Odin

A truck pulled into the Unknown Corral with a large silver horse trailer in tow. It was dark inside the trailer so one couldn't really see the inhabitant inside, save for a soft blackened nose that would occasionally poke itself out a window. The brakes of the truck lightly squealed to a halt to allow the driver to hop out. The human walked back to the trailer and lowered the ramp before he peered in. A snort was promptly issued. He walked inside and began to back the creature out into the bare sunlight and chilly air, careful not to step on any stray ice patches. The striking form of a beautiful horse appeared.

The stallion was marked with numerous brown spots of varying sizes and degrees. His eyes, very dark and very lively gazed about him with evident interest. His black halter was embroidered with a silver ODIN, his name. His tail was done up into a wrap to prevent the hairs from becoming splayed or falling out while his mane was trimmed short and allowed to lay along his neck. The handler gave the stallion a firm pat on the shoulder before leading him to a medium sized paddock full of snow. Poking from beneath the snow was lush grass.

Odin was lead to the gate and allowed loose inside the enclosure to do as he pleased. He picked his legs up high and pranced about, here and there, trotting in circles, stretching his muscles after the long ride. Finally he settled down and, noticing the grass lowered his spotted head and pushed his dark muzzle through the cold snow so he could eat it. Meanwhile the handler was slowly putting up a sign-- it seemed obvious that he was unsure of the decision to sell this horse. However, it was the owner's own reluctant wish. On the sign his name, breed and price was displayed. Now it was only a matter of time.

Esme Cullen & Storm

Esme Cullen walked her horse Storm towards the paddock next to another horse's. Esme was in her fitting jeans and her cowboy boots with her jeans tucked in and he fitting t-shirt with her cowboy hat. She opened the gate to let Storm in, who was gray mare mustang. She looked at the other horse in the paddock next to Storm. She walked over looking at the sign. She had more then enough money. Especially since she owned two horses. She called Odin over and looked at his owner. ''Ill buy him from you.'' she said. She wanted another horse. Her two horses were good. But three would win her more prizes and money for the feed she needed for them. She looked at Storm who was now leaning over the fence trying to get a good look at the new horse. Storm nickered and neighed going to the gate. Esme opened the gate and took hold of her halter. She went over to the other horse. ''Like I said, Ill buy him from you.'' she said. She patted Storm and pulled her wallet out surprisingly she had fit all her money in it and gave him the amount for the horse. Storm was a barrel horse. Fire was a race horse. And now she would have a jumper.

Odin

The spotted stallion was nearly oblivious to Esme and Storm as they approached the paddock next to his own. He was too busy eating to pay them much mind. Food typically came first for Odin. He loved food, so much that it was interesting that he wasn't overweight. In actuality he was a nice healthy weight. He was in excellent condition.

One ear flickered in their direction as the girl let the mare into the paddock. He didn't seem to show much interest until then. He lifted his head up as he finished a mouthful of grass, turning his neck about to casually gaze in their direction. His eyes simply lingered on the woman when he heard her call. He swallowed the last of his grass and flicked his long tail, although it clumsily flung about his rump because it was still confined in the wrap.

The man who brought him here looked at her. He wasn't Odin's owner, much to his own disappointment. He mostly helped to take care of the horses and exercise them. Odin happened to be one of those he looked after. "Well, he's all yours then." he stated, taking the money. He simply looked at the stallion once more before turning and starting back to his truck.

Odin, meanwhile, had gone back to eating after watching the two humans. He didn't have any idea that he was being left here--that this unknown woman was now his new owner.

Esme Cullen & Storm & Fire

Esme tied Storm up after the guy left and jumped over the gate. Knowing Storm would try to follow if she opened the gate. She walked over to him, cautious. She started whispering to him, ''Hey, Odin.'' she whispered. She grabed some feed and shook the bucket. She stayed where she was as she looked at him. Storm neighed and reared up, trying to get free of the tied halter and lead rope. She gave up and just stood there watching. Esme walked forward til she was up next to him. She held out the feed as she raised her hand to pet his neck. Thats when her other horse Fire started neighing high pitched. She ignored both of them. Waiting to see what Odin would do.

Odin

Odin had since gone back to grazing but lifted his head again as he watched the old familiar truck drive off. His ears flickered. He didn't seem to even care that he was being left here, not at all deserted. He was to begin a new life with a new owner.

He now turned to face the girl as she jumped over the gate into his paddock. She was holding a bucket which he could only assume contained feed. He sure loved his feed. His nostrils flared to take in the lovely scent. He began taking long strides toward her and then reached out with his long neck. He attempted to shamelessly stick his face into the bucket. Meanwhile, she was petting his neck as the squeals of other horses rang in the air. He paid them next to no attention, besides the swivel of an ear.

