Happy Rolls!

Aslan clenched his calloused hand around the bell in his pocket. Standing there before him was a beautiful stallion many seemed to be drawn to, and for good reason. His striking cream coat had a subtle lavender hue, perfectly reflecting the colour it was named after. Aslan approached the small pony with small, slow strides, observing his every movement. Eventually the cob's ear flicked back to him, and he jerked his head upwards from grazing to face the source of the noises. His breath was deep and steady, nostrils flaring to take in the scent of this stranger approaching.

"I heard you were named Étoile," Aslan muttered, offering an outstretched hand towards the pony before him. Étoile took a hesitant step forward, and took a deep breath. The world around Aslan went silent as he made mental prayers that Étoile wouldn't decide to turn his heel and strut the opposite direction.
The prayers had worked, and Aslan was faced with a curious pony, gently nosing at his hand and jacket for something to eat. He reached his spare hand into his pocket, and pulled out the bell, holding it in front of Étoile for inspection. Étoile nosed it inquisitively, and stretched his lip to see if he could eat it.

"Hey, it's not for eating, silly!" Aslan laughed quietly to himself in amusement. Étoile appeared to be confident enough around people for Aslan to attempt to pet him. As his hand met a soft creamy coat, he let out a sigh of relief and started looking for an itchy spot. It didn't take long for Étoile's neck to start stretching out, and his lip to quiver in contentment. This continued for a few minutes, the pony clearly enjoying this moment of bonding between the two.

Once Aslan made the decision to take a break from giving Étoile some scritches, he looked at the bell in his left hand. Right, he had to try and get it tied somewhere. Étoile had barely any mane, a short coat, and a small, poofy tail that resembled that of a rabbit's, much like his first cob, Adonis.
The best decision was looking like it was to attempt to put it in his tail, as short as it was. Surely it wouldn't be too hard now, after making countless attempts to do the same with other cobs in the past at these claiming events. Aslan checked in with Étoile, the stallion now calmly grazing at the haynet next to them, before running his hand over his back. Aslan then fiddled with the bell, unravelling the deep blue coloured ribbon in preparation for tying it.

When Aslan had finished fighting with the cob's unruly hair, he stood back and admired his work. It looked pretty stable there, and it didn't budge with a few bats and flicks. With this done, Aslan gave Étoile one last scratch on the neck and forehead before beginning to walk away.
Étoile wasn't ready for his newfound friend's departure yet, however. He flicked his tail, bell ringing, and walked after the man. He nickered, and Aslan turned around and smiled. This pony was too cute, and he was getting attached very fast.

Eventually, after many goodbye pats and scritches, Aslan made it out of the paddock. He and his partner, Hawley, sat in the back of their truck with their lunch and talked about the ponies, which ones they thought were cutest, and who might end up getting claimed by who.
As Aslan was zoned out eating his burger, Hawley nudged his arm.

"Look at your guy!"

Aslan looked up, and Étoile was kneeling down, about to roll. The pony kicked his legs as he rolled from side to side, grunting as he stood back up and shook the dirt off. Aslan put his food down, hopped down from the truck, walked over to the fence near Étoile, and clicked his tongue. The pony sauntered up to him and reached his head over the fence, to inspect Aslan's food-scented hands. This friendly little pony was going to be so hard to say goodbye to if Aslan didn't end up getting to keep him.