-Mikka’s new beginning-
The gravel crunched under the tires of the trailer as it pulled up the long, winding driveway of Phoenix Flight Farm. A soft breeze carried the scent of cherry blossoms and fresh-baked pies throughout the stables and outside into the fields. In the trailer, a striking mare shifted her weight carefully, her black-and-silver coat shimmering under the light of a summer sun. Her name was Mikka, and today marked the start of a new chapter in her life.Mikka was no ordinary horse. Her coat was a soft, stormy gray with a silky sheen, fading almost seamlessly into inky black stockings on her legs. The absence of a mane was made obvious as she tossed her head slightly to the side, adjusting to the hum of the engine and the unfamiliar scents floating in from outside the tiny window on the side of the trailer. Bold, white markings, as if she’d been splattered with paint, traced her face and legs, giving her an undeniable, gentle beauty.Inside the warm, oak-scented barn, a small group of stable hands and the owner, Phoenix Vespera, as well as one of the veterinarians they have on hand, stood waiting. Phoenix rubbed her hands together, both from nerves and excitement. She had heard rumors about Loshenka—how rare and spirited they were, how they looked more like creatures pulled from old fairytales rather than the normal horses she’d grown up around her entire life. She had seen photos of Mikka, of course, but pictures hadn’t prepared her for the reality. Phoenix still couldn't believe she'd finally managed to purchase such a horse and couldn't help but gasp when the trailer started to open. The trailer door creaked open, releasing a wave of warm, musky air and a flash of silver movement. Mikka stood there, her ears flicking forward and back, wide brown eyes studying the world with cautious curiosity. She lowered her head to sniff the straw-covered ground before stepping delicately onto it, each motion precise, as though she were acutely aware of the impression she made.“She’s... breathtaking,” Phoenix whispered, almost forgetting to breathe and trying not to spook the mare.Mikka moved with a fluid elegance, her hooves crunching lightly in the straw as her old handler led her toward her new stall. She paused once, turning her finely chiseled head to look at the mountains that loomed in the distance—jagged and proud, just like her.The barn itself was a large, airy structure, built of timber and stone, with high, vaulted ceilings and windows that let in plenty of light. Inside, the stalls were clean and spacious, each decorated with a brass nameplate customized to fit the personality of each horse. Phoenix had prepared Mikka’s new stall with thick bedding and a hay net filled with sweet-smelling timothy grass.As they led her inside, other horses peeked curiously over their stall doors, their noses twitching, taking in the unfamiliar scent. Some nickered soft greetings; Others simply watched with wide, cautious eyes. Mikka, for her part, carried herself like a queen among courtiers—aloof, but not unkind. She let out a soft, throaty nicker in return, acknowledging her new stablemates.The stable hands watched her settle in, quietly marveling at how naturally she seemed to fit into her new surroundings. Mikka sniffed the hay, then turned to inspect the water bucket, nibbling on the plastic in a way that almost promised mischief to come.“She’s checking everything out,” Phoenix said, smiling. “Good sign.”A light rain had begun to fall again, bringing a clean feeling to the air and washing the pollen from the trees outside. Mikka stood at the front of her stall, watching it, ears swiveling to catch every sound—the rustle of hay, the distant creak of the barn roof under the weight of the water, the soft whinny of a gelding three stalls down.As the day wore on, Phoenix spent time just sitting near Mikka’s stall, letting the mare get used to her presence. She read aloud from an old book of poems, her voice low and calm. Mikka watched her steadily, blinking slowly, occasionally flicking her ears as though listening intently.By evening, when the last of the sun’s golden light stretched long across the paddocks, Mikka seemed to have made a decision. She stepped toward the door of her stall and rested her velvety nose against Phoenix’s hand. The touch was light, almost questioning, but it was enough.Phoenix’s heart swelled with a sudden rush of affection. “Welcome home, Mikka,” she whispered.The following morning, Mikka was turned out into a grassy paddock where she could see other mares. She hesitated only a moment before leaping forward, her long legs cutting arcs through the soft grass. Her tail streamed behind her like a banner, in the cool morning air.From the fence line, Phoenix and the others watched, hardly daring to breathe. Mikka raced the wind, the mountains behind her like silent sentinels, her body a perfect blend of grace and raw power.This was her new domain—vast, open, wild. Here, Mikka, the mare with a coat like a winter storm and a spirit to match, will form close bonds with both humans and other horses. Once she is more trusting of Phoenix, she'll start training in dressage, but for now, they will stick with bonding and light groundwork. Everyone at Phoenix Flight Farm is excited to see where this new journey will lead, and they will be doing so together.
