it makes me wonder; [open]

[xx- Jack]

Blake was finally out enjoying the warmth of sunshine for the first time since he moved to Heart Lake, but not without his stallion Judas, mind you. He had perched himself atop the blue roan's broad back, no saddle, only a worn leather headstall over the thick head of the steed. His plain appreciation of his new home was evident as he looked down on the beach of Heart Lake, watching the activity on one side of the beach. There were girls basking in the sun on beach towels, guys playing volleyball in the warm sun, and a few people riding along on their horses in the warm surf. But it seemed like no one was alone, 'cept him of course.

Shifting slightly on Judas' massive back, he gave a gentle squeeze to the horse with his calves, easing him into a signature quarter horse jog, hardly moving as the young stallion swaggered down the grassy hillside. But he wasn't headed to the populous of the main beach, no, he was headed out into the more deserted parts of the lake, he didn't want everyone spooking Judas. He began humming under his breath, along with the easy beat of his steed's hooves, the tune progressing into a well-tuned rendition of Maroon 5's It Makes Me Wonder. When he finished, he asked Judas for a gallop, and they soared forward, Judas thrashing in the surf, Blake enjoying the wind and sun. Slowing his stallion slightly, he guided him onto the sand and reined him into a sliding halt. Hopefully no one was watching, he hated showing off, and never liked being accused of it. Shifting his jean-clad legs slightly, he settled forward and scratched Judas' neck affectionatly. "there, you had your run. Now stop being such a prancing fool." Jest was naturally in his voice. It was obvious the horse and rider shared a connection that many never had with their horses.

[//Kitteh.]

Out in the distance, wathcing everso-closely, Kaitlynd sat. She was elevated almost out of site, about ten feet in a tree, sitting on a thick extention that hung out of the trunk. She had eyes of a emerald green and slightly blond-brown ringlets of soulderlength extentions. She stood only five feet high, but to her, the best things came in the smallest packeges.

She watched as the two 'performed' around the length, at times being about twenty yards away from the tree. A mare was also taking the pleasure in the show, watching as the stallion and his boy did their thing. Great riders they are said KC, wathcing the show. Let's show `em what we got. Kaitlynd said and gave a smile to her mare. It was just her nature to ride and what not.

She soon was atop th pure black western saddle, her shorts and rebel flag bikini top the only thing that was clothing the girl. She had the suit's bottom under her shorts, for she'd come for a swim. The saddle wasn't all that hot in the days heat, for it was covered with a thick blue towel.

She urged the mare into a gentle trot, and then a canter around a few bushes, making a figure eight. She was soon giving her mare a made-up gait that included an odd leg motion couple, and a few other things that were hard for the equine body to do.

[xx- Jack]

A yawn cracked his jaw open to a wide arch, he released a single rein to rub off the sweat gathering on the back of his neck, shifting his glance from the open seas to the wilderness before him. How nice it would be to just gather up his reins and canter off into the wild trails, spend a week camping out in the forest. But school.. School always seems to ruin things like that. But speaking of school, it was going to be one of those crazy semester endings, he'd know no one, be the loner in a sea of friends. Crap. He leaned down to wrap his arms around Judas' roaned neck, enjoying the watery-breeze as a young adult is hardly able to do. "Judas, you lucky dog. You don't care if you move, me, I've got to adapt. Humans are so complicated." He mumbled to the roan, who was now muzzling the beach sand, searching for even the most pathetic source of grass.

