a casual affair | { waleran }

[skibbereenfarms]

     Friederich's days had been spent simply mulling about, not quite sure of where to go, yet at the same time not sure of whether or not he should stay. There was hardly anything left for him in his former home; family had disbanded after all. But it's not like they really cared for him anyhow. Despite still thinking so lowly of himself, the stallion still manages to convince himself that he deserves better than what he had been given at birth. A beast who was supposedly a waste of air was going to make something of himself...he just needed to figure out how.

     Perhaps it was a good thing that Friederich decided to carry his legs forward today, for opportunity was just around the bush. Though he had been taught not to intrude on another horse's business, that did not stop him from crossing the border into the Plains. The scent here was a little overbearing, but the stallion could tell that it was thin, as though whoever lay claim to this place was not incredibly proud of what he possessed. Were he a prouder beast, he may have attempted to take this place for himself; but Friederich was without guidance and his ambitions did not stretch that far. He wouldn't be very useful either. He was always one to follow another's orders, and while he was hoping to move past his childhood days, they say old habits die hard.

     So instead, the stallion heaved a sigh and continued brushing through the otherwise dead sagebrush, ignoring the chill that nipped viciously at his ears. Winter was always his least favorite season (somewhat ironic, what with the anniversary of his birth falling right at the beginning of it), but fortunately he has learned to be able to tolerate the weather. He momentarily considered the idea of picking a warmer place to live, but he had to admit, he was starting to enjoy the solitude here.

notes. bla bla bla, he's wandered in, bla bla bla.
words. 325
muse. Girls/Girls/Boys by Panic! At The Disco

[Hud]

The scent of a young stallion had perked Waleran up today. It was fairly early in the day, and the king was already making his daily rounds. He'd caught the scent not long before he saw the red bay in the distance. Winter left the Plains blanketed in quite a bit of snow. Waleran's own warmblood frame left him capable of fairing through, but he wasn't so sure of the hotblood before him. Perhaps it was a conversation piece?

The king moved with a spring in his step through the snow, almost prancing toward the stranger. He hadn't seen another stallion in the plains since he'd begun his reign - this male was a welcome sight. The sun shone down on his black and white coat as he got closer. With a smile, he greeted the stranger. "Morning! Lovely day for a stroll!"

Waleran stopped a few paces before the stallion, his sly grin more genuine today than normal. First impressions had to be respected.

[skibbereenfarms]

     The stallion's frosted ears fell back for a moment, but knowing that appearing hostile was not going to get him anywhere, Friederich attempted to ease into a more relaxed state. It would not do him good to appear completely defensive of himself, as he did not want to drive this stallion away. The least he could do is try to be friendly, just as this one had been to him. The stallion supposed, in a way, he owed it to the stranger. "Hello," he greeted, voice cracking slightly. Friederich hastily cleared his throat as his eyes took to the slight overcast above their heads. "I um...well, I've certainly seen worse."  Frankly he didn't want to expand upon the weather any further, given such awful memories associated with it, and he was still looking for somewhat of a fresh start after all. The stallion thought about it for a moment, and wondered if perhaps he were kind enough that he would be allowed to stay here. He was probably jumping too far ahead of himself, but the change in scenery was just the sort of thing that could be good for him, and he liked the idea of being welcome.

     Friederich remained silent for a moment before continuing, a thought suddenly itching to escape past his lips. He brought his hooves together and stood tall, hoping to appear quite respectful. "Am...am I assuming correctly that you live here?"

notes. n/a
words. 239
muse. n/a

[Hud]

Waleran watched the stranger's every move with a smile. He was positively adorable. His uncertainty made Waleran hang on his words, his brows raised and his lips barely parted in a smile. The bay stallion was cordial, but in a he-didn't-get-out-much kind of way. The king was happy to have found him.

"I suppose you're right about that," Waleran nodded, his head cocked a little. His black forelock fell to the side of his face as his blue eyes scanned the stallion. He couldn't help it. Such form. Such beauty. How were mares not hanging on his every word like Waleran already was? The king was not often so kind to others, but this stallion didn't know that. For all the stranger knew, Waleran was legitimately interested in all newcomers. Such was not the case.

"Yes, I do. I am Waleran, King of these plains," he prided himself in saying. Waleran was a very ambitious stallion. He knew his herd would only be the best in the land. How could any organization led by so perfect a stallion as himself do any less? He'd heard of the herd to the south - in the desert. Waleran had been itching to meet the lead he'd heard so much about. Surely he would be the only real competition when it came to herd perfection. He hadn't heard a peep about any of the other territories.

"What is your name, stallion?"

[skibbereenfarms]

     Though the stallion had seemed to be a little unsettled at first, it seemed that Waleran's words brought him some ease--specifically mentions of him being king. Admittedly, Friederich hadn't expected to immediately stumble upon the head honcho himself, but he seemed to be rather glad that he had. The other's friendly attitude assured him that he wouldn't immediately be tossed aside like he had been so many times before. He was a little surprised, actually, that he  had been given such kindness, as most others had never treated him in such a way. Friederich had a moment of self-doubt, of course, for this seemed a little too good to be true. But he figured it wouldn't hurt to converse a little longer; after all, it wasn't like he had anything better to do with himself.

     Ears attentive as his gaze was, Friederich offered a respectful bow of his head. He hoped he could play it cool, but then again, he usually wasn't one to speak for himself. "I um, well, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir." He didn't like the way his thoughts sounded aloud, and he felt as though he were being a little too formal, so he decided to withdraw a little bit. This way, he wouldn't say anything that would make him sound too silly, though it would certainly hinder his voice. Clearing his throat once more, he gave himself the simplest of introductions. "Friederich." Oh, how he detested his own name, especially when he said it. Despite this welcome, he still felt like somewhat of an outcast--blame that family of his. Still, the stallion felt the overwhelming need to justify his actions, just as he had done so for the majority of his life. This was also the perfect time to mention his intentions, as well as assure Waleran that he wasn't about to do something drastic. "I hope you know I had no intention of stirring up any sort of trouble. I was merely hoping to find a place to stay..." He paused, as if rethinking his own thoughts. "...just for the winter. I would hate to intrude too much. I find it easier to survive amongst allies, and I could not find a welcoming party elsewhere."

notes. n/a
words. 373
muse. We Used To Wait by Arcade Fire