[Phase 1] Itchy Greeting

Elara, a red-headed, fair-skinned elf, leaped out of her car and approached the ranch with eager excitement to meet her new makeover horse for the summer. Her small trailer was stocked with the best hay, fresh water, and soft shavings a traveling horse could hope for, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride home. When she arrived, the barn’s owner greeted her warmly and led her down the path, the mystery horse’s halter and lead rope ready in hand.

A bay tobiano stallion was grazing in the wide-open pasture, which was only scattered by a few large oak trees. His tail was ragged from repeated rubbing, his once-rich, colorful coat was now dull and scraped bare in parts from constant itching. The poor boy was driven to restless annoyance by the insects that tormented him cruelly in the hot, humid air. His tail swished loudly on his dry and irritated skin to spook any of them off, but they were quick to return.

It was clear from a glance that he was itchy; he shook his head, flicked his tail, and scratched himself ferociously with his hooves, grunting as he did. At a glance, it was difficult to determine what was causing his itchiness, but one thing was clear: the poor guy needed help.

From the fenceline, Elara watched with increasing concern. She leaped over the fence without fear and approached him calmly. She reassured him by running her hands along his sides and starting to touch the worst of his itches while speaking softly. Once Elara had located that area, the stallion let out a loud sigh and leaned into her touch, his lips wiggling and stretching out his neck in pleasure.

"How about we get you home and into some comfortable fly-sheets?" He practically pushed her over as he rubbed his head over her petite figure while Elara spoke to him as though he could understand her.