A storm rolls in
Azura sighs comfortably. She feels at ease on the back of a trusted horse, its hoofbeats sounding rhythmically alongside her heart. Its safe and familiar and she draws from the trust and companionship between her and the animals. Today, it is Scorch, who can be stoic yet is goofy and ever reliable.
It's calming, steadying. It allows her to enjoy the present a bit more vibrantly. It's a unique type of freedom. The world seems different from horseback, it's familiar, it makes her whole. Just like her husband does, her family, her home and work. They're different kinds of comfort, different aspects that combined make *home* and belonging. Yes, this is where she belongs. Scorch pushes forward with flowing and easy strides. He enjoys this very much, more than running or exploring on his own. Azura is his closest companion after all.
The two canter up a gently sloping hill, rolling green surrounds them. Summer is just beginning. Scorch adores this season, his black coat soaks up the sun's warmth. And Azura will bring him large tubs and fill them with ice, just for him to play around with. It is not quite warm enough for this today, the wind cools them down and chases clouds across the sky.
Azura stops Scorch atop the hill, taking in the view from their vantage point. She has noticed a change in the atmosphere, the wind, the light, the scent of the air. There are dark clouds looming in the distance, down the valley. When the two will head home, the storm will be on their back. It has drawn up quickly, although Azura had been able to smell distant rain before. It is also unusually early for a storm. This would be the first of the year.
A prickle spreads on Azura's skin. There is a thrill in chasing storms and just another in being the one that's chased. Both her and Scorch’s ears twitch. She runs a hand through his silver white mane and considers and concludes. He huffs and arches his neck, there is a certain spot that needs scratching right now. She talks to him as she thinks, he is used to the familiar cadence of her mumblings and musings.
The terrain isn't optimal to side step the storm's most dangerous areas or make a tactical escape if it changes course. It moves rather quickly too and the winds are picking up further, the light turns yellow.
Azura decides to go. They'll be the ones being chased, she turns Scorch around and he begins to run. A canter, then a gallop, effortless and powerful. He flies down the hill and up the valley, along fields and paths, towards the village. Thunder crashes in the distance behind them.
They pass by the town, along familiar paths and the area grows more wooded. There's ruins and a farmstead or two, the wind begins to howl. And it is just the kind of thrill Azura had expected. Scorch’s strides are long and steady, he could run and run for long. It's not a mad dash of panic, but a race, one he is sure he'll win. He can tell his rider is just as sure no harm will befall them, so he has no reason to fear.
They can hear the ranch animals' calls before familiar fencing comes into view. There's all kinds of critters seeking shelter, they're making their way towards it.
Horse and rider reach the ranch, where the atmosphere is rather ominously expectant. Azura slows Scorch as they pass the gates. Things have been tied down, shutters closed and all is ready. Azura exchanges some words with a family member who is just about done packing things up. Then she steers Scorch towards the covered arena. He's just run far, she plans on having him cool down at a walk in there.
While they wander inside the arena, Azura plans to take Scorch to stormchase someday soon. The season has apparently started after all and he's one of the few animals she knows can handle it and will be perfectly fine. His daughter Canine would, and one of the Neravontii too. They had gone last year. It did take certain circumstances to be suitable and safe though.
Scorch is almost cooled down when rain begins to pelt the roof. Wind drives it in white sheets, thunder crashes and lightning flashes above. Scorch doesn't mind it, his ears flicker as if to simply take note before he moves on.
Azura isn't worried about lightning striking anywhere close. It won’t, can’t, the ranch has been secured with both inscriptions and lightning rods. It's the best and most common way to protect one's home and livestock.
Azura eventually leads Scorch outside, his tack left in the arena for later pickup. The rain falls around them, but not on them. Scorch has noticed this only happens when he is with his rider, and not always. Not when humans are around.
He stays close to her and enjoys the dry passage towards one of the open concept barns. There's multiple for each large pasture, attached to paddocks and paddock trails. Azura chooses a smaller barn where none of the other horses have sought shelter. Scorch doesn't enjoy being too crowded or locked in, so he likes this spot. He settles in, enjoys some more treats and cuddles from Azura and watches after her for a bit once she's said her goodbyes.
ID/Name: 8926
XP Breakdown:
- +9xp - 1xp per 100 words, 900 words rounded
- +2xp - lucky horsehoe
- = 11 xp total
Coin Breakdown:
- +200 - lucky horsehoe
- = 200 coins total
Submitted By Azurakyotha
Submitted: 4 months ago ・
Last Updated: 4 months ago