The Ring of Unity

[Dusty's Girl]

Knight and Brave stood, watching the others go, it was good to see Angel and Raging have fun, but they would miss always seeing the foals and their family every day. "Alright, let's go before anything happens." Brave said as he could no longer see Angel and Dream. Brave could tell that Knight was having problems, but as soon as Andy started off behind Brave with Champion. Knight turned and started to take his place beside Brave and the four stallions head off to where their new lead stallion wanted them. Looking over at Brave, Knight could easily tell that Brave was going to have problems, but he would do what they needed to keep Dream and his own daughter safe from other stallions.

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

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Leo's Scar
S

car sauntered into the ring, small waves crashing onto the shore, the rock sides so tall Scar couldn't see over them; the sweet tang of salty air festering in his nostrils. A grin pulled at his cheeks, Scar spotting the brutes right away, the four stand in a mixed jumble. "Alright men, straight line!" Scar stood before them, waiting for them to compose themselves in the manner he'd asked for. He stepped out before them, waiting up and down the line, circling the group, "You all look like a bunch of stallions that could possibly make themselves useful, but to be useful to me you must first listen to what I tell you. Second you must train hard, as you will be helping me protect this land and my herd. Third if any of you try to get out of line or fight me, I promise it sill not end well for you. Before coming here I killed all stallions that entered my land, but for you four I have made an exception. I want to train you, to strengthen you, to turn you into guards that can successfully protect this land and my mares. Understood?" The peep talk flowed through his maw, he was bred to lead and was wonderful at it. He had begun slowly, elevating his tone as the speech grow toward the end, ending with a question; making sure they were all clear as to why they were here. "Now the rules, you don't return to the herd unless I say so, I will bellow for you when that time comes, every couple weeks you will go out and attempt to bring mares in to me; fail at this and your workout for that day will be doubled. Your workout will consist of gallops down the sandbar and swims in the beach, climb these tall mountains at a trot, and of this must be done a few times a day. Make sure it happens, I'll come and watch you all most of the time, but there are days I can not be here. After your workouts you must scope out the terrain. I want you to learn every nook and cranny, as I have, and protect the land. No horses are allowed except mares and foals, there are predators that lurk through these parts; kill them. Any stallions come through we will fight to the death, and I will teach you all good fighting skills once you can keep up with me on the runs and swims. Do I make myself clear?" Scar stood before the line, looking at each stag about in the eye, head turning slowly down the line and back, meeting the gaze of each horse. Scar stood square, head high, lips taut, harks swiveling to listen behind him as he awaited any questions. "If you all understand I suggest we get to work."
Scar set out at a gallop, the shore stretching for miles before it curved to form the circle. The four beat gait thundered against the deep sand, the roar of multiple horses making the noise louder and stronger, Scar waited for one of the stallions to pass him. Even in the winter, the warmth of the day would have any horse sweating, but Scar was dry till they reached the water, pillars never hesitating as he ran into the agua. Rocks could be seen in the distant waters, one about a mile and a half out, the others at about 3 and 5 miles away, Scar swimming out and around the first marker, paddling back in quickly. Nostrils flared as he reached the sand, pushing himself into a gallop once his foot met the earth, twin towers fallen back; hooves caked with dirt as he aimed at the rock faces that formed the ring of Unity. Charcoal and ivory plates scrapped the rock's face, the brute slipping at first but expertly adjusting to the new surface and climbing his way up; running out about half a mile before turning a palm tree and dashing back down the face of the quarry. He continued to sprint till he came to where they had started, standing in wait for the others, barrel rising and falling in rhythm, nostrils barely flaring; heart only beating slightly faster than normal, the brute's breathing quickly getting that under control. He was in pristine condition, and he wanted all his warriors to be the same.
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[Dusty's Girl]

Each stallion watched the lead stallion and as they watched, Brave and Knight both stood ready. This stuff was some what fun for the two and they were always trying to out do the other one. "oh brother, you are not going to win." Knight said without looking at Brave. "Try again brother." As soon the the greater stallion lead off, both Knight and Brave took off, keeping themselves at a stead and even pace, never fully tiring. Andy and Champion were steadier than the two that were competing against each other. "Come on Knight." Brave said as he pulled ahead of the white stallion. As they hit the water, the two tried to keep up with each other, but it was Andy and Champion who passed them. In the swimming part, it was Andy and Champ that would do the best, since you could never get the two out of the water. Hitting the land and then the cliff area, Knight and Brave both getting the lead once more. The two acted as if they were colts again as they fought and raced each other, seeing who was better. Now this was where Brave had the better advantage over Knight, when they started back down the cliff, Brave could feel his body go faster as he could almost see his panicked herd he once led. It was the same way he had charged down to save them and even now, he knew how to slip and slid down at the ride moments, angling his body to keep from going down on his knees. Now that he was on even ground, Knight was beside him once more and the two dashed for where they started, with Champion and Andy bringing up the rear.
Each stallion came to a stop in front of the bigger, stronger stallion. Brave and Knight where breathing the hardest, but instead of head lowered or even semi lowered like Andy and Champ, Knight and Brave held theirs high and proudly.

