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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 24, 2008 16:11:50 GMT -5
It wasn't the same anymore. The smell of the horses, the soft scent of the hay - it was almost foreign to her, surprising and strong when she had first entered the stables that morning. Avery hadn't visited in such a long while, she'd figured she had probably forgotten most of it's intrigue and beauty - especially the stunning animals the stable housed. Practically dancing down the stable aisle, she was euphoric, the setting bringing back so many wonderful memories of when she'd been deeply involved with her own equines. Recently, she just hadn't had much time to work with them, with college, Tanner, and everything else. Of course, her four leggeds hadn't minded, spending most of their time now lounging lazily out in her stable pastures back home.
A soft nicker caught the girl's attention, and she turned, eyes widening as she took in the animal just to her right. "What a beautiful boy you are," Avery murmured, drawn to the horse instantly and stroking the animal's nose gently. A brilliant smile was beaming on her face - she'd definitely missed this more than she had ever given herself credit for.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 24, 2008 16:33:00 GMT -5
The lad stepped into the stable. recently returning from his adventures, Corey had settled his horse. His echoed steps rang out through the barn as he strided towards his horse. Corey halted in his tracks, his eyes landing on a girl at his horses stable. Hey! What are you doing? Corey exclaimed, his voice loud. The stables were just as he had remebered them. Large, airy and filled with horses.Well what did you expect? Knowing you, nothing at all. Corey mentally maimed himself. He shook his head then placed the feed bucket down, its contents rattling in the silver bucket.
Corey folded his arms over his broad muscled chest, only seeing her back. He didnt recognise her that way, but the way she stood...something made him think. [/center] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 24, 2008 16:46:46 GMT -5
Avery jumped about fifty feet in the air, gasping as she pulled back and turned to face the newcomer. She grimaced as the horse she'd been stroking shot his head up in the air, startled and shooting back into his stall. This couldn't look very good to him, could it? Her blue eyes were wide, shaking her head as she tried to calm her fluttering heartbeat. "I'm so sorry, I was just walking and this horse is so beautiful, I was just saying hello," she frantically tried to explain herself, eventually giving up on saying anything that sounded normal and shutting her mouth. That was probably the wisest thing to do.
Without knowing it, she was moving backwards, flinching as she finally felt her back touch the stable wall. He was taller than her, and it was easy to see that he was incredibly stronger, too. Those two things, mixed with her looking like she'd been doing something wrong to what she assumed was his horse, wasn't the best combination. Avery was still staring at him, flabbergasted and looking absolutely scared to death. Nothing had clicked in her mind yet - she didn't recognize Corey like she should've. After all, they'd rode together a long while ago, but she was too frightened to even take notice. Besides, during his abscence, he'd changed. His features were stronger, his jawline more pronounced; you couldn't blame her for not recognizing him.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 25, 2008 2:44:46 GMT -5
Corey strode over to Azrael and placed a soothing hand on the horse's grey neck. He murmered a few words quietly to him before turning to the girl. Its ok. Im well, a kinda newbie. Although ive been here...before. And then it hit him. Avery? he asked her, his voice laced with uncertainty. It was true, Corey looked much different now. His black locks had gone, short nearly shaven sandy blonde hair was now there in replacement. He was taller and more muscled out. His attitude was different to, he was bitter and cold, something had distanced him from the world, but who knew what it was.
Picking up the feed bucket he opened Azrael's door and placed it on the floor, watching the andalusian feed. Distractedly he scratched the geldings neck before looking at the girl once more, hoping hed got it right.
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 25, 2008 13:20:53 GMT -5
He really didn't have to be so rude. It was obvious that she wasn't doing anything - did it even look like she would be the person to come in and screw something up with his horse? She shot to the side the second he started approaching, eyeing him warily and letting out a small sigh of relief as he just aimed to pet his horse. His words reached her ears and she managed a meak smile, shrugging. They always seemed to welcome 'newbies', as he put it, in Glen Oak. It definitely wasn't a prejudiced town by any means, and thankfully, not everyone here was a stodgy croney who didn't like anyone out of their school board group. When he spoke her name, however, her head snapped up in surprise, staring at him through narrowed optics and trying to figure out how he'd known her name.