Stirring slightly from his reverie, he glanced toward the approaching pair, horse and rider. But their course suddenly veered around a sett of bushes. Judas half-reared and danced around like a smitten fool at the scent of a mare, and Blake himself had to snap out of his trance on the rider, who was definately pretty. Clearing his thoughts with a slight shake of his head, he grinned good-naturedly and laughed. "Show offs" he threw his words across the small gap between them and him, a heart-melting grin on his face. Judas snorted eagerly, trying to pull at Blake's metal-firm hold that kept him from bolting towards the mare, so he settled for a showy Piaffe like the good show horse he was. Blake laughed slightly at Judas' excitement, patting his shoulder and quipping. "Keep your pride tied, boy." Joining in on the girls display with his steed, he set the roaned stallion into a half-pass, shifting to a western jog and varying through a series of complicated western and english movements. The stallion was working off his excited edge and Blake was enjoying himself, not showing off, just playing the game that these girls had set up. Finally settling his stallion, he glanced at his competition, grinning. "Nice moves you've got, you'd do great in a Freestyle Dressage competition. Anyhoo, I'm Blake, Blake Mitchell." He said, awaiting her response as he cooled down his sweating steed by walking him in well-preportioned circles.

[//Kitteh.]

Kaitlynd smiled, glad to see that he wasn't one to judge whole relationships by mere first impressions. Watching his smile, she ler a small grin of her own fall alonng her expressionness face. The female spoke her own name after his. I'm Kaitlynd. Kaitlynd Claire Hyrdorn. Feel free to call me Katie or any other nicknames. It would matter less to me. She stated.

Watching him cool his horse, she gave a getntle smile. This is Snap. Nice to meet you. She stated, and lay a gently hand on the neck of the mare. It was more of a gentle pat than a lay, but her hand had come in contact with the females neck nonetheless. Your wern't halfbad either. She stated, her southern accent comming through clearly in her speach.

[xx- Jack]

Blake's grin broadened as he patted the thick muscle on Judas' shoulder, feeling equine sinews quivering under his touch. "Nice to meet you Katie." He paused as she introduced her horse, then chuckled. "and Snap. This is Judas Iscariot, also known as Judas or whoa-dammit." A slight laugh followed that statement, that was Judas' nickname for a very good reason. Blake's firm grip on the worn out leather reins had not even shifted as the blue roan tugged at it, attempting to take hold of the bit and approach the mare. Blake gave a swift smack to his steed's neck, not harsh, just chastising. "Stoppit Judas." he muttered, but his light strike had made the stallion fall still. Glancing up at Katie, he rolled his eyes as if making light of Judas' excitable behavior, hoping she wouldn't judge him for addressing Judas' behavior physically. "Sorry about him.." Now that the roan had stilled, Blake gave him a loose rein, allowing the stallion to pick at the meager grasses on the sand.

Reaching forwards to straighten his horse's forelock, Blake grinned at her comment. "Well thank you, I trained Judas myself so you could say that was a huge compliment, but don't worry, I won't let it go to my head." He was a little jittery, not used to being able to converse freely with anyone that felt like doing so, he'd spent most of his last few years in the brusque and unamicable cities. No one really talked freely there. But his nervousness was not conveyed in his words or actions, not obviously, anyway.

ooc; horrible post, sorry

[//Kitteh.]

ooc;; I think all your post are beautiful! Karam point for you's!!!

Bic//

Giving a sweet giggle to the horses 'nickname' she put her hand to her mouth, and began to blush. It looked as if she were trying to stop herself from laughing, but it made her face a light red, a very gentle pink in places. She watched as he strictly comanded his horse to stop the foolishness, and then appologized. Why apologize when merely you are a good rider? It's perfectly fine. Snap dosn't mind it much. I belive she has a boy-friend. She said in a joking tone.

She listened intensly as he spoke more about his training. Nodding and murmering 'yes' about every five seconds or so. I had to train Snap here myself also, but she was much more easily taken to than it seemed to be. She was broken, but had some bad experiance with humans. Abuse to be exsact. She said, noting the welt-like scar on her shoulder. But she's perfectly fine now. She stated. As if on que, the mare rug out in a half-rear and gave a whicker of hello to the handsome stallion. Katie gave a small laugh and smile to her little filly-like mare.

