Riding the meadows - Arcana

[*]

With a kiss on her cheek, Fauna hugged her pappi. His arms encircled her almost twice over before she ran out of the door. She had dressed ready for work, but lately Flora had been spending more time away from her home and the pair had barely spent any time together. The time apart bothered her, but she knew it was work related so her and her mother could keep the farm. It was necessary to earn money. It was even harder when they had taken on their horse's new foal, Midnight.

As Fauna reached the farm, she took note that the bard was still closed up and the door to the screened in porch was shut. Evidence pointed to the fact that they were not home. A memory resolved itself almost immediately remembering that Flora and her mom had to make a two day trip to the other side of the district to return a horse they had been keeping. With their being gone, Fauna had agreed to look in on the growing foal and on her favorite horse, Crystal. She was a gentle mare, brown fur with a long mane. Often times, she caught herself braiding her mane, adding in bits of flowers for color and enjoying the time she spent talking to her.

Today, was no different except without the flowers as the blooms had yet to arrive. Gently brushing out her fur and tacking her up, she ran her hand against Crystal's nose.

"Alright, girl. There ya go. You ready for a ride? I promise I'll take Midnight out as soon as we get back. Okay?" Fauna half whispered, gently as she patted her nose and rubbed the space between her ears. Once satisfied with everyone still in their stalls and the front door open pointing to the riding trail, she set off.

The chill in the air wasn't as bad as it had been days before. The temps reaching just shy of fifty, but the clouds hung low. The sun was trying to peek out from behind them. With a click of her tongue, Fauna nudged Crystal to a gallop.

"Good girl. Good girl, Crystal."

PAT: 361

[*]

Gentle movements guided the horse through the woods. Each step matched by the other and Fauna felt her body riding with the motion. It was like a second life where she felt as free as possible on the back of a horse. Although she was only the rider, she felt in tune with the mare she'd bonded with so long ago. Most of the rides, she felt more comfortable with Crystal than any others and Flora was the one to ride the others. Though, today with the weather as nice as it was, it was hardly a moment to waste. The free breeze whipped through her hair, one side tightly banded into a braid, but slacked off toward the end, banded together with a tied ribbon.

"Good job, girl. Let's walk a while now." She had barely began to slow from the gallop only moments ago when she noticed the new person coming along her path. Fauna grinning curious as to who it was and why this person would be out on this trail so far out. It was rare to see someone on this trail let alone another girl seemingly to be her own age.

The smile on the newcomers face automatically sent a joyous grin in response to her.

"Good day to you as well, friend. Easy weather to ride in, right?"

She partook in the small talk for a moment, admiring her horse and then taking in the features of her current riding partner.

"Are you planning on riding far on these trails?" She patted Crystal's neck, matching her body movements to the steps of the horse. She moved a whisp of hair out of her eyes, pushing it behind her ear and straightening her gait. All the training she's had riding would be lost if she was found to be slouching in front of a complete stranger.

"You look like a natural riding." Crystal neighed lightly, snorting all the while.

[AlteredArcana]

lotsee oxendine

district 10

[/font][/b][/div]

The breeze is a heaven-sent gift for Lotsee. She cranes her head back a moment, basking in its gentle touch, feeling the way it kisses the sweat upon the nape of her neck. The hand of mother earth is a tender one, and all too often Lotsee ignores her touch. Moments like this, she can let it all go. Moments like this, she can forget. She can focus upon the beauty of the world in which she lives, and meditate on her place within it. Moments of peace like this, helped along by a kindly stranger, are few and far between. She would be a fool to not partake.

Her eyes meet with the stranger’s again: a young girl, with fawning brown hair and delightfully kind eyes, riding a mare. Lotsee can’t help but think of what it would have been like to have a sister about the girl’s age. Perhaps it is best that she doesn’t.

Chochiti’s steps match those of the mare next to her after a gentle tug of the reins. 

“It’s lovely riding weather, certainly. I don’t usually come out this way,” she pauses to take a whiff of the warm, delightful air. “Maybe I should more often.”

She pauses for a moment. “I’m an apothecary. I was setting a man’s shoulder.”

She pats the small lump of coins jingling jovially in her pocket. Money is hard to come by for her family. Every bit helps.

The girl tells her she looks like a natural rider. This brings a slight smirk to Lotsee’s face. She’s been riding horses for as long as she can remember, back when she used to like her dad. It was one of her favorite things to do. He would take her out on the back of the old stallion they used to have and they would go look for scorpions and gather aloe. She remembers the stallion fondly, the smell of a leather saddle and old hay mingled with the reddish dust of District 10. Times were simpler then, and life was kinder. Wistful nostalgia makes her chest heavy with longing. She touches a slender hand to her chest.

“I’m Lotsee.”

 

[/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[/div][/blockquote][/blockquote][/div][/div][/div][/div]

[*]

Fauna took in the atmosphere around her. Her hair dancing in the wind that would sweep across the meadows and in between the trails whenever it felt like it. Though Crystal didn't mind it, the bearing sun was getting hotter as the day went on. She wished that she had gotten company from Flora but things happen in mysterious ways, she knew that already. This girl was supposed to happen upon her at this exact moment. There was no coincidences in life just as she was always around when an animal went into birthing its young or it needed a tender touch to sooth a fearful growl.

Small conversation had started small about the weather and the girls soft voice graced her ears. A simple reply about coming around more often and with a grin Fauna nodded. "I'm always riding these trails. Especially when Crystal's owners are out right now. It's a daily routine." It was more of a hint in case this girl wanted to take advantage of a riding partner.

Silence passes over them for a moment before she reveals something that makes Fauna take notice. "Apothecary. That's useful. I'm not that talented." She admits and notices the jingling coins within her pocket.

"That would make for an interesting career though. I'm sure my father's would love for me to practice once I'm ready. Once I'm older and find a suitable teacher." Fauna let the words whisper from her lips. In the open like this was nary a sound other than the horses moving, a voice any louder would sound like yelling in the tranquil area.

She glanced to the girl watching her cross her arm to her chest and then a friendly gesture is given.

"Lotsee. That's pretty!" She complimented. She'd never heard that name before and this girl was something indeed special. Though she wondered if the names would be lost on the wind considering they've never crossed paths before today.

"Fauna is my name. It's a pleasure to meet you." She felt Crystal halt in front of her though she'd not given her that order. With a gentle click of her heels against the equine, Crystal began to move again. "Anyways, how far are you going? I'd like to ride her a bit more or until you have met your path's end. Where do you live, if I may ask?"