Strange encounter

I wander through a sales barn which I had come across. Initially id searched for a bookstore or library, but it appears those are hardly common in these parts. I would rather have remained outside in the sun, basking in its warmth and to enjoy a quiet moment. However something did draw me to this barn, strangely so.

There are quite a few horses here, of different types, ages and temperaments. But among them is one which catches my eye- or possibly the other way around. She must have kept me in her sights long before I noticed her, perhaps since I set foot within the barn. It would have been difficult to overlook her for long, I could feel a gaze lingering on me. It was measuring me, analyzing, seeing.

I felt oddly drawn to her. Her coat as white and pristine as freshly fallen snow, adorned with warm coloured spotting. Then her calm, skye blue eyes, as endless as the heavens above. On second glance, her front legs were highly unusual as well. They were gone below the knees, replaced by crumbling prosthetics. Crude and careless and of far lesser quality compared to what my sister would create. 

And yet this mare carried herself with both dignity and an air of mystery.

Other people looked at her in curiosity, short glances, gazes averted once they took note of her legs. In all the tumult and busyness of the barn she looked at none other but me only. In all this she was so very calm, as if she could foresee there wasn't much to fear. As if she was able to tell I would purchase her, now that I looked at her, truly looked- into those clear eyes, so much more intelligent than what would be expected. It was reminiscent of Habub. That alone was reason enough to take custody of her. Coincidentally, they appeared to be the same breed. She however was smaller than him, her tail longer and body slimmer. 

I was handed her crude lead rope, old fiber that was worn and stiff and so very unfitting for a beautiful creature such as her. One would rather expect to find her in a hidden meadow on a moonlit night, not inside such a place with old rope tied carelessly into a worn halter.

She appeared to know my intentions well beforehand, a graceful bow of her head permitted me to remove it. 

She certainly is no ordinary horse. It is clear in way her eyes flicker, how she moves so silently- and her shadow, which wanes and waxes at liberty, gone then not, disregarding the sunlight that now poured onto her. I wondered what manner of creature I had just taken in, as she followed me willingly outside and left the overcrowded barn behind.

Her scent, too, differs compared to other horses. It is not by much, humans would not notice it and other horses might not be too distraught. Earlier, it was easily masked while she was surrounded, but it becomes quite clear now that we have made our way outside.

And she is most beautiful, dare I say ethereal even. Her fluid movements and elegant build make her a rare sight to see. And yet, she has found herself in a place like this one. I feel the stories she could tell would be nihh infinite. Possibly, she can, it seems so when she looks at me with intelligent, knowing eyes.

It is within those very eyes; that seem so calm yet betray a vivid inner life, lays in the way in which she moves. But I cannot quite discern it just yet. A possession? Possibly a spirit which has taken earthly form? It would be a fitting one, certainly. 

The suddenly- strangely- for a moment, I can see myself on her back, her nimble legs moving tirelessly among an endless meadow.

It is freedom.

I am fairly certain this thought was not my own. Hers, then? A dream, a thing to hope for, a promise perhaps- or something sinister, a ruse? I am inclined to believe that the former is true, but I cannot tell with absolute certainty. 

This matter is concerning. 

Suddenly, she carefully, barely brushes her muzzle against my shoulder- as if to insist she meant me no harm. That she would not reveal herself as dangerous and was indeed thankful and relieved to have met me. 

I had not touched her beforehand, merely pulling the shoddily knotted halter away from her. Had not meant to invade her space and touch her so indignantly, as it seemed wrong to do so without her consent. 

She is, truly, not an ordinary horse. 

One who values her own dignity and was well aware of it, but certainly did not expect people who could not understand to heed this. Proud, but not prideful. 

I however am different. While the salesman ran his hand along her elegant neck, she accepted this as necessary. Yet the mere thought of me encroaching into her personal space and bodily autonomy, certain that she is very aware of it, more than some people even, doing the same as the man, it runs a slight shudder along my own back. 

I truly wish she would prove to be a friend rather than a foe. It would be unwise to take her into my home and I wondered just where to house her for the time being. Initially, I had thought her a horse, with no reasons to worry and easy to be kept. Taking her home now, even to the same world, might release unknown dangers into it. A risk I can not chance. 

I ask what to name her, but my mind remains empty. Does she not have one or perhaps seeks a new beginning? For a moment, barely a heartbeat, I consider naming her something a little silly. She answers this with a huff, clearly not willing to indulge me even in a corner of my mind. I will have to learn about this ability of hers, map its extent and whom it pertains to. I let her know I would need more time to find the right fit. A name is not something I can give easily. She seems agreeable and glad that I take such care.

The only member of my family who would be pleased to learn we had a creature with such skills in our midst is my husband. He is forever entranced by magical and supernatural creatures. This one would delight him, but I will not allow them to meet unless she is indeed harmless. What to do, what to do.  

The sole certainty lies in that this mare is otherworldly. 

I tell as much to Connor once we meet again. He says we make for a good fit then. He seems rather surprised to see me bring along a new animal. This usually would rather be in character for him or Azura. I respond that I have simply taken a page from their books, much to his delight.

The longer the both of us look at the mare, the more it seems that she is young yet old. I had not expected to meet one like her in such a place of all things. Admittedly, I do not know much about this world. Here Connor and I are naught but travelers passing by, not to leave much behind. 

We had, however, been given silver crosses, apparently creatures of the night do dwell here- a reason why my sister did not come. She would rather avoid such beings if at all possible. My husband however wanted to, but could not. I was both relieved to know them safe at home, yet missing their comfort and support.

We were meant to meet and return home before nightfall. And even if that was not possible, within the night, my fire would keep us safe. Perhaps that is part of the reasons why the mare chose to accompany me. It is another mystery i might be able to uncover in time. 

Connor is, as is his wont, a few minutes too late. He does not mean it, time seems to slip from the man's hands on its own accord. 

The mare is not impatient waiting for him, it's possible she has done so for a very long time- waiting, enduring and persevering. In the end, it has paid off and she seems to have been sure it would. But perhaps she is simply certain that she could outlast the hardships facing her. If she was to be a spirit, it would be so.

Connor and I talk for a long time, until the sun sets, mapping out a strategy on how to proceed. What I have just done was not only unusual, but has taken on far greater proportions than I could ever have expected. 

I want to return home- unlike my sisters I am not prone to wander too much. Connor himself would not be too bothered by a minor detour, he would stay for longer as well, if it was what I asked. I appreciate it, but would rather not separate our family for too long in such an unexpected manner.

However ultimately their safety comes first. We decided to stay here for the time being, to both find answers to the mare's ethereal nature as well as to weigh her character. She does not appear to mind this, perhaps expecting this result or simply being accepting that this would be necessary