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

Leo's Scar
T

he crimson stag watched as the stallions galloped toward him, two held their cranias proudly once their hooves halted their forward momentum, "State your names brutes." Scar looking at the four bulls, awaiting a response, though chances were he wouldn't remember their names anyway. He would be handing out judgements now, mostly bitter criticisms and a few praises, he knew that the approvals would keep them working hard for him. His gaze became stern as he looked upon the two brutes that hung their maws, "Man up you two. This is only the beginning." This would be the first of his blunt comments for the day, but they must learn now and grow stronger to defend the land. After the criticisms, they would be back to work, again on the run and for the swim, further for the swim this time; and maybe a snake pattern along the rocks. Scar's mind strategically planning their next route while waiting for their answers.
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[Dusty's Girl]

Brave and Knight looked at each other and knew what they were going to do. "Brave Angel." "White Knight." they both said. Flicking his ear back, Brave listened as Andy come to stand more next to him and his twin, "I am Andy, twin to Knight." he said. Andy would have to learn more from Knight on how to be tougher and stronger, but still keep that other side of him. Champion had soon come up beside Andy and stated. "I am Champion." Brave and Knight looked over at each other yet again and decided that they would help the other two, since this was one of those herds that wanted strong outer circle stallions, ones to watch what the lead stallion couldn't. They could see that Andy and Champion could use more help; which the two would happily help them, since neither stallion wanted their brothers to be taken from them. It was hard enough for the mares and foals to be taken away, but they would not let anything else happen to their family. "Anything else sire?" Knight asked as he stared at the bigger stallion. "But if I may ask of one thing and only one thing; please do not let anything happen to my daughter. Her mother can handle herself, but my daughter is not fully like me and her mother yet. Give her another year, some training and she will be strong or stronger than her mom, with a fierce calmness within her."

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

Leo's Scar
N

ames rang out in strong and tired voices, the brute standing tall as he began to let judgment fly. "Knight and Brave, you both are strong runners, but you need more work or your swims. Brave you were a little hesitant on the rock so you two work on that right away. Go now. And Knight I understand that your daughter is precious to you, but she will be just another brood in my herd unless she can prove to me otherwise, if she can prove her strength then perhaps I will allow her to join the Royal Army. Now go. Same routine we just took but swim out to the second rock before turning to come back." Optics waited for the brutes to take off but he assumed Knight would have more to say. Profile turning to Andy and Champion, lyrics forming in his throat, "You two, Andy and Champ, are weak runners, you start out fast and fade quickly. I want you to gallop the shore two times back and forth before going into the water. You are strong swimmers so go as far out as you'd like before you turn to come back. Make snake patterns on the rock face boys. Now go!" Scar watched the brutes gallop off, letting his columns stretch out, sprinting toward the water but climbing the rocky face first; once he reached the shady palm he rolled back and galloped toward the sea. Leaping down off the top of the rocks, Scar soared through the air, braces neatly folded till they extended to catch him in the landing. Muscles never hesitated as he burst into the water, powerful stallion swimming well out into the current, waves crashing over him, the brute pushing through them will all his strength; soon finding himself well off the 5 mile marker. A satisfied smile coating his muzzle when he turned to return to the shore, brute paddling harder and faster now than on his way out, nostrils flared as he tired to keep the salt water from his nasal passages. Anxious hooves touched the beach, galloping up the rock face yet again, wet plates trying to get the better of him but the brute kept his footing and worked up the incline; muscles pleased with the exercise. When he made it to the tree the cow halted, spinning around and rearing into the air, a high pitched whinny erupting from his chest; calling the stallions to him.
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[Dusty's Girl]

Knight stood stock still, his ears pinned back and he shook his head, letting his black mane fly as he pawed the ground. It took everything he had not to go after the stallion and challenge him, but instead he took off as fast as he could, as far as he could. Both him and Andy hit the waves and each paddled as much as they could. Earlier both him and Brave decided to keep one of the tohers with them, since both Champ and Andy could swim, when one went to the waters edge, one of the other stallions would be with them. "Brother, settle down and breath. It wont be like that. Calming will be just like you." Andy said. Knight just paddled back to shore after they did their circle. "Yeah well I will still keep an eye on my daughter." He said as his hooves touched the sand. Brave and Champion had passed the twins who where now racing along the shore line. Knight had come up with an idea to help Andy; the idea being that if Knight got Andy upset enough, the stallion would find that burst of speed he needed.

