Pebble on the Shore. [Hurricane]

[Deleted]

Kirious

Life on the Islands was something the colt had mixed feelings about. He'd grown up on these lands, was raised here, and called it home; but he would often be caught looking out to the sea, his mind drifting in silence, and he would wonder what it was like for horses outside of the Islands. Granted, life was peaceful here and not much happened aside from the day-to-day adventures (and there were a lot of those for Kiri), but what about the adventures out there? What kind of world was there beyond the ocean that kept them apart? Was it any different from the way life was here?

It was something the black colt found himself pondering on from time to time, mostly in points of quiet and relaxation. Aside from that, his world was fully of.. obstacles. There never seemed to be a dull moment for him, and at times he felt so lost in the world. Perhaps that was why he found the idea of life elsewhere to be so entertaining for his thoughts. The split-faced colt sighed, lying beneath a palm tree during a time where it seemed nothing was after him. He wasn't limping today, so that was a plus! The sun was high, but clouds kept it from beating down on the shoreline. He watched as the waves slowly grew and shrunk to the sand, pushing and pulling it, and how the pebbles and shells would dance in a lulling sway. The colt flicked his tail, the presence of a fly irritating his hind. Ears flicked back and in an instant he felt an overwhelming urge come through his lungs; a moment later and he erupted with a sneeze through his nostrils, his entire body moving from the force of the blow. Sniffling, and with squinted eyes, the dark colt decided that maybe the shore would be a better place to find something to do.

Pulling himself from the sandy spot, and shaking the sand that did cling to his fur, Kirious then looked upon the shore again to see what it held. Stones, shells, pebbles; the usual stuff -- but something.. else. He peered through the shade, the sunlight in contrast making it difficult to see. But there was something, washed up by the salty waters. Curious, Kiri emerged from the shade and broke a light trot, movements somewhat fluid but with a few nicks here and there. He was still a quite gangly little thing, his body having not totally caught up with his legs yet. As he approached the strange mound, his nose told him it wasn't anything overly special. A pile of seaweed, reeking of salt and other.. various smells. He took the chance to try to figure out what they might be, but the scent turned out to be more overwhelming than he had thought and in a minute's time he was retracting his face in a hurry and sniffling.

Everything was so... barren along the shore. It seemed like there was nothing in the world except an endless sea, and perhaps that was what there truly was. For all he knew, the stories of others on a different land could be just that. He'd only heard them from travelers, and older horses of the Islands. They might have just been tales to keep the young ones entertained, and if so they definitely did their job. Closing his eyes for a moment, he recalled the stories. How the trek was long, and hard on the body, and how most reached the other side with wear at least in exhaustion, others not being as lucky and receiving actual wounds from accidents along the way. But it must have been worth it, if it existed. One day, he thought to himself, but he could not ignore the next thought that occurred: if luck decides to be on your side for once. The colt sighed, shaking his head to rid the thoughts. He looked along the shore once more, and decided to make a trip around the island. Perhaps that would bring up a new adventure.

Kirious held his head higher, and began off at the trot. Whatever happened, it had to be better than standing around, or lounging in the shade. It wasn't like he had duties or anything: he didn't really come around many horses as it was, so honestly Island life was kind of quiet and lonely. But he'd make the most of it, til he grew stronger. Then, I want to try to leave. The black colt continued along the sands, edging to the waters and making splashes as he went. He closed his eyes for a moment, the sun peeking from the clouds and shining brightly. It was peaceful, at least, with quiet. Perhaps he could come across another horse today, or perhaps find some new fruit to try from the trees; perhaps he would find some new grasses, or meet a mammal along the way. Perhaps he w--

And in a familiar instant, Kirious felt the air leave his body and he felt weightless for the moment. Then came the crash and water embraced him. Oof!

As per usual, he failed to notice that the sand would recede with the water, and that stones would crop up every now and then. Kirious opened his eyes to look upon the familiar sight and felt the familiar pain. He'd lodged his leg into a drop along the water, and though it was shallow it didn't stop the pain. The salt in the water didn't help much either. With some strain, the colt tried to pull himself from the hole. It was an awkward position: his chest to the ground and his left front leg splayed out, his hind in the air. Everything stung, but Kirious had one thought run through his mind: So much for not limping today.

♥