Sleepy Fox Hollow [M] The Ballad of Lonely Bear

the call pierced the meadow—shrill, sharp, unmistakable.

colosseum lifted his head at once. ears pricked. muscles tensed beneath his thick hide, the sun glinting off the dark sheen of his flank. breath puffed out in a huff as his eyes cut toward the voice that summoned him.

he moved without hesitation. a slow, commanding gait that turned to a trot, then to a thunderous lope across the glade. ferns parted beneath the weight of his hooves. earth trembled faintly in his wake.

he came to a halt with a snort, heavy and resonant. nostrils flared. his dark tail flicked as he surveyed her, the pacing, the need etched in the curve of her back and the set of her jaw.

he stepped close.

no words—none needed.

he lowered his massive head, nudging her shoulder with a gentle but firm touch. a breath huffed into her mane. then another nudge.

he moved, nose raking along her abdomen, her hip bone. my mare. 

his stance hardened, then. muscles rippling, tail lashing. he showed her the girth of his neck, look at how i provide!, all the whilst he kept a close look beyond the borders.