Merlot's new home

Merlot had been living with Ava and her daughter, Margot for as long as she could remember, born and bred as they say. All she knew was this stable, but when the young man named Will had approached her, she could feel that it was time for her to move on. Not that she felt unwanted or like she didn’t belong anymore, she just knew he was the one to push her life forward again after losing her rider.

Merlot never knew what happened to Margot, only that she one day stopped showing up. She missed her and wanted to see her, if only for one last time, but it seemed like it would never happen. 

The dark chestnut wasn’t necessarily feeling sad as they approached the trailer, but she did feel like a part of her was still missing. She stopped in her tracks for a moment, looking back towards Ava’s house with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She whinnied meekly, hoping to see the door swing open to reveal Margot, but no such thing happened.

Will gently caressed her cheeks and kissed her forehead as he comforted the mare, he knew all too well what loss felt like. He assured her she would be okay, and that he would take care of her. She had no reason to doubt him, and his words were comforting, just like his gentle voice. She leaned her head into his arms and let out a soft huff, as if to say she was okay.

Once Merlot got out of the trailer in her new home, she immediately felt a sense of calm and relief. A fresh start, a new safe haven where she could thrive and grow. Her ears flicked as she listened to every new sound around her, horses eating in their pastures and stalls, people walking around, a bird she had never heard before. It was a lot to take in, but she remained calm, as she always had been praised for.

From the stable, a tall man emerged, his hair a light gray and skin covered in black tattoos. Merlot was curious about him right off the bat, she had never seen anyone so covered in ink, and certainly no one as tall either.

“Welcome back Will, everything went smooth, I assume?” the man said, as he stopped a few meters away, to respect Merlot’s personal space.

“I don’t think it could have gone any smoother, actually.” Will smiled as he gently scratched Merlot’s forehead. “Her name is Merlot.”

“Beautiful name for a beautiful horse.” the stranger said as he looked at the dark chestnut mare. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Merlot. I am Lee.”

Lee.. Easy enough to remember, Merlot thought to herself before snorting and moving forward towards the much taller man to properly greet him. Will loosened his grip on the lead and slowly followed her forward as well, to make sure she didn’t feel trapped or rushed. She sniffed Lee’s hand gently before curiously grabbing his shirt zipper to tug it a bit, which caused both Lee and Will to chuckle a bit.

“A lively one, I see.” Lee smiled as he playfully ruffled her forelock as a response, which she seemed to enjoy.

“A perfect amount of energy, I’d say.” Will replied, relieved that she seemed to enjoy the company of his friend as well. “I’m sure she will fit in just fine here.”