[xx- Jack]

The wide grin returned to his face as Katie laughed softly, he smirked slightly in his own silent laughter. It was nice to have met someone with such good-humor and willingness to accept another for their quirks. Tugging his stallion's mane that lay draped across the equine's muscled withers, he smoothed the raven black fibers until they lay flat. Listening to his new compainion's joking words. "Heh, don't give Judas any ideas, he's a nut sometimes when it comes to mares." Patting the blue roan's shoulder lightly, he glanced up to meet Katie's eyes for a moment, noticing their emerald green color, how pretty. Averting his glance back to the waters before him, he heard the young lady speak once again, flattered that she had called him a good rider. Nodding as she spoke about Snap's past, he thought about the day he picked up Judas, it seemed the stallion and mare had a few things in common. "Yeah? Judas was slaughter bound, but I bought him for the symbolic price of ten bucks. He didn't trust humans after being forcefully weaned too early from his dam and beaten until they could lead him without a whip." Watching Katie touch one of her mare's scars, he glanced at Judas' roaned flank, catching a glimpse of the small indents and rises in his flesh where the whip was laid as a youthful horse. He grimaced at the memory when he had seen the roan as a colt at auction, beaten into the center of the pen and then released, his eyes rimmed with white.

Snapping from his thoughts, he saw Katie's mare's antics and almost laughed, watching Judas nicker encouragingly and take a step forward, but a restrained step. The two horses' muzzles touched, Judas blowing warm breath into Snap's nostrils in an equine hello. "Well, well. Seems that Judas is being a gentleman for once. Not quite like him. Be glad you aren't riding another stallion, he'd try to attack until his opponent started to hoof it. He's a monster, I say!" Looking at the placid horse acting more like a silent gelding than a wild stallion as he muzzled at Snap, the final comment seemed oximoron. Until Judas started being Mr. Insanity and began trying to herd Snap around. Blake gripped the reins warily, this had happened before. Tugging on the rein opposite Snap, he directed the stallion away, turning him in tiny circles to get the distracted charger's mind off the mare. Rolling his eyes a second time, he directed the stallion in a confusing pattern with light presses of his jean-clad calves. Muttering under his breath, he finally loosed the grip on the rein slightly, and Judas settled again. "I think he is anxious, mind if we walk while talking?" he asked, gesturing via leaning his head towards the slowly emptying beach. As if he had read the stallion's mind, his steed jerked the reins towards the beach, half rearing and snorting like a restless racer.

ooc; thanks a bunch! I've just come back to human roleplaying after a few years, and I'm also writing my posts on a computer that can't access internet, meaning no reference to your previous post but the first reading. so that meant a lot. =]

[//Kitteh.]

<sub>Giving a slight laugh at though of the stallion a monster, and watched as he turned the stallion. She could only wish to be that good with Snap. When she was in heat, it was hard to even saddle the mare. She's still a filly. A work in progress. Kate told herself gently, and gave a small smile.


Sure, that'd be great. She replied in his suggestion. I'm a great multi-tasker. She stated in a joking tone and watched the boy turn his horse. She gave Snap a gentle nudge of encouragement and let the mare go at a canter. When she reached the two dashing men, she spoke once more. What do you do for a living? She asked, and locked eyes with the boy. She knew that Snap could very qell guide herself.</sub>

[xx- Jack]

Gripping the reins in a relaxed manner, he allowed Judas to coast at a matching canter to Snap's, he was in perfect motion with Judas' powerful stride. Do for a living? Now there were a few answers to that question, she he stated them all. "Various things, actually. I own my own stable, so I get some income from boarders, I also train other's horses, and some farrier work if someone needs it done 'asap'. All around horse work. andd.. then I sometimes get hired at clubs or whatnot 'cuz I can sing. Kinda odd, yeah?" his offhand manner was slipping away and he was more comfortable now that he was half-concentrating on riding as well. "How about you, what do you do for work?" Allowing his gaze to linger on her's for a moment, he grinned sheepishly, turning back to look ahead. With good timing too, a log was slowly getting closer, and Judas was raging at the bit. Giving the horse some rein, they leapt over the fallen tree in good form, but at the landing Judas veered, shying because of a seagull that leapt up under them, nearly throwing Blake off. Catching his mount's mane and gripping the reins, he shifted his position back to a normal seat, calming his stallion's frayed nerves with quiet words. Easing the horse to a jog and then a flat-footed walk, he turned around to watch Katie, wondering how Snap would take it. No doubt much more gracefully then he and his horse.