Brave and Champion both paddled as far as they could and as soon as Brave's hooves touched the sandy shore again, he flew to the rocks and went up them with Champion beside him. The two picked their way up and stood, watching the water and soon Knight and Andy joined them. Brave could tell even after that work out, Knight was still in the verge of a fight. Nipping at the stallion, they heard the call and soon Knight and Brave were racing to him, with Andy and Champ not too far behind. "Knight, you better be good and not mess up having a safe home for your daughter." Brave said as he slowed to a trot beside Knight.

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

Leo's Scar
S

car grinned at the stallion's fury, though he stood down, as Scar would have guessed; they needed a place for himself and his daughter that he asked about. A chuckle passed his kissers as he stood and waiting, the brutes were making their way here now, rage still filled Knight's orbs; all slowing to a trot only a few feet before him. Scar tensed his body, lurching forward at Knight, teeth bared and snapping at the air; hocks locking within inches of the snow cow to bring the brick colored brute to a halt; harks hinged tightly to his crown. "Is there something you'd wish to bring up with me brute?" He was easily a hand taller than the ivory stag, and much stronger he was sure, optics stayed locked with Knight's as he looked down on him; peripheral vision working at it's finest to watch if the others made any movements toward him. "Wouldn't you rather your filly be the brood of a strong brute like myself where you can stay and ensure her safety or would you rather her go out into the lands and find someone that could be worse?" Scar questioned him, he knew he was nowhere near good, but he could be nicer than more; the odds were not in that favor but this stag knew nothing of him so he could stretch the truth a little. "Now stag unless you'd like to have a one on one duel I suggest you keep your attitude in check brute." Scar took his face away from the impeccable bull, never losing eye contact, and mass ready to act if need be. A brow raised, Scar tilted his head to one side, "Well? Anything you have to say, now would be the time." Scarlet stag had been in enough fights in his days, age had taught him, and he could easily size up his competition; though this stallion was young he was inexperienced, and that Scar knew any equine could see.
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[Dusty's Girl]

Knight thought about taking the stallion on, he was sure he could handle it, but he could see Brave with his ears pinned, it would have been so much easier with Raging beside him, but he knew she wasn't his mare anymore. The pain of knowing that laced itself around his heart and his ears flicked back. Without thought or any reaction in mind, Knight started forward, only to have Brave standing before him, nipping at him. "Knight, if you're itchin' for a fight, let's go. I am always ready to set you straight." Knight looked over at his brother and sighed, his head still held high, he backed up and looked at Brave. "Alright brother, down at the shore after we are done here." he said. Brave nodded and turned his head back to the lead stallion. "I will make sure he settles down." Was all he said before taking his place beside the white stallion. He knew the pain Knight was going through, but it even ran deeper than what he knew himself. He knew Knight vowed he would keep his daughter safe from anyone, even more now that he had her back in his life.
Andy had stood watching, knowing he couldn't have made his brother back down that fast. "I want her safe and even if you are-" but as Andy turned to his twin, he saw Knight was down with his legs buckled under him. "Its for your and our family's good." Brave said as he looked down at Knight.

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

Leo's Scar
A

mazement and amusement filled the lead stags pools, "You really ready for this brute? You better pick your sparring partner well Knight, will it be me or will it be Brave?" Scar stood, crania held high, awaiting an answer from the cow, "Either way you play it, you all will be dueling anyway, down to the shore now!" Scar nipped at shoulders, necks, whatever he could reach, herding the stags toward the shore. It was time that they learned to fight, and against each other would be perfect, blood would be shed but there would be no deaths... Yet. Scar galloped past them, leaping down the boulders, landing on the sandy shore, slowing to a trot as he maneuvered in a circle, which would be where the fights were held. The ring he formed was about sixty feet in diameter, large enough for a fight to ensue, "Ok boys, you'll fight in the ring. Even a hoof brushes this line you loose and get twenty laps along the beach, every attack landed is a point and every attack dodged is a point, someone must either forfeit or be on the ground before the match is over. Andy and Champ, you will go first, so that your brother has enough time to think about just who he wants to fight." In the circle boys, once the two were in the ring, Scar grinned before he counted off. "3..2..1.. Fight!"
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[Dusty's Girl]

When they reached the shore, Andy and Champ smiled as each other. "Alright brother, ready?" Andy asked. "Oh you know it. Well shall we see who is the better one?" The two stallions went up to each other and touched noses and soon they were biting and lashing out at each other. Andy tried to go for Champ's neck, but Champ dodged it. "Too slow bro." Champ taunted and got Andy on the hind quarters, but in return, Andy bit him on the side. rearing they lashes out at each other, getting each other's necks. In a way it was always just the two playing around,right now, they only wounded each other because they had too. Both soon stepped back and turned to the stallion. They were breathing harshly and blood dripped off each of them.
Brave turned to Knight. "Don't you dare." he said as he entered the ring. "Knight, let's go."