The sound of his voice was familiar. His eyes were something she recognized, and at that exact moment, her optics grew wide, a brilliant smile lighting up her entire face. "COREY!" Avery exclaimed, grimacing as it, once again, spooked Azrael. The poor horse had been through enough already this morning, she didn't need to add to his stress by yelling. "Where've you been?" she whispered, her voice considerably lower than it had been earlier. All traces of fear were gone from her body, instead looking quite at ease now that she knew who he was. Attempting to be non-chalant, she looked him over again, her eyebrows raising in surprise. He'd changed so dramatically since she'd last seen him - first of all, his scraggly black hair was gone, which she thought had been a good choice. It allowed everyone to see his pronounced jawline now, his strong, bold features. The girl was shaking her head now as she waited for his response, amazed at how much could change in what had seemingly been such a short duration of time.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 25, 2008 17:11:18 GMT -5
Corey looked down after her last question. His mouth began to goldfish before he sighed and rubbed his forehead as if struck by migraine. Uhh...padded cell. Yeah best way to put it. What about yourself? Been busy? Corey asked hurriedly, eager to change the subject. It was true, of course. Corey had been in an institution. Avery could ask why if she wanted. Corey would give her the truth. Azrael was put up for auction and had nearly gone for meat, again. Corey got out just in time to save him. Thankfully.
The sandy haired boy looked Avery over once more. She was just as beautiful as he remembered. Tje words were in his throat but he couldnt say them to her, so the words rotted in his oesophogus. Once again he mentally tore himself apart. Blue eyes skittered over his horse. Nothing resembled the strong horse he first braught. It was all his fault. Corey sighed wearily and looked down at his pale hands. [/center] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 25, 2008 17:20:00 GMT -5
She was a sweet girl, at least, and had the intelligence to match it. Though his response surprised her, she didn't say a word about it, her soft smile still sitting on her face like the world had just come into focus for her when he'd arrived. She listened intently to his question, giving a small chuckle that held back some of her faint hysteria. "Uhhh, not much," she mumbled, a strange emotion flickering across her face that read somewhere along the lines that she was scared to death to tell him the truth. Corey had no idea what she'd been going through with her boyfriend lately - she shivered here, trying to push the thought out of her mind - and she wasn't about to jump into explaining it. Her eyes wandered over to Azrael, not sure if she could keep her composure if she kept looking at his face. The horse looked different as well, and she couldn't help but allow her smile to fade just the smallest amount. What had he really been through?
She scowled at herself inwardly. That was nothing to think about, it didn't even have to do with her. Besides, it probably wasn't a subject he'd want to bring up. Her eyes were on him again, though, frowning as he sighed. She fought to come up with something to say, something to bring the moment back up again. Finally, she spluttered out a, "yeah, I haven't been to the stables in forever. I haven't even rode for who knows how long. I've missed it a lot, and you too," Avery joked, punching him in the arm half-heartedly. It was an attempt, at least.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 25, 2008 17:32:29 GMT -5
Corey smiled slowly. I missed you too, alot. he admitted to her, watching Azrael quietly. Another sigh left him, catching Avery in the process of overlooking Azrael. Hes terrified of humans, and its all my fault. Corey mumbled, assesing the gelding's movements as he stalked his way to the back of the stall. Corey leaned on the stall door and smirked downwards. I got into a serious state of depression, alcohol etc. Attempted suicide, self mutilation...thought id never be perfect. Then i got angry...they took me away. Corey felt the need to explain. Azrael got taken away and did more or less the same. he sighed, turning to face her. Pulling up his sleeves he showed the long scar that reached from his wrist to his elbow joint, the stich holes visible to. He left it long enough for her to absorb it then rolled it down and stared into the abyss of the mind. [/center] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 25, 2008 18:55:57 GMT -5
Well, that was a way to put a damper on a moment. The look of complete awe and pity on her face was unmistakeable, and she had to shake her head to snap out of her surprise at what he'd shown her. Avery shifted her weight from foot to foot, at a total loss for what to say. Nothing she could say seemed to be right, all of it sounding too sappy or strange to make any difference. Besides, she couldn't heal that part of him, she couldn't help him see how great of a person he was, she couldn't do anything like that. She was helpless in this situation, a sympathetic expression on her façade. "I'm so sorry, Corey...I don't..." she muttered, finally giving up. None of what she came up with even made sense.
Finally, she just decided upon a hug. A quick little hug, slipping her arms around his torso for a second and pulling back just as fast, a lopsided smile on her face that showed her wonder if that'd helped anything at all. As if that wasn't enough, she attempted to give Azrael a hug too, but the horse dodged out from her arms just as she was about to close in and she practically fell over, but at least she was trying to make everything better. She got points for that, right?
