. No, she didn't want to remember. It didn't matter anymore; none of it did. Sighing, Ava finished off the grass in front of her before sniffing around at the water's edge. Taking one sip, the ripples destroyed the image of perfection it held, the stars blurring and the peace and quiet scattering at the sound of lapping water. It would come back once she had her fill. Maybe she'd stay here tonight, sleep by the water with the stars as her company.

[lunarbeam]

Tucker's audits danced forward as the sound of an approaching animal caused him to jump up from his place by the water.His dun hide shined in the light as he stamped at something in the bush.He watched as a deer jumped away from the large stud who pinned his ears and yet he hated that the animal had been afraid of him.He watched the thing leave and then with a huff tucked his large legs under his belly.He liked the quiet of the pond but it was getting old to the stud being alone with no other equines.Then the sight of a shadow long and beautiful caught his eyes.He lifted his maw to the air and let out a nicker of friendly hellos.Tucker got up huffing from the long nights of no sleep and fighting with some of the animals that tried to make a meal out of the large stud.He laughed at the small animals but he had come out with some large cuts.

The large brute walked along the pond his muscles rippling with power as he eyes the mare that had graced him with her sight.He stopped a way from her allowing her to take a good look at the stallion in front of her.He looked much larger standing next to the small equine and yet he looked at her with soft yet broken eyes the pain of hate from all other equines danced with his strong muscles.He smiled at her flashing his teeth and arching his neck allowing the mare to see he was only there as a friend not to force her into anything."Hello mam the name is Tucker may i ask yours".He reached down and sucked softly at the cool spring and nipped at the grass chewing and looking at her with a soft sweet smile waiting for her to talk or run like most others did.

[Hazel]

The soft sound of water rippling was interrupted then in turn by the sound of another body; Ava was not alone. Jumping slightly as a massive stallion came forward, the mare backed up slightly. His outward appearance was terrifying. He was large, and his body denied nothing of a hard life he must have had. Scars littered his coat, and most studs that approached the clumsy mare would send her scattering, let alone one that looked rougher than the rest. Yet the gentle smile and broken gleam in his eyes settled her wits before she could bolt. She still felt on edge, but as he kindly introduced himself, she eased up even more.

Tucker. A handsome name. Leaning in a bit further to get a better look at him, the stallion was quite handsome himself. Long dark hairs settled over a kind face, his body a light tan save for his legs, which were also a jet black. H-Hello. She stuttered, flashing a shy smile. My name is Ava. All of a sudden she felt incredibly self conscious. Did her hair look okay? What if she tripped over something, or sad the wrong thing? Glancing around, she wondered if he was from a band of lone males. Maybe he had a herd of his own. But then what was he doing out here? What brings you all the way out here? She asked, trying to keep her voice even and sweet. Don't screw this up, Ava.

[lunarbeam]

Tucker craned his neck to look at the smaller mare and he listened carefully to not only her but the sounds around him.He had just met this mare and he was already feeling protective over her.The shuffle of the grass behind him made him look but he only turned his neck for the sound was one of grace and whispers.It was another deer and he had come used to the live knowing the strides and sounds of all the animals that had called this place home.He looked back to the mare and flashed an amazing smile."That's a sweet name miss and honestly i'm here because I was on my way to find some mares and start my own group though as you can see your the first i have run into".Tucker was always truthful with mares never stretching the truth and always giving them the choice as to what they want to do.Tucker was the kind of stud that was there to protect and breed the mares making sure they all got the love they needed.But the stud would have one lead mare who he would listen to no matter what and she would be the one to have his first foal.

It was clear the stud was deep in thought but he snapped out of it fast looking back to the mare and lowering his head to touch her nose in a sweet whisper of warm calming breath.He was a very calm stud though he was strong and clearly he was waiting for the mare to bolt he even stepped back allowing her to make a choice and if she stepped to him and touched him back with her own soft nose, he would know she was not as afraid as the other horses he had talked to.His muscles rippled as he flipped his head nipping at a bug on his rump.He looked back to her puffing a bit to show off his strength and yet he was handsome to."Um what brings a mare like you out here to a place like this".He nodded to the surrounding land dry and hot though he did not mind it at all.

[Hazel]

So he was a lone stallion looking to make his way in the world. Heat flushed her cheeks as the realization of what he actually wanted of her settled in her mind. She watched hesitantly as he stepped forward, his soft, velvety nose reached out to brush against hers. The sudden contact made her jump, her ears shooting forward in caution. But instead of bolting, the spotted mare leaned into the touch, her own nose straining to keep the sweet contact. Tucker seemed kind, and strong enough to hold his own in a fight. He could protect her, keep her safe from other stallions and wicked creatures. What more could she ask for?