He tried to finish off every last grain of the food as he chewed it noisily. His dark eyes were then turned upward to stare at her face. That was when he pushed his head into her shoulder. More would be nice.

Esme Cullen & Storm

She smiled. She took the bucket and set it down. She walked over to the back of the paddock jumping the gate she grabbed a lead rope and then jumped back over with the lead rope, she hooked it to his halter. She led him out the paddock and around Storm, who tried getting Esme's attention. She patted her as she went by and then took Odin to the tack room, with the bucket. She filled the bucket with feed and set it for him where he could reach it.

Odin

Odin snorted once he found he wouldn't be getting anymore food. He figured she would come to know him and his passion for food in time. At the moment, she seemed to have another plan. He watched as she walked off and brought back with a lead rope and proceeded to hook it to his halter. He followed her out dutifully with long exaggerated strides. He just bounced happily along behind her, right past the mare. He tried to reach out for a moment to sniff Storm but had to continue following Esme. Soon enough they were surrounded by tack. His large eyes gazed about him curiously.

What was that? He could hear the sound of feed hitting bucket. He turned his head about and watched her set the bucket down within reach. He immediately stuck his muzzle in once more and began chowing down noisily. He would occasionally flick his wrapped tail.

Esme Cullen

Esme grabbed a brush and brushed through his mane. She headed to his tail and unwrapped it, brushing through it also. She started brushing the little hairs on his body. She watched as her male horse Fire padded by again and again. She got reins and lifted the feed bucket. She set it aside as it still had some in it. She took his halter off and proceeded to try and put the reins on. She wondered if he would take them so soon or if he wouldnt with her anyway. If he did she would hook it up and put the saddle on.

Odin

The spotted stallion still ate as Esme grabbed a brush and began to brush through his mane. Then he felt the bristles being combed through his tail which now fell freely behind him. He gave it a couple flicks with the numerous strands acting almost as a whip. He was almost finished with his food when she took the bucket away from him, just a ways out of reaching distance. He made an attempt to snag it once, twice, three times, but he couldn't get it.

Esme soon appeared with tack. He hadn't been exercised yet today so he was brimming with energy. It became apparent as he lifted a leg and stamped his hoof into the concrete floor. His muscles twinged beneath his now clean coat as he accepted the bit with no problem. He chewed on it restlessly. She then put his saddle on, causing him to sidestep a bit, yet remain motionless otherwise. He heaved a deep sigh as he turned his head about to stare at her. He may look indifferent but he was actually raring to go.

Esme Cullen

Esme smiled, she grabbed hold of the reins. Lifting one leg in the foot hold, she lifted herself up and swung her leg over. She breathed a sigh, it had been long since she had been on a horse. Since the three of them, Storm, Fire and her, had just got there about a few days ago ans she was still settling in. She made a clicking sound and squeezed his sides a little, not to hard though, but enough to make him go. She led him out into the pasture reaching down to open the gate and then closing it behind them. She pushed him into a run, she was glad earlier she had put up some jumps. She let him run as fast as he wanted but kept on the saddle. She led him to a jump to see what he would do.

Odin

Odin stood patiently while Esme swung her leg over the saddle. He knew the drill, even thought his muscles practically begged him to get moving. He lifted his head abruptly when he felt pressure on the reins, chewing and playing away with the metal bit in his mouth. He felt the gentle squeeze of her heels against his sides, causing him to start forward with what may have seemed like a small hop. He was full of pep today as he immediately started into a trot, trying to stretch his legs out on the way to the pasture. He kept his head lifted high as his ears swiveled. It was as if he recently noticed he was in a totally new place. Then he felt that she wanted him to run, which he did so without a problem. He welcomed it, actually. He gave his tail a flick before he started off. A jump was soon in his view. Excitement was building as he suddenly charged even faster, headed straight for it. At the last moment he shoved off the ground, sailing over it easily. A hind hoof slightly knocked the top bar. He landed rather roughly and gave his tail another flick once he landed, as though he had performed an amazing feat. Then he began to make his way full speed ahead.

Esme Cullen

Esme let her hair go back as they sailed off. She slightly lifted herself up off the saddle, her feet still in the foothold as Odin jumped. She felt a rush of excitement, the same she could tell that was coming strongly off him. She noticed he had hit the top bar with his back hoof. She patted his neck. ''Its ok boy, you can do it next time.'' she said. She saw another jump come into view. She had forgotten all where she had put the jumps. This one was slightly higher then the other. She whispered encouragement to him while they neared. She waited for the jump and for them to land again.