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 26, 2008 10:42:35 GMT -5
Corey excepted the hug. He wasnt used to the affection. Momentarily he nestled his head against her black hair, inhaling her scent. Then she let him go and he stepped back. Im going to join up with Azrael, would you like to watch? Corey asked her quietly, clipping the line onto the andalusian's head collar. Leading the horse out of the stall quietly, the andalusin clipped his metal bucket with his hoof, creating a loud crash. Azrael screamed, his mass leaning onto his hind legs. Corey pushed Avery out of the way, knowing how dangerous Azrael could be. The gelding landed then went up again, his brown eyes rolling. Corey let the rope slip through his hands, fearing that the horse would go over. Azrael alnded and stayed down, stepping forwards and pushing his head against Corey's chest, breaths leaving his nostrils heavily. Im here boy, calm it down. he murmered. Turning to Avery he blushed Sorry about that. he added, rubbing the back of his head. [/center] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 26, 2008 10:46:52 GMT -5
Surprisingly, she wasn't even frightened. Just because she hadn't been to the stables in a while didn't mean she'd thrown all of her experience with equines away, and she was smart enough to move before he really pushed her, keeping quiet in order to help calm the atmosphere down. "I'd love to watch, and it's fine. I understand completely. He's been through a lot," Avery nodded, her lyrics soft and serene, just helping with Azrael the best she could without getting too close. She'd done the join up technique a million times in her life, yet she'd never watched another do it in person - she'd enjoy this, particularly the experience to be around the horses again and her friend Corey.
"This'll be fun," she smiled, backing up in order to give them plenty of room to get the frightened horse out. It was incredible how calm she was. Her posture was relaxed, her eyes displaying no hint of fear.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 26, 2008 11:09:35 GMT -5
Corey smiled and nodded, leading the andalusian into a circular arena, letting the lunge line extend. Corey got him into a smooth trot around the arena. Corey took a step towards him and the andalusian went in the other direction. Corey repeated this procedure until he got the first signal, Azrael dropped his head and began making chewing motions with his jaw. Then his ear pointed inwards. Corey dropped his defensive position and turned his back to the gelding. The silence was unbearable and Corey longed to turn and see what he was doing.
Sweet sounding hoofbeats were crossing the sand to Corey. He soon felt the gelding's warm breath on his shoulder and he turned quietly. Keeping his eyes down, Corey rubbed the gelding's forehead. Azrael pushed against his hands but Corey turned away and began walking...the dappled horse followed him over to Avery. Corey was beaming.
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 26, 2008 11:19:35 GMT -5
Avery was laughing at the childlike smile on his face, but that soon faded to a proud smile, nodding. "Bravo. That went great," she nodded, her lyrics sincere, authentic happiness shining in her eyes. "He's a lovely horse," she added, sighing in admiration, but smart enough not to make a move to stroke the geldings nose. Azrael wasn't really that bad. Their relationship would heal with time, but probably not as long as it seemed it would right now. The horse was intelligent, and he'd overcome his fear easily. It wouldn't take too much work at all.
"Should I be going?" she asked suddenly, her eyes flashing. It had just hit her that she was probably disturbing one of their work sessions, and might not be helping with the horse's progress. It'd be better for her to leave in that case.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 26, 2008 12:24:45 GMT -5
Corey smiled at her, his eyes fixed on hers. No, dont go. Lets go for a ride, its been a long time. he smiled, rubbing the horse's nose. Corey smiled at her praise and really did not want her to go. She made him feel good which was unnatural for him. Sota's still in the barn if you want him. Corey added, turning to pick the saddle and bridle off the gate. Corey was tacked up and mounted quickly, and he began to trot the andalusian around the arena.
Corey sang quietly to the horse as he did so, the lyrics were intended for Avery's ears he couldnt bring himself to sing them loud enough. [/center] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 26, 2008 12:33:05 GMT -5
"Sota!" she exclaimed, galloping off towards the stable like a little schoolgirl. Once she saw her horse, her heart was skittering around like crazy - she hadn't realized how badly she'd missed the beautiful animal standing in front of her, laughing to herself as he nudged her with his muzzle. "I love you too, sweetheart," she murmured, stroking the stallion's nose as she led him out of his stall. Avery tacked him up eagerly, and had him out of the stable in no time, waving to Corey, but trying to keep her actions subdued as to not spook any of the horses. "Ready!" she called out lightly, gesturing towards the woods before she mounted up. It felt better than she'd ever imagined it would to be back in the saddle. She'd have to thank Corey for this later.