Ava had to stifle a sweet giggle as the stallion's muscles twitched. He was a bit rough, but in a way that Ava found attractive. As sweet and soft as she was, she was a sucker for the tough guys. But Tucker didn't seem like the type to be rough and tough all around; no, so far he had shown himself to be more kind and polite than most mares Ava had ever come across. Listening carefully to his question, Ava's eyes also wandered around their surroundings. I-I don't know, to be honest. She began, her voice growing distant as she tried to fight back the horrible memories. I have no home, no family, nothing really. I guess I'm out here just wandering, trying to find my place in the world again. Despite the sadness in her voice, she flashed Tucker another soft smile. He shouldn't have to bear the weight of her problems, no one should. She had room to run, grass to eat, and now company to talk to; what more could she honestly hope for in the world?

A soft ache in her belly served as a reminder of all that she had lost. She did miss the excitement of being an expecting mother. The foal she had lost left such a painful mark on her soul, she was almost too scared to try again. But Tucker was strong. He was strong and kind, and would not let anything wrong ever happen to her again. Wouldn't he? She hoped so. I guess we're looking for the same thing. She laughed, stepping closer to him. She felt safe beside him, her wits settling for once. We're looking for a place to call home, with people we care about.

[lunarbeam]

Tucker was surprised when the mare returned his touch the contact with another equine made him happy.The stallion had lost his own family also not to mention the horses that would run from the tall brute.He could see the hurt in the little mares eyes and he saw right through her smile.His voice became as smooth as chocolate when he stepped closer to the mare.His light pelt shimmered with the water giving him the look of softness and stealing his hard look almost complacently. In his eyes was the look of understanding and protectiveness.Hid eyes shifted to hers and he reached out again this time nuzzling her neck and withers softly.The contact was like one of a stallion comforting his mare and this brute was great at doing just that."Yes we are looking for the same thing though i think if you would grace me with joining me in life i can finally slow my search down and pay mind to one mare for a wile".

He smiled at her with another nuzzle to the withers his touch as soft and loving as a feather surprising for such a large stud.His shoulder pressed light;y on hers and he rested his head over her back craning hid strong neck to look at her.This was a good way to watch for approaching equines or beasts who would try to harm his now found mare.The pond had bound to life in the night the sound of love strong in the other animals for it was about the time stallions would breed mares.Tucker wanted to have a foal but he would never force a mare to breed and would only do so if asked by the mare.He hoped silently that he did not hurt the mare by bringing up such things to hurt her and he would not push for her to tell him.He figured if the mare really wanted to talk about it she would bring it up on her own.He stayed with his head across her back just waiting for her next move.

[Hazel]

It hurt to think of trying for a foal again, with another stranger no less. But maybe this was her chance at something new. Maybe Tucker could ease away the hurt of her past life, maybe a second chance at being a mother was what she truly needed. Though her mind was still wary, Ava pushed her thoughts away and let her heart take the lead. I-I think I'll take you up on that offer. She said a bit hesitantly. Yes, I'd love that. Her voice grew firmer, raising just above the soft whisper she typically spoke at. Bracing her legs, the spotted mare shivered slightly before lowering her head and leaving herself open. She was nervous and excited and oh so terrified all at once. What would her future hold? Her past left a dark mark on her soul, but perhaps this stallion could help her heal.

Only time would tell.

[lunarbeam]

Tucker was the kind of stud every mare wanted strong but gentle and that he was with this mare.She was so small and seemed so fragile.He was slow allowing her to feel his touches so she knew where he was at all times on her body.As he got ready he nuzzled her tail softly and then rose on his hind legs being as careful as possible so he was not hurting her.He would protect this mare with his life and if she had a foal he would protect it to nothing would hurt his family wile the stud stood.He finally slid of the mares back and nuzzled her shoulder making sure she was ok."Ava i do not want to move you to fast but i must ask if you will be ok to travel for i want to find a land where you can rest without to much to worry about my love".His voice was smooth and he would not force this mare to do much after what he had done to her it was not something one just recovers from.

The moon was starting to leave the dark sky and he began to glow and match the sky as it changed and he sucked at the cool water allowing it to fill his parched throat.He was waiting for the mare and only her for he would be gone if he was alone but now he had someone to look after and he would not move unless she was ready and that was nothing he would force.He walked back to her and nuzzled her nose softly smiling with a loving look passing through his eyes."We will leave when you are rested ok love you tell me when you are ready to move and i will be ready in seconds".He was one of very few stallions who cared how his mares felt and put it in front of his feelings.