RAENE

It had been a journey of self-discovery; one that had cleared the mind of the wanderer and freed her thoughts, as cliché as that may sound. The weeks spent alone, traversing the land known as Sparkling Creek Valley had been lonely - that much she would admit - but also enlightening as to what she truly wanted from life.

The Haflinger mare was in the prime of health: her chocolate brown coat shimmered, contrasting nicely with her flaxen mane and tail, her powerful muscles emphasising the elegance and strength she possessed, her dark eyes bright with intellect and aspirations that most females would never dream. Most mares would simply live out their days doing as they were told by stallions, producing offspring, being good little mothers, before dying and being forgotten in the circle of life. This would not be true for Raene; of this she was sure.

Instead, she would be one of the few who dared to fight for what she believed in, and stand strong in the face of opposition. She would be diplomatic to her enemies, caring to her friends, and loyal to her superiors. She would make her own decisions and co-exist with others in a goal to prove herself and make something of her life. She was swift and agile, and although she did not posses the size many other equines did, she was a mix of muscle and mentality, which was a winning hand in her book. She didn't pay much attention to what others thought of her. She believed in the old human saying "survival of the fittest", and she was damn well going to fight for her survival, there would be no question about that. Though she was small in stature, Raene was very powerful for her size, with robust muscles and strong legs. Her mind was sharp as a tack, and she knew how to keep her emotions in check.

So, when she found the borders of Lost Valley, she couldn't help but get an adrenaline rush; the home of the growing Legion, who's name had begun to circulate around the valley. On her travels she had heard the stories of the dual leaders, of wolvern and equine species, and their ambitious plans, and didn't hide the fact she was ready to wade into the thick of it and show her potential. If she was going to do this, she was going to do it right, and that meant trying to get along with the others, and if that failed, beat them to a pulp. Okay, so maybe that wouldn't happen, because as much as she hated to admit it, she was small. She didn't doubt her combat ability; she just knew that if she was to face off with a seventeen hand beast of a creature, there was no way she could take them down alone. Then again, that was the point of living with a pack or herd. They had your back, just like you had theirs.

Raene snorted, torn between two possible ways of actively seeking acceptance. She could call from the borders like a good dog, and wait for someone to respond, or she could actively go and find one of the leaders to ask them. She chose the latter. Striding across the border with an air of confidence, Raene began to search for one of the leads, her hooves thudding dully on the earth. It took her a good fifteen minutes to make it to the centre of Lost Valley at a quick pace, and as she got closer, the scent of others got stronger. Bingo. She slowed down, sliding graciously to a halt. Breathe in, and out, and go.

Raene, with all the confidence she could portray without seeming arrogant, lifted her head to the heavens and called out to anyone with authority. It was a call asking for someone to come to her, not a summons. She knew her place in a hierarchy; she wasn't stupid enough to come in acting like she owned the place. They would find her standing like a statue, with her creamy mane and tail gently waving in the breeze, but her mahogany body completely still. She was picture of serenity and composure, with her small ears perked forward and head lifted boldly.

RAENE x mare x six x haflinger x no home x no love x no children x no friends