(I suck at fights. lol)

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

Leo's Scar
S

tag watched the younger two of the four stallions go at it, noting how they moved, and how they attacked. "Champ, you've won this round. Three to two, work harder and you'll soon be a great fighter. You're attacks are weak. Andy, get to running boy. Knight and Brave you're up, unless you'd like to fight me sir." Scar tormented him, he would easily handle the smaller stallion, and would gain more respect as well. A brow raised to the brutes, awaiting a response in either words or movement toward the ring. Harks swiveled, profile turning, DayDream should be arriving soon, he wanted to train with his uncles; so Scar would let him. Even if that meant he would most likely get his ass beat by his relatives and possibly Scar himself. "Come on boys, let's get a move on! Andy, run. Champ you can run or relax for the rest of the day, but don't leave the ring. Knight, what is your decision?"
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[Dusty's Girl]

Dream stood just above everyone and watched. He watched as Brave tried to get uncle Knight to take him one, but Knight still stared at the other stallion. Shaking his head, he took off down the cliff and skidded right to the others with his head held high. "Come on uncle Knight." he said and then looked at his uncle Brave. Dream trotted around them and shook his mane as he did so. "So who are you challenging?" He asked.
Knight looked up as he heard Dream coming to them and he had let out a soft breath as he realized that his nephew was there now, but still he was not happy with the older stallion. He felt that he could win, but at the same time he knew that both Calming and Raging were counting on him being able to stay there and make sure they were safe. Shaking his head fiercely, he sighed and nipped at his nephew as he passed by. "I was already to fight him for Calming, but I know that now you're here I will have to help train you." Knight sighed heavily and again shook his mane. Glaring at the older stallion, Knight soon turned and lunged at Brave with his pressed his his head.
Instead of being caught off guard; Brave met Knight head on and soon nipped at the stallion's neck as the both reared. Brave remembered training Storm, his young friend whom was like a son to him; but as him and Knight lashed out at each other, Brave realized that Knight was so angry that he would not let up. Lunging at the white stallion yet again, but Knight was ready and dodged him; landing a kick to Brave's side; knocked him to his knees. Quickly getting up, he dodged teeth from his brother and got Knight on his hind quaters. This was getting to be to much even for the black bay. Shaking his black mane, Brave Angel reared and the lunged for Knight's life front legs, knocking him down. Placing his weak knees on Knight back, Brave panted and coughed as he tried to caught his breath and he dripped with blood. Knight too was dripping with blood and he was coughing, adding in that he was trembling badly as well.

Andy and Champion both had stood to watch but Andy soon took off at a gallop with Champion at his side. The two brother were talking about what Brave had done and how Dream coming had probably saved Knight's life again. There was nothing more to be said, so the two just ran for all they were worth and had some fun instead of just making it a workout yet again.

[racechick]

Scars tell the best stories...

Leo's Scar
S

mile pulled at the sides of his maw, watching as Dream galloped down the cliffs, and Knight took his spot with Brave in the ring. They kicked, bit, dodged, and ducked, blood oozing from multiple spots on each horse's pelt; a satisfied feeling filling his aura. Brave was about to get beat, but he skillfully maneuvered his attacks and mass and bought the furious Knight to the sand. "Brave, you win; though you were close to loosing. If you fight as skillfully as you just did, you will be one for these boys to watch out for." Scar took a few taunting steps toward Knight, "You sir, instead of getting all fired up and wasting your energy, should have exhaled before the fight, kept a level head and you may have done better. Go catch up to Andy and Champ. Brave you can relax or run as well, I need to have a word with Dream." He strode away with his last sentence, stopping before the murky obsidian and ivory splattered colt as his lyrics came to an end. "You ready to train lad?" He didn't wait for an answer, spinning around quickly, crimson stallion took off a bellowing whinny calling the painted colt to follow him. Scar turned at the starting point, head held high as he waited for the colt, pools watching the young stag's muscles work as he made his way. He would be a good asset to the army, once of course he had the proper training.
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[Dusty's Girl]

Knight shook his head as he trotted off and then went into a canter. So this was how it was going to be? Knight knew he should not have reacted the way he did; but he loved Raging and and Calming more than anything in his life besides his brothers, sister and nephew. He could easily see Andy and Champion waiting for him and he could hear Brave coming to his side. Sighing, Knight went into a gallop and as he did Brave soon appeared at his side. "see you up on the cliff top after you all are done." Knight watched as he went to the top of the cliff and stood, watching over his nephew.

Dream watched his uncles race away and he smiled as he started off to start his training. He felt his uncle watching his movements like a hawk. smiling, Dream reared and lunged into a easy paced canter to the older stallion and soon stopped beside him. "so where do I start?" he asked as his ears flickered around, finding where his uncles were.