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Description
Anna had been welcomed to Firelight with open arms; Aithne and the others had been nothing but helpful, and quite understanding of her situation. For the past couple of days, she had been settling into life here at the stable which would be her home for the next few weeks. Bomb and Cruse had needed to rest a little after the long trip, so she had just hand-walked them a bit, but perhaps later today she would ride the stallions; they needed the training if they were going to be in shape for the Summer Dressage Show. Aithne seemed to be an expert coach, and Anna was looking forward to seeing what someone else's knowledge and experience could do for her. Bee was due to pop any day, and it was nice to see the mare again; she had been away from Falken Stud for quite a while now, but gleaming with good health.

While moving about the property, she had noticed the vast collection of striped and horned horses that resided here. Aithne had explained to her about the unusual breed's mystical biology and abilities, and though at first she found them a bit unnatural and freaky, Anna's initial wariness was turning into fascination. There were a couple she preferred to steer clear of- it was as if they could see straight through her soul, and it creeped her out- but then there were others...

She couldn't help it. She was drawn to one fenceline in particular, though she couldn't quite explain why. Up until now, she hadn't ventured too close, but... why not? Anna glanced around the barn, but she had nothing to do at the moment, and no excuse to busy herself with other things. Biting her lip, she limped towards the weathered brown fence, leaning her elbows against it. Across the field were the two horses, only partly visible through the patch of trees that grew in the far end. Despite the cover of the little copse, she was certain that it was just the two of them; they were the only ones she had ever glimpsed in her sneaky peek while walking past. They were fed and watered, but no one seemed to ride them on a regular basis, and she didn't recognize them from her tour of the stables and introduction to its horses.

This was a bit stupid, really. Anna took a step back, figuring it was time to leave. But then, the pale figures in the trees shifted a little, and one suddenly stepped out of the shadows. Hesitating, Anna remained near the fence, and it soon became clear that both horses were making their way towards her at a lumbering walk. Definitely spirit horses; junithers, if she remembered Aithne's descriptions correctly. They were big drafty creatures with antlers, like Cracka Jack, though this pair were on the other end of the spectrum in terms of coloration. Though their pace was slow and measured, it was clear that they were moving towards her, so she waited quietly until they were right up against the fence.

They were a mare and stallion; Anna thought it a bit odd that they were pastured together, but what did she know? It was probably a spirit horse thing. The stallion was a majestic creature, snowy white with branching antlers, but he seemed a little reserved. The mare was of a color which Anna couldn't quite name; she would have to ask Aithne later if they knew what genes had mixed to create the pale mushroom sort of hue. Her antlers were smaller, less complex, but not without their own elegance. Anna was reminded of a pronghorn; Gabriel had seen many of those while he lived in the States, and shown her pictures. A few butterflies fluttered near her, as if attracted to her coat. Her striking green eyes were bright with curiosity and intelligence, and it was obvious that neither horse had any aggressive intentions.

The mare extended her head across the fence, and Anna reached her hand out, carefully stroking her muzzle. It was soft as any regular horse, broad and steady. Warm air blew against her palm as the mare exhaled contentedly, and Anna moved her hand higher, petting along her jawline and cheek as her initial caution melted away. There was something special about this mare; Anna knew exactly where she wanted to be petted, though she couldn't explain how, and she felt extraordinarily relaxed in her presence.

The vivid green markings along the mare's coat were vibrant in the morning sun, almost seeming to glow; she was stunningly beautiful. Anna was so absorbed in the mare's company that it took her a moment to realize something was off; it took another moment to understand what it was that was different. The throbbing pain in her leg had reduced to a barely noticeable ache, and she could stand with even weight on both feet. Glancing up, she could have sworn that the mare had a knowing look in her eye; heh, maybe all this spirit horse mumbojumbo was making her go nuts. And yet... somehow she didn't think so.

