Roan Mare

The roan mare snuffled around the grass, looking for the last flowers of the season. Her thick coat made her hardly notice the crisp breeze that ruffled the blades of grass surrounding her. She knew it would soon be time for claiming- the week that the two leggeds would visit the pasture, with their tasty treats and loud bells. She never much liked the bells, their metallic tinkling always hurt her round ears. But that was okay, because a bell would mean she would have a two legged of her own. This was the first year she was able to be claimed, and she sure hoped someone would claim her. Take her home. Love her and spoil her and take her on adventures. She jumped as a squirrel ran past her, frantically burying the last of his nuts for the winter. Jolted from her thoughts, she got back to her hunt for flowers. 

Meanwhile, further down the mountain…

“Sky, hurry up!” Eddy cried, bouncing from foot to foot as he waited for his sister to catch up to him.

“Dude, chill out. The ponies aren’t going anywhere.” She said with a roll of her eyes. Her tone was kind though- she remembered her first pony claiming. She was eleven, the same age as Eddy was now, and it had been one of the most stressful weeks of her life. First you had to get the bell on the pony, then hope the bell stayed on the pony, then go to auction and hope you can afford the pony. But after years of experience, she knew the best tips and tricks, and was ready to pass them on to her little brother. 

“Are we there yet?” Eddy asked, his glasses fogging up with his breath. Sky grinned.

“Almost.” She said, and she led him the final few steps into the pasture.

The roan mare perked her ears, which had picked up on faint conversation. There. Two two leggeds walked into the clearing. One was short and vibrating in excitement, the other, tall and lanky with flaxen hair. The smaller one turned his head back and forth, looking throughout the ponies. When his eyes landed on her, he let out a squeak. Intrigued by the noise, the mare began walking towards them, her long mane nearly dragging on the ground. 

“Okay Ed. Now or never.” Sky whispered. “Got your bell?”

To be continued…