[//Kitteh.]

Just little job's here and The girl was trying to finish her sentance when ther shying stallin caught her mares eyes. The mare, who had gotten spooked, gave a half rear and two steps to the side. This was just enough time to cause the mare to find a 'ditch', more of a sink-hole...

Katie and Snap went tumbling down into the large indention. A scream came from the mare and drowned out the noise of the falling girl. When land was finally touched, the girl could easily see out. She was marked without a scratch, but Snap had blood commig from her coat and a large cut on her back leg. Snap... She stated, and her beathing began to quicken. Blake! Blake? She asked, and stood. She wasn't leaving without her horse, this was for sure...

[Luffles da drama.]

[xx- Jack]

A grin came across his face as he saw Snap and Katie soar over the log, but it soon twisted into a visage of horror as they plummeted into a sink hole deep enough that not even the tips of Snap's ears perked over the edge. Judas shrieked, leaving Blake's ears ringing as he tried to direct his frantic horse closer to the hole, but the once brave horse balked like a chicken, screaming in protest. Hearing Katie's desprate cries sent his adrenaline to a high, something had to be wrong, she sounded worried, no, frantic. Leaping from his horse's back, he stumbled towards the sink hole, skidding at the top to avoid slipping in himself. The first sight that hit his vision was blood, but his breath that he had been holding was released as he realized it wasn't Katie's. "Katie! Are you alright?" He reached his arm down, hoping she would grab ahold and climb back up so they could tackle the issue of Snap. But the length of his muscled arm was only so much, and even if she scrambled on her tip-toes, she might not be able to grab his hand. "Too short, damn" He cursed quietly, shifting to his feet again, he glanced around for Judas, an idea sprang to his head. The colt-like stallion was cowering a few yards away. "Hang on! I have an idea!" Running to his horse, he grabbed the leather reins and dragged the horse to the sink hole. Once Judas saw Snap, he bellowed wildly, leaving Blake's ears ringing for a second time. Untying the leather reins on his stallion's bridle, he jumped down into the hole. "Katie, listen to me, you need to stand up onto Snap's back and climb out, I'll try and help your horse. Go get help once you are out!"

Tearing a large peice of fabric from his black tee-shirt sleeve, he approached Snap, trying to calm her with soft words. He inched to her wounded leg, encouraging her with quiet murmurs and light strokes on her barrel. He began to tie the peice of cloth around the wound, taking the reins and breaking a peice of the worn leather off, he tied the makeshift bandage swiftly and jumped out of the way of her hoof incase she decided to strike. "Easy now.." he mumbled as he reached for her reins, then glanced around for something to cover her eyes with. Aha! Sitting askew on top of the saddle was the towel Katie had between her and the saddle, grabbing it from it's precarious perch, he covered the strained mare's eyes, hoping to reduce the panic she was in. Using the rest of the leather, he tied it to her bridle, making a breakaway knot just in case. He didn't notice if Katie had left, too worried about taking care of the mare, after all, he thought she had jumped out. Hopefully she had.


ooc: yay drama!

[//Kitteh.]

Katie watched and listened to instructions. I cant leave her! She stated, tears comming from her eyes. But the cut was sever, and she couldn't let her baby suffer. She managed to scramble out and looked about. Not a moment to spare, she began to run. Gym had made her track lead, so she could cover distances fast.

Breathless, she reached the police station. Please. We ned your help. Please! She pleaded, her face now red with the face she was tired and worked up. The policemen nodded and three of the men and Katie were in the police car.