The stallion seemed reassured by the mare's confidence, and moved a little closer, reaching his own muzzle out tentatively. Anna's eyes traced over his mighty antlers, down to the emerald tendrils around his legs and the green flecks which streaked into his feathers. Hm; there were flowers in the grass, which she was sure hadn't been there before. She bent down, picking one of the blossoms and holding it up to the light, as the two horses watched her almost with amusement. Hepatica; she would recognize those delicate blue petals anywhere. But she didn't know whether they grew here, and even if they did, they were definitely out of season this late in the year. She glanced up at the white stallion, who snorted softly. More spirit horse magic? It was weird, definitely very weird. But... nice. "Thanks for the gift," she whispered, touching the stallion's muzzle gently.

Glancing over her shoulder, she realized it was time to get Cruse tacked up; moreover, she was looking forward to it, now that the pain in her hip had subsided a bit. "And thank you," she said, looking towards the mare again. "Don't worry- I'll come back soon!" she added, turning and moving swiftly towards the barn. She had to ask Aithne about them- especially about the mare. She wanted, no, needed to know about them, and to spend more time with them. Please let me ride them, she prayed silently. Glancing back over her shoulder as she walked, she caught a last glimpse of the white stallion and the enchanting mare before she entered the barn, and she knew then that she wouldn't be able to leave Firelight if she couldn't bring the mare with her.

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So at last, Anna meets Aramathya and Wynterfell. These two have a pretty special story, and I've been dying to draw them. Don't worry, they'll be coming home with her after SDS- but first, she's got to ride them in the show Ara's bonded to Anna, and Wynter's got a very tight bond with Ara so we can't leave him behind either.

I love them. I really do. I have so many art ideas for them that my head is exploding. But I also want their art to be really pretty, so they'll be a bit slow in the making. But I hope you guys like seeing them, because oh boy will you be seeing them....

Aramathya designed by mapal , as is the spirit horse breed. Wynterfell designed by amour-interdit .
Reference: reading the breed standard here www.clydesdalehorse.com.au/sta… (they're both clydesdale-built)

Extra image for SDS as well.
Aramathya and Wynterfell are both competing in the Spirit Horse dressage (class 10), representing Falken Stud, along with Anna Nordstrand who is staff there.

Description
Anna had been welcomed to Firelight with open arms; Aithne and the others had been nothing but helpful, and quite understanding of her situation. For the past couple of days, she had been settling into life here at the stable which would be her home for the next few weeks. Bomb and Cruse had needed to rest a little after the long trip, so she had just hand-walked them a bit, but perhaps later today she would ride the stallions; they needed the training if they were going to be in shape for the Summer Dressage Show. Aithne seemed to be an expert coach, and Anna was looking forward to seeing what someone else's knowledge and experience could do for her. Bee was due to pop any day, and it was nice to see the mare again; she had been away from Falken Stud for quite a while now, but gleaming with good health.

While moving about the property, she had noticed the vast collection of striped and horned horses that resided here. Aithne had explained to her about the unusual breed's mystical biology and abilities, and though at first she found them a bit unnatural and freaky, Anna's initial wariness was turning into fascination. There were a couple she preferred to steer clear of- it was as if they could see straight through her soul, and it creeped her out- but then there were others...

She couldn't help it. She was drawn to one fenceline in particular, though she couldn't quite explain why. Up until now, she hadn't ventured too close, but... why not? Anna glanced around the barn, but she had nothing to do at the moment, and no excuse to busy herself with other things. Biting her lip, she limped towards the weathered brown fence, leaning her elbows against it. Across the field were the two horses, only partly visible through the patch of trees that grew in the far end. Despite the cover of the little copse, she was certain that it was just the two of them; they were the only ones she had ever glimpsed in her sneaky peek while walking past. They were fed and watered, but no one seemed to ride them on a regular basis, and she didn't recognize them from her tour of the stables and introduction to its horses.

This was a bit stupid, really. Anna took a step back, figuring it was time to leave. But then, the pale figures in the trees shifted a little, and one suddenly stepped out of the shadows. Hesitating, Anna remained near the fence, and it soon became clear that both horses were making their way towards her at a lumbering walk. Definitely spirit horses; junithers, if she remembered Aithne's descriptions correctly. They were big drafty creatures with antlers, like Cracka Jack, though this pair were on the other end of the spectrum in terms of coloration. Though their pace was slow and measured, it was clear that they were moving towards her, so she waited quietly until they were right up against the fence.