Odin

Odin's own mane and tail blew back into the wind as they galloped along, his ears still twisting this way and that with each sound he heard. He could hear the air rushing past him, the gentle pounding of his hooves as they beat the earth, and even Esme as she shifted in the saddle. He saw another jump quickly head in their direction. His muscles bunched and then shoved him off the ground, allowing him to sail right over. He had more precision this time, successfully missing the top rail with an inch to spare. He landed softly on the opposite side and then gave his head a toss with an enthusiastic neigh. He didn't understand why he had to jump these poles but he found it fun, and it was a good way to let him release his energy. He especially had a lot of energy from being cooped up in that trailer. He gave a couple small excited bucks before starting off once again, eyes searching for yet another jump.

Esme Cullen & Storm

Esme smiled at the landing. She patted his neck and then led him over to the gate. She tied him next to it while she got off and went to let Storm in the pasture. After she got in the pasture and untied Odin and mounted. She led him into a gallop towards the first jump. She noticed Storm had gone off towards the barrels next to the jumps. She watched as she did the barrels herself. She stared in amazement. As the first jump came she readied herself. Storm raced along side them. Alongside the jumps that is.

Odin

Odin didn't want to stop. He wanted to keep on going, to clear each and every one of those jumps. His heart pumped wildly even as he was lead over to the gate. Where were they going? He wasn't finished yet! He issued a long snort which rattled his nostrils as she tied him. He occasionally fought with the tie, pulling at it every once in a while to see if it would give. It wouldn't. He settled down and restlessly stamped his hoof into the ground, accepting defeat. His eyes followed Esme as she let the unknown horse into the pasture. Esme then mounted again and allowed him to gallop to the first jump. Once again he felt the adrenaline push him onward, his eyes wide, legs shoving off the ground at seemingly the last second. He narrowly cleared this one, but still managed a graceful landing. He tossed his head again, just then realizing that Storm was racing alongside them. He glanced over at the other horse and ran faster, forcing himself to stretch his legs even further.

Esme Cullen & Storm

Esme looked at Storm and pulled back on the reins as Storm turned in front of them. Storm! What in the hell are you doing!!! She yelled at the mare. The mare didnt quite understand her but she knew that she was in trouble. She snorted while Esme unmounted off of Odin going over to Storm she told her away and that was it. Storm ran in the middle of the pasture and grazed for a while before becoming bored. She just trotted around and ate grass for a while. Esme mounted again and pushed Odin back into a gallop. Coming along another jump. She braced herself for the oncoming jump.

Odin

Odin kept up his gallop. Full speed ahead! Suddenly he felt the pressure of the reins as Esme pulled them back, causing him to toss his head and come skidding to a halt just as the mare turned in front of them. He gave a long snort. His irritation was obvious as he sidestepped, ears flicking briefly back into his mane. He watched as Esme cleared the way and then the mare headed out into the pasture. He stared hard at her. Her impression upon him was not a very kind one.

Finally he felt his owner on his back and was pushed into another gallop, which he took up eagerly-- maybe a little too eagerly. He charged down the pasture towards the next jump. His legs reached out far beneath his large frame despite the tiredness he could feel building in his muscles. There it was, the jump! It was right ahead of him... Suddenly, within three feet of the structure, he was having second thoughts as he dug his hooves into the ground. He threw his head down, narrowly missing knocking his face off one of the poles. The force could be enough to throw Esme right over his head if she wasn't paying attention. Now his legs were firmly on the ground as he stood there in front of the jump. Well, that hadn't gone over well.

Esme Cullen & Storm

Esme felt the wind in her hair and face. But suddenly her whole day and the past months flashed before her as she was thrown off. She landed on her leg and fought the urge to scream in pain. She got up and started limping over to Odin when a high pitched neigh stopped her. Storm. Running full speed towards Odin. Esme closed her eyes ready for Storm to run into him but she stopped right in front of him. She snorted angrily. She knew his tiredness because she had experienced it every time they were at a show but Storm never stopped because she knew what Esme could do. Apparently Odin had just seen the nice side of Esme. But if he ever got her angry she would come down crashing on him. Storm stood there looking angry for a minute but threw her head to the side her forelock coming down in her face. She helped Esme to the gate. Esme stopped and whistled for Odin. She led him to the tack room and took his tack off and then brushed through all of his hair.