When at the hole, Katie looked to Blake. Her eyes were blured, everything seemed to mush together. She slid and sliped down the steep sides, ignoring the cheifs warnings. Snap...Come on girl. You can do it... She stated, and let her concerned eyes wander to meet Blakes.

Snap heard the soothing words of both the boy and her owner. Sighing, she looked around, but saw nothing but the white towel, which was indeed helping to calm her. She limped in the direction of Katies voice, and let a strainful nicker escape from her maw.

[xx- Jack]

Careful strokes were placed on the slowly calming mare's neck, the young man's fingers intertwining with the horse's mane with a good-natured tug, he hoped that the sensation of the gentle pull would make her believe she was back at her barn. The thudding of footsteps on sand caught his attention and he strained to peer over the edge of the deep sink hole, and when Katie scrambled to the edge he breathed a sigh of relief, she had brought law inforcement officers, and hopefully they could help. A peircing shriek shattered the sudden pause, Judas reared into the air, pawing at nothing with his powerful hooves, screaming threats at the policemen. One of the officers was obviously an old hand with horses, and he was coaxing Judas to calm down. Blake had paused to breathe for a moment, the commotion whirling around him and his time stopping for a moment. Snapping back to reality, he glanced around the sink hole for a slope they could lead Snap up, and lucky for them, a steep but walkable slope was nearby. Tying what was left of his leather reins around Snap's curb strap, he tugged on her lead gently, directing her slowly towards the slope. Each step she took he praised her, Judas offered his own equine encouragement with throaty nickers, scrambling at the top of the slope and snorting frantically. "Judas! Get away you dumb colt!" he snapped, pulling the mare along gently and slapping at Judas, sending the young stallion scittering away like a coward. He slipped on a soft patch of sand, but caught his balance in time to give Snap a directing pull towards the hard ground. The sand under him gave way, but he scrambled back to the hard ground, righting himself and brushing off his knees slightly. "Well that was an adventure.." he said with slight sarcasm, grinning at Katie reassuringly.

ooc; horrible post, sorry =/

[Lazeh Kitty]

Katie watched as Judas stirred along the edge of the hole. She give a slight smile, even in her times of worry, trying to act as if she were alright. The mare was still bleeding badly, but the cops were on it in a flash. The called a vet out, giving both Katie and Blake a chance to breath. Adventure? It wouldn't have been possible with out you Blake. Thank you. She stated though breaths, and threw her hands around Blakes back in a hug.

When she had realized what she'd done, she quickly pulled away and gave a slight blush. Once she realized who it was given to, she felt her face grow even more of a crimson color as she took a few steps back. Her face gave a 'Sorry' type of looked as she caught his gaze. The moment reminded her of a song she had easily rembered as a kid. No chance. No way. I wont say I'm in love. Sighing, she gave a slight shrug as if a little girl again, not the sixteen year old beauty she acually was.

[ooc;; I think your's was awsome...my was horrid.]

[xx- Jack]

s u p r i s e a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n

At the joyous words that Katie spoke, a slight grin touched his lips. "Just doing what I can to help." He said softly. Suprise shined in his bluish eyes as he felt her slender arms wrap around his body in a warm embrace, and he returned it for a moment until she pulled away. Catching her emerald green eyes for a moment, he grinned sheepishly, suprised at her actions but not dissapointed. Glancing around as the policemen seemed to slowly wander off now that their job was done, Blake broke from the wonderful moment to grab the bridle of the passing stallion, Judas, holding the horse by the curb strap because the reins were no longer attached. Glancing back at Katie, he caught her appologetic glance, his grin faded slightly, his eyes saying what his words couldn't. There was nothing to appologize for. Blinking as a sharp wind blew sand and grit into their eyes, he rubbed his sore forearm and looked at the ground. "We should probably get Snap to a stables. Mine is nearby, or if you have her boarded somewhere else.." he murmured quietly, a bit embaressed about the whole ordeal.

ooc; heh, Blake is embaressed