They were a mare and stallion; Anna thought it a bit odd that they were pastured together, but what did she know? It was probably a spirit horse thing. The stallion was a majestic creature, snowy white with branching antlers, but he seemed a little reserved. The mare was of a color which Anna couldn't quite name; she would have to ask Aithne later if they knew what genes had mixed to create the pale mushroom sort of hue. Her antlers were smaller, less complex, but not without their own elegance. Anna was reminded of a pronghorn; Gabriel had seen many of those while he lived in the States, and shown her pictures. A few butterflies fluttered near her, as if attracted to her coat. Her striking green eyes were bright with curiosity and intelligence, and it was obvious that neither horse had any aggressive intentions.

The mare extended her head across the fence, and Anna reached her hand out, carefully stroking her muzzle. It was soft as any regular horse, broad and steady. Warm air blew against her palm as the mare exhaled contentedly, and Anna moved her hand higher, petting along her jawline and cheek as her initial caution melted away. There was something special about this mare; Anna knew exactly where she wanted to be petted, though she couldn't explain how, and she felt extraordinarily relaxed in her presence.

The vivid green markings along the mare's coat were vibrant in the morning sun, almost seeming to glow; she was stunningly beautiful. Anna was so absorbed in the mare's company that it took her a moment to realize something was off; it took another moment to understand what it was that was different. The throbbing pain in her leg had reduced to a barely noticeable ache, and she could stand with even weight on both feet. Glancing up, she could have sworn that the mare had a knowing look in her eye; heh, maybe all this spirit horse mumbojumbo was making her go nuts. And yet... somehow she didn't think so.

The stallion seemed reassured by the mare's confidence, and moved a little closer, reaching his own muzzle out tentatively. Anna's eyes traced over his mighty antlers, down to the emerald tendrils around his legs and the green flecks which streaked into his feathers. Hm; there were flowers in the grass, which she was sure hadn't been there before. She bent down, picking one of the blossoms and holding it up to the light, as the two horses watched her almost with amusement. Hepatica; she would recognize those delicate blue petals anywhere. But she didn't know whether they grew here, and even if they did, they were definitely out of season this late in the year. She glanced up at the white stallion, who snorted softly. More spirit horse magic? It was weird, definitely very weird. But... nice. "Thanks for the gift," she whispered, touching the stallion's muzzle gently.

Glancing over her shoulder, she realized it was time to get Cruse tacked up; moreover, she was looking forward to it, now that the pain in her hip had subsided a bit. "And thank you," she said, looking towards the mare again. "Don't worry- I'll come back soon!" she added, turning and moving swiftly towards the barn. She had to ask Aithne about them- especially about the mare. She wanted, no, needed to know about them, and to spend more time with them. Please let me ride them, she prayed silently. Glancing back over her shoulder as she walked, she caught a last glimpse of the white stallion and the enchanting mare before she entered the barn, and she knew then that she wouldn't be able to leave Firelight if she couldn't bring the mare with her.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So at last, Anna meets Aramathya and Wynterfell. These two have a pretty special story, and I've been dying to draw them. Don't worry, they'll be coming home with her after SDS- but first, she's got to ride them in the show Ara's bonded to Anna, and Wynter's got a very tight bond with Ara so we can't leave him behind either.

I love them. I really do. I have so many art ideas for them that my head is exploding. But I also want their art to be really pretty, so they'll be a bit slow in the making. But I hope you guys like seeing them, because oh boy will you be seeing them....

Aramathya designed by mapal , as is the spirit horse breed. Wynterfell designed by amour-interdit .
Reference: reading the breed standard here www.clydesdalehorse.com.au/sta… (they're both clydesdale-built)

Extra image for SDS as well.
Aramathya and Wynterfell are both competing in the Spirit Horse dressage (class 10), representing Falken Stud, along with Anna Nordstrand who is staff there.