moon attempt 2

They weren't the first to try, Moonstone has been approached before multiple times over the last past few days. Attempts with treats hands trying to reach quicker than he'd allow. Most of them were gone by now, given up by the second visit or left after the first when he turned his head away on them

The being that was ready to try their own attempt wasn't like the others, not because they were any better just because they expect to win, but with a hope to try and maybe they'd just be lucky enough

They wasn't much to carry for the visit that day, a small backpack on their back and a few words to exchange with the lady who owned the farm, no forms signed or promised made, just to see and make an attempt. Both gave each other a nod, a nod of knowing it's not theirs yet and may not even be

Walking towards the pasture they could eye the beautiful dappled Moonstone near the fence, not pressed against, not pacing or restless, just peaceful standing there. Quiet and still with the ears turning like small satellite dishes catching every sound around him. Including the being that was approaching him in complete awe. His coat just glimmered even in the shade, beautiful charcoal greys with fading dapples and white bird spots that just looks like scattered fallen stardust. The sun haven't even risen fully yet, yet he looks like he was standing in other time of the day, dusk maybe, or before dawn. His mane must have been recently brushed as it's neatly put on one side, all the way down to his neck with small curls as the end. His tail also just as well kept as it smoothly swayed in between his leg shifts

While they watched him in absolute awe they didn't try to reach for him straight away, no, they stood by the fence instead and leaned against it like it was a porch rather than a barrier in between them. Didn't say much just watched, but so did he and that was enough

An hour passed before anything new really happened,  flicked an ear when he heard somethin beiing pulled from the beings jacket. It wasn't a lead, neither a halter, just a wrapped treat. A very soft and sweet smelling one, something they made from scratch the night before visiting the farm. A mix of apples, oats and a little bit of honey. Made from the heart and in hope this may just gets a ponys attention!

Unwrapping it they didn't just hold it out like a bait for him, they rather just put it on the fencepost close to him, juust right for the wind to carry the scent to him if it wanted to

Minutes passed
Then finally, slowly, Moonstone stepped closer, one hoof at the time as if he needed to test the ground. There was no hestitation from his gesture, just one kind of a patience he'd have. Wasn't lazy or unsure, moreso deciding. When he finally reached the post, he didn't look at them, he didn't even sniff their jacket or hands, he only lowered his head and picked up the treat carefully and gently nibbling, not rushing with a single bite before he backed up again. They sighted, but still happy he ended up tasting it, I guess that was enough for the morning

By midday they've moved to the stable, and not because the pasture wasn't good but becuase the sun had risen and the shade was just gentler indoors. The being stepped inside as they could see a few ponies heads poke out to watch curiously, one left out a short whinny sound before going back to chew on their hay. Smiling back at the other horses they could see the name sign Moonstones and his stall open, not entirely wide open but the door was pulled back enough for him to step out if he wanted. But he didn't, he was still inside with one hoof resting and head angled to the side like he was watching through the corner of his eye

The being went to get a wooden stool they saw earlier that someone must have left, and sat down just enough of of reach from him. No sudden movements or attempts, they didn't bring any tack or rope, no more than a brush, a bit plain and worn but the kind they'd use on horses they trusted them.

With a gentle smile they still looked and admired him, but didn't ask to touch him, yet. Instead they spoke very quietly, about the forest behind the farm and the slope near the far end of the pasture. About the nice warm coffee they had earlier this morning, even about the noise from the birds that were flying near the barn roof. How his name was so matching for him. They spoke about nothing yet everything, sometimes to the horse, sometimes not but they still were having a friendly worthy time. 

After a long while Moonstone decided to step forwards, slowly, until his shoulders lined up beside the bars of his stall, he didn't lean against it, he just stood there
The being didn't look up at him, only lifted up the brush and reached gently, pausing before the bristles touched the side of his neck in wait for his reaction, listening carefully. When he didn't move, they began to do a gently stroke, then two. Very carefully and short at first but then going with a long one along the line of his neck to where his mane parted. It was so soft, they couldn't believe he'd be so soft they couldn't help but stroke with the other hand against the fur. 

He let them brush him until the sun started to slide westward, then he stepped back inside without a warning, quiet and sudden but not because he was upset, just done. They let him go, before they took the stool and put it back where it was, happy there was another small but successful interaction

Day passed fast as it turned to late afternoon, the time to give a first try, now that the yard was much quieter and the last regular visitors had already left and all that was left was sounds of creaks of leather and small scrapes of hooves in the dirt near the fences. They had by now already set out for him. All cleaned and tidy, with the halter put neatly on top
It did take some time, but with few more treats, however not sweet this time, more so little slices of carrots that were wrapped up in cloth and kept cool. With a bit of luck at last, they easily managed to put the halter on once he allowed it. He had turned his head towards them, just slightly to acknowledge it

Putting on the saddle however, took a bit longer, and not because he fought against it but because he paused after each strap, as if he was testing the moment. After finally successfully attaching it he just stood. Not stiff or him being stubborn, he was just still. 
But they did manage to calmly lead him to the pasture trail that was near the forest

The ride wasn't exactly perfect.. he didn't follow the cues so easily, took turns wider than they expected and hesitated more at the shadows behind the trees. But he wasn't scared, he didn't shy away or bolt. He just moved slowly and steadily, like he wanted to see everything first before he knew to trust or not trust the being on his back

They in meantime kept light pressure, with hands low and quiet, no pulling or demanding. Nothing more than guiding, no ordering just offering

The ride was still very pleasant, bird flied overhead, wind moving gently through the tall grass and leaves gently flickering against each other like old pages. The path curved gently, a beautiful small clearing filled with soft moss and light filtering through the trees and leaves, perfect. They stopped.

The being dismounted without a word, letting the reins drop loose, letting Moonstone stand where he is. They walked towards a low hanging branch and brushed their hands gently through the leaves, absolutely appreciating the spot they landed in. 
For a while it was silent, beside the earthy wind swooshing gently, letting them turn back to him and gently put their forehead against him, very slowly and quietly to not spook him. Just a shared moment, not claimed or owned, it was cozy

They wrapped up and returned back to the farm just before evening, the sun have already dipped low leaving the whole place in warm gold shine. Moonstone definitely moved easier now, not relaxed but not wary. 
Back at the stable he already knew and stepped into his stall on his own, the being didn't try to brush him again however, not this time, all they did was removing the saddle, folded the pad and hung the tack neatly beside the door. They did however leave him one last treat for the visit, something soft again, holding it out flat on the hand. He took it, gently brushing the lips against the palm like a slow yes

And nothing more was being said beside a warm smile, turning around and walking quietly out of the stall back home. Nothing more needed to be said, not that night at least, maybe not ever..