Odin

Odin stepped aside as Esme landed on the ground, apparently right on her leg. He stood there nonchalantly, that is until Storm came running up to them. She got in his face and it angered him in return. He flashed his teeth and tossed his head in response to her snort, obviously not pleased. It hadn't been his fault she couldn't keep in her seat.

He stood there and simply watched as Storm helped Esme back to the gate. He gave a deep sigh. This certainly was nothing like his old home. It was just now hitting him that he was no longer to see his old handler. Suddenly he heard the sharp sound of a whistle in his ear and perked up in the direction it came from. It was Esme. Reluctant to act, he paused for a couple seconds before starting toward her at a slow walk.

The stallion's breathing was finally evening out as he cooled down on the way to the tack room. He gave another sigh, this time of relief, as he felt the weight of the saddle being lifted from his back. He let her take the bridle off with no problem, and then she began brushing him. He relished in the feeling of the bristles as they raked the dust from his spotted coat. He was so tired now and couldn't wait till he got time to himself. He needed to recuperate from this hectic day.

Esme Cullen & Storm & Fire

Once Esme was finished brushing through his coat and mane and tail she let him in the paddock and put some feed out for him. She wasnt mad at him, or even sad. She was actually happy. Odin had thrown her off but she hadnt hurt herself to badly. She wasnt even heavily limping she was only limping slightly. She put Storm and Fire on the opposite sides in their own paddocks. She walked inside the room and got a water opening it she started to drink it. She watched the horses as Fire didnt take any notice to Odin or storm and just did his thing in the paddock. Storm on the other hand kept glancing at Odin as she ate and trotted around.

Odin

Odin stood there quietly as Esme brushed through his coat. He would occasionally snort when he would breathe in the bits of dust as they became airborne. Most of the dirt was probably from the ride into the Valley, which had apparently kicked up quite the mess. That and he simply hadn't been brushed in a while. Now his coat was back to being spotless-- or as spotless as it could be.

The Knabstrupper walked along with her to the paddock and quickly trotted inside when he was released. He didn't go for the feed right away. Instead he merely nipped a few blades of grass before starting on the feed. He hungrily ate it all the way to the last mouthful before looking at the two mares in the other paddocks. The mare however, kept glancing at him, which he noticed almost immediately. His ears perked before he gave a loud neigh in her direction. He figured she wasn't thinking too highly of him now, especially since neither seemed to make a good first impression on the other.

Esme Cullen & Storm & Fire

Esme watched as she dialed her cousin and talked. Storm snorted and calmed down lowering her head and stomping her foot accepting she was lower than him. If they were to please Esme, which was her only priority, then she would accept she was lower then both the stallions. Fire gave a high pitched neigh in Storm's direction as if to say, 'Stop acting like a fool!' and storm got the message by doing what she did. Fire, the stallion, was younger then Odin, Fire was just a gelding but was still a fast race horse. Storm being older then Fire and younger then Odin, she was a barrel racing horse. Esme watched closely.

Odin

Odin watched and listened in the direction of Storm with his ears pricked attentively. He found himself feeling suddenly alone in this big old pasture. She didn't seem to have anything to reply to him with, so he absentmindedly pushed it. He picked up a brisk trot in her direction and stopped by the fence, still looking at her. His attention was drawn to the gelding, Fire causing him to startle only a bit. He had forgotten the other was even there! He then turned back to Storm and bobbed his head. "Hello?" he seemed to ask, flicking his tail behind him. If he was to live here in this place with his new owner, he needed to at least try and make friends with his fellow equines. Life would be terribly mundane if he didn't.

Esme Cullen & Others

Esme found herself going inside to sit and think for a bit and listen to their neighs and nickers at each other. Storm backed up a little as he took off towards her in a brisk trot. She was looking strait at him and didnt break the gaze. ''Hi'' She seemed to say. She flicked her tail and tossed her head up sniffing the air. She snorted. Looking to the truck that was coming down the path towards the place with a trailer behind. Storm knew what this meant. Either they were getting moved or they were finally going to the races this year! Esme came out and looked at the truck. Squealing she hoped over the fence in Odin's paddock and then the other. Going to the truck when a man stepped out. ''Im here to get your horses and you to take you to the races.'' He said. Esme looked at him and then her horses. ''Ok, Umm....I want to start with putting the gelding on the end in first.'' She said going to the fence and getting a lead rope hooking it to Fire, the man took him and put him in the trailer. Next I want Odin, the stallion in the middle.'' She said, attempting to put the lead rope on Odin and then the man attempted to put him in the trailer. Then I want my girl Storm. She said putting the lead rope on her and handing her to the man as he loaded her up and then Esme got in the truck and he did after shutting it he got in and drove towards the races.