"Where to, mr. horse whisperer?" she smirked. She was simply referring to his natural horsemanship techniques, which Avery really actually appreciated, she was just teasing him a bit. Exactly what friends were for.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 26, 2008 12:46:59 GMT -5
Corey laughed at her. Then thought about her question. I was thinking over to the plains for a long gallop then a quiet stroll home. he answered, after much consideration. Azrael brushed noses with Sota before releasing a very mare-like squeal. God Az, grow up! he chuckled, patting his satin neck. Soon they were out in a large grassy plain that seemed to stretch past the horizon. The boy smiled at Avery, his lopsided smirk almost laughable itself.
Theres a river just past the hills over there, we'll turn back then. Corey added. Out of the corner of his eyes, he was watching Avery. Assesing her build and contours, her pale skin and black hair. Everything that made her so perfect. Your an awesome rider. Corey said quietly to her. [/color] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 26, 2008 12:55:34 GMT -5
His plans sounded just fine to her. Avery wasn't picky, just enjoying the experience and sighing at how content she felt. Sota was gladly walking along underneath her, happy to get out for a nice long ride, especially with another horse and rider to accompany them. It was ideal. Now, she wasn't as zoned out as she came across, though - she felt his eyes on her, his careful glances, but she did her best to ignore those. There was no use in bothering herself with those, or being rude to him to tell him to stop looking at her. Besides, he probably wasn't even looking at her, instead at her horse. Who wouldn't look at Sota? His striking blue eyes were a stunning contrast to his jet black coat, his well muscled build carrying him easily across the terrain.
However, she was proven wrong when she heard his compliment. She couldn't help but smile, glancing over at him with an appreciative nod. "Uhm, thanks, you are too," she grinned. Sota moved into a trot then, taking notice of her excitement at reaching their destination. "Care to gallop?" she asked, trying to get his mind off of her and on the ride. Things didn't need to get any more complicated.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 26, 2008 13:06:09 GMT -5
He didnt get it. Shed brushed off his comment like nothing had been said. Corey frowned mentally but nodded at her request to gallop. Azrael bucked slightly as Sota went on and they soon caught up. Corey nudged Azrael into a speedy canter, naturally leaning forwards into a cross- country position. The gelding sensed his sudden mood swing and pulled his head up. A harsh sigh left his throat as he relaxed his hold on the reins, the gelding automatically relaxed, softening his mouth on the bit. Corey didnt look back at her but on the hills ahead.
There was a large oak trunk on the ground, corey turned the horse towards it and they cleared it with a foot or two to spare. Elated, Corey patted his neck hard and slowed slightly for Avery to join them [/center] |
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Post by infiniteAVERY on Jul 26, 2008 13:12:18 GMT -5
One thing Sota hated was being outrun by another horse. He was almost completely out of Avery's control the second Corey took off with Azrael, and she was fighting to get her balance back - all of that was thwarted when Sota cleared the trunk almost sideways, his rear end twisting into the air just as he reached the ground. He squealed, feeling quite victorious, except for the fact that Avery was on the ground and scrambling away from Sota's pounding hooves the fastest she could. He clipped the end of her boot, but that was all, and she mumbled something about him being a pushy idiot as she grabbed his reins. "Yeah, a real awesome rider, right?" she growled, tossing an ashamed smile at Corey as she tried to calm the stallion down.
He wasn't in the mood though, and eventually she gave up, rolling her eyes and keeping a loose grip on his reins as he began to graze on some of the high grass surrounding the fallen tree. "Just give him a minute, Corey, he's being stupid and stubborn," she sighed, sounding quite embarassed and saddened.
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Post by COREY::YourMyOnlyRealMistake on Jul 26, 2008 13:37:31 GMT -5
Corey heard a thud and looked over his shoulder. Shitting hell. Corey snarled under his breath, turning Azrael tightly on the right rein. Skidding to a halt infront of her, Corey dismounted. Are you ok? That looked nasty. Corey asked, his words laced with concern. Im sorry, that was my fault i shouldnt of gone ahead. And you are a good rider. I couldnt of sat that. Coreay admitted, rubbing the back of his head. Placing a hand on her arm she gave her a gentle squeeze, not really wanting to let go. But he did. Corey patted Sota's rump gently. Silly boy. he smiled. [/center] |
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