Meeting Tartarus

At a bustling showground, a very tall, broadly built man with tan skin and short hair wanders about, Buccaneer. He's accompanied by what looks to be his brother, who is of average build and height. Only his hair has gray streaks and he looks distinctly in need of a vacation- November. 

"Thats the thing with horses, Buck. It always begins with just one. Im speaking from experience. And I'm starting to believe it's the case for you too." The smaller man smiles, directing his brother to the arena. There's something worth seeing about to happen.

Buck easily pushes through the crowd, while his brother apologizes to those they pass by.

"I guess. Never thought I'd feel like that. But they're so small and cute." Buck shakes his head. It seems he least of all can make sense of his recent fascination for ponies. Critters much, much smaller than him. He can't even ride them. Not that there's many full size horses who'd fit either. 

"Well I have something to show you. Look there."

They've reached the arena's fencing. November points towards a greying pony stallion that's just entering the arena. It's still set up for the trail course, just like Buck had taken his pony trough.

The stallion is dapple grey, white tobiano markings adorn him. A dark spot spreads over his wither and shoulder. All four legs are white, the stockings tall. Curiously, a white marking runs from his forehead down part of the crown of the neck. It's hither unseen, at least to November, and wakes some curiosity in him. Buccaneer doesn't think too hard about it.

Instead, he grips the fencing. If November wants him to see this, he's gonna watch closely. Intensely. The pony is rather far away, yet its handler begins to squirm a bit under the intense stare they receive from an, to them, undetermined onlooker. Perhaps not being able to pinpoint the source makes the pressure stronger. But it would be unbecoming to whip around and search.

The pony stallion remains unperturbed. He stands proud and tall- as tall as a 12.2 hands tall pony stands- and calmly takes in the scene. His name is announced; Tartarus. “Thats a metal name” Buck doesn't know what it means, but he sure gets the gist.

“Tartarus is the underworld of an old, human religion.” November quickly explains. He could rattle on, but this is not the time nor place.

“Woah. That really is metal.” Buccaneer watches the stallion with increasing awe. 

The stallion's coat shines in a number of colours beneath the lights. The way he arches his neck is accentuated by the roached mane. His tail is long and flows freely behind, it flutters and sways. His eyes are clear and spark with intelligence. November thinks he might be able to teach some basic chess to this one- with enough time. He has tried other candidates, with strongly varying success. But Tartarus, there certainly is something about him. An aura of confidence and wisdom, November decides. 

Unlike his brother, Buccaneer cannot quite put a finger on it. This makes Tartarus appear rather mysterious to him. 

The onlookers wonder just how the stallion will handle the course.

Very well, it turns out. It stands to debate if anyone had expected any less. 

Tartarus is precise and level headed. His assessment of obstacles is quick, he is not fazed by tricky combinations or the crowd's eyes on him. Some claim he revels in their undivided attention. Buccaneer thinks the stallion looks to enjoy just the course an awful lot. He's laser focused in. November surmises that Tartarus would likely enjoy puzzles. The man hopes the caretakers give the stallion some, it could only be beneficial.

Tartarus finishes the course without flaw. For a moment he looks wistful, as if a bit sad that it's already over. The crowd's cheers do little to move him, he is much more interested in receiving pets from his handler.

Finally, the duo leave the arena. Another horse is announced, but Buck is still thinking about Tartarus.

“Theyre setting up visits for him.” November knows his brother well. Naturally, he has also memorized the events schedule to a T.

“Let's go right now.” Buck turns marches off, once more plowing through the crowd. Since he's made up his mind, he's going. 

November follows. He thinks, considers. Word had earlier reached him that some ponies, Tartarus among them, would be up for auction.

A level headed animal by his brother's side has recently proven greatly beneficial. Flounder, his pony. But another pony- one as wise and intelligent as Tartarus- would make for a great addition. Buccaneer would love the pony, ensuring the stallion would be most adored. November would have another promising puzzle partner. Then there's their sister in law, with a penchant for trail work. 

Well, it depended on how Buccaneer and Tartarus would get along in their meeting. November wonders if his brother might expand from breeding crops to also breeding ponies. But, those are idle thoughts. 

They find Tartarus in a small, shady paddock. A puzzle ball is tied to one of the fence posts. Very good, November thinks. The gate is also locked in a more… creative way. It reminds Buck of failed, long past attempts to keep the local, equine escape artist at home contained. Right now Tartarus is preoccupied with nibbling some grass. 

There isn't a line, which is unexpected. It's likely that most onlookers stayed to see the other auction ponies being presented. More time for the brothers to get acquainted with the gray stallion. 

Once the two come closer, Tartarus’ head pops up. His ears swivel, he watches them for a moment or two. Then, he walks towards his visitors' end of the paddock. Buccaneer and November reach the fence. It's not as high as back home, which makes sense, seeing that it's perfect for a pony such as Tartarus. He calmly sniffs their outstretched hands. One of these people is much taller than usual. It's not of much importance to the stallion.

Shortly after, November takes a few steps back, letting his brother have Tartarus’ undivided attention. 

The stallion seems to like Buck's scent, is able to make out another pony, hay and soil. Never before has he met a person who smells so much of warm earth, like a cool summer evening by growing fields. It's quite nice. 

Then, there's something else, it's foreign, not human- but in combination with everything else, it matters little to the stallion. 

Buck digs a treat from his pocket. The signs actively encourage the giving of horse appropriate delicacies and the home made ones Buck has surely count. Tartarus certainly seems to enjoy them.

He gently noses the man's hand. It's calloused, but seems very fit to pet a soft pony. Tartarus is right. As much as Buck tends to get into scuffles, he also can be just as kind. His temper tends to flare, is all. He pets Tartarus’ neck and marvels at the stallion once more. Such a pretty coat, and such kind eyes. Then that air of mystery.

“You know things I don't, don't you?” Buck asks idly. Tartarus cannot answer. Instead, he just enjoys the pets. They're a bit awkward, Buck is a bit unsure of just how hard to pet. His pony Flounder is a fan of intense pettings. But Tartarus, he's a total mystery.

“Buck”. November is not keen on interrupting, but it seems the showcase in the arena has ended. A line is forming. Buccaneer grumbles. It's not like he can be easily shooed off… but it also wouldn't be right. Especially not under the scrutiny of his brother. If reluctantly, he pets Tartarus goodbye and slips the stallion a final treat. Then, takes a photo, a little souvenir. Buck is experiencing the ache that can come after even a short meeting with a special horse for the first time. It is incredibly strange. Is that why his family keeps coming home with new horses?