Odin

Odin looked at the mare before him, curious. It was evident in his dark brown eyes. There was no telling how much talk he could get out of her, though, as she didn't seem to be a mare of many words so far. "Nice me--" he began but was cut off by the sound of an engine growing near. His ears swiveled and his head turned to watch it. He thought it was someone else, but apparently that wasn't the case. He looked at Esme and watched as she gave a squeal and hopped between pastures. This was odd.

Seemingly forgetting Storm, he watched silently the other horse was lead into the trailer. Then he heard his own name and saw them as Esme clipped on his lead and then handed him off to this unknown man. Lifting his head high he followed suit, up into the trailer to stand by Fire. Finally Storm was inside as well.

Odin breathed a raspy snort. He'd never been in a trailer with other horses before and it was sort of unnerving. He looked about, shuffling his hooves and possibly bumping into the other two equines in the process. Now he could feel the bumps into the road and the world outside flashing by gradually quicker. They were moving now, but to where he had no idea. "Where are we going?" he asked, swinging his face around.

Esme Cullen & Storm & Fire

Fire snorted and looked towards Odin and Storm. Fire wasnt one of many words. Storm looked at Odin. ''Calm down, we'er going to the shows. We go every year, Esme competes in different races. Since your a jumper she will compete in the jumping this year along with the races and barrel races. It wont hurt you, but you have to stay calm when we get there. There is a lot of two-leggers that will be there. Just concentrate on what your doing, and we will all be fine. There is also a lot of horses competing against us. We are doing our best to win, putting all our effort into our legs to win, Fire came in first in the races last year. I came in second of the barrel races. Maybe you will get first in jumping.'' She paused and looked out the front of them. ''Odin, trust me, and trust all of us. You will come out the best. They dont just call me Storm because I was born in a storm but its another reason that youll find out when I barrel race. Just stay calm and do what Esme orders.'' She said. Fire nodded, ''As long as you stay in line and know your place, you'll be fine. We always are....'' Storm looked like she was daydreaming. ''Except for Lily, she beat me last year she was like a sister to me. She always was there when I lost even when she came last. But shes gotten better and we are no longer friends. Thats not what the shows are for. They are for two-leggers personal amusement.'' Fire snorted out of anger. ''Lily was never your friend and she was never there for you! She gave birth to my foal. My love for her vanished when she became a snooty mare!!!'' He snorted out of anger. Storm flinched back. Then stayed quiet. As the land in front of them rolled by.

Odin

Odin stared ahead out one of the side windows at the countryside as it passed by. He listened to the words of his fellow equines, the ones he was travelling with, and nodded every once in a while to signal that he was indeed paying attention. He knew the arena, or at least he liked to think he did. In actuality he was a total newbie. He never came in first in the few shows he'd competed in before, but he was still learning the ropes of the jumping arena. "I shall do my best." he simply stated, bobbing his fine head. He hadn't known Esme for long yet he did like her. For her he would certainly try.

Blinking lightly, feeling tiredness overwhelm him, he was suddenly jerked awake by the scuffling of the two that stood on either side of him. With their words now ringing in his head, he lowered it to the floor below and tried to catch some much needed rest before they arrived at their destination.

Esme Cullen & Others

They were soon pulling into the stables there. Storm lifted her head and looked around. Bobbing her head up and down as people passed. Storm's mind suddenly started racing. Lily. Her foal. Fire with Lily. Odin. All that had happened recently. She was snapped out of it as she was pulled out of the trailer. Storm suddenly spotted where she would be racing the others. Storm looked back to where the man had put a lead rope on his halter. He attempted to lead him out. Then putting a lead rope on Fire's halter. Fire in the front, Odin in the middle, Storm in the back. Storm was walking when she saw Lily out of the corner of her eye.

''Keep walking, do NOT pay any attention to any of the other horses. Especially the mare coming up now!'' She neighed. Lily was making her way with her owner fast. ''Well, well, look who it is. Its Storm and her little boys.'' Lily snickered. Storm held back but that had done it. She snapped. ''Lily back off!! This is not your competition!! Its mine this year. And Fire's and and the boys you were talking about will stick up for me so back off Lily!!'' Storm snapped at her and kicked her back hooves up.

After Lily was gone Storm kept walking til they lead them into a paddock fit four five horses but only three were going in. Fire, Odin, and Storm. For some reason Storm kept towards the side in the front. She kept her head down as she hid her eyes from anyone else.