Valorteens | King's Lore I

Yuvon whinnied to her pasture-mate as Greg slipped the halter off Kuo's head, releasing her into the mare's paddock. Still damp and shiny from a bath the muerto returned her friend's call. The late evening sun warmed the wet mare's back and helped to dry her off as she began walking toward Yuvon.
"Have fun you two," Greg waved goodbye and latched the gate, click. It'd been a long day and he was looking forward to some time with his girlfriend.
Kuo didn't give him a second glance and tore across the grass... swishing her brown tail in delight. Yuvon quickly picked up her pace and shot after the grey bullet. They chased each other for some time to stretch out their legs, it felt good to play in the warm sun. Slowly the sun crept to a low point in the sky and they settled near the stream to drink. Cool and trickling the water felt good on Kuo's tummy, she drank in large mouthfuls to sate the thirst that plagued her throat. Having her fill she turned to graze beside the older mare, content to stay silent. Most times the two preferred to eat this way. It seemed to provide relaxation among the busy weeks.
Almost an hour passed with only the chirping of crickets and the paint ambled under the large oak tree to doze. Darkness was coming soon, followed by sleep. Time seemed to take it's longer than usual around the horses; gradually taking the colorful sunset behind the rocky ridge. Both were almost asleep when they heard the humans approaching.
"But where are we going? I can't see anything!" A female voice whispered.
"Trust me, I know where we are." Greg's voice was easily recognized by Kuolema who raised her head and nickered in greeting.
"A pasture? Greg what are you up to this time?" The female's voice now spoke in a normal tone and the horse's saw the form of Taylor, slowly walking behind Greg.
"You'll see," He chuckled and climbed through the gate planks, helping her after him. Yuvon and her grey friend walked over to the fence to see what the humans were up to.
What do you think Yuvon? It's much too late for a ride, Kuo speculated.
Never know with Greg and Taylor, they're too star struck to behave rationally, The older mare giggled and swiveled her ears, bumping the girl with her muzzle. Being one of the older horse's on the farm she was starting to understand the way of things, taking it upon herself to be a guide to young creatures and watch over them as need be.
"Hi girl," Taylor rubbed her nose and turned to her boyfriend, "What are we doing in the mare's turnout?"
"Going to a special place, tack up," He reached in the backpack he wore and handed her Yuvon's bridle.

"Good thing she can see for me cause it's way too dark!" Taylor remarked as the two rode through the darkness. Yuvon whinnied softly and picked her way around twigs on the dirt path. It'd been nearly thirty minutes of bareback riding in the woods and the high trees blocked out most of the starlight. Only a glow-stick attached to each horse's bridle could be seen, and Greg had made sure to pick out the red glowing ones. Kuo's night vision adjusted but she had no idea where her human was taking them, she'd never been this way. The trees smelled of pine and the dead leaves crunching on the ground were muted with dropped pine needles. Faint traces of water laced in with the aroma of woods...there had to be a river nearby.
What is this place? Kuolema asked Yuvon, slightly baffled at a late ride into an unknown part of the wilderness.
Don't worry, we're still well on the property but they rarely ride here. There's no reason to with all the training ground closer. The paint explained. Her words provided some comfort but the muerto continued to roll the copper piece of the bit, making a slight jingling noise.
"Almost there, just have to get the horse's across the river," He motioned to the running water that had come into view as they left the edge of the pine woods. Peering to the other side Taylor didn't see anything but the beginning of the rocky mountain but shrugged and adjusted her position on Yuvon's back. Thankfully they didn't have saddles so the water would dry after the inevitable swim...
Across...? Kuo snorted and stopped. She'd not been in a river, much less in the dark.
"It's ok," Greg pat her neck and gave her ribs a small nudge, "It's a little cool but not very deep." Reaching deep within herself to trust her rider the mare took a step into the river. Water swirled around her front hoof and she bent to sniff at it.
"There you go, nothing to be afraid of," Again he squeezed and with a couple more tentative steps she was chest deep in the running water. It hadn't rained in a few days to the current was gentle, letting the liquid cascade into the long manes and tails of the horses. Yuvon loved to play in the ocean and any body of water was no exception. Playfully trotting up to Kuo she flipped the water with her nose. Kuo scowled at her but tried to calm her nerves as the pebbles under her hooves shifted slightly.
It's quite harmless, Yuvon explained, You just have to watch if it's been raining.
"Ok, to the other side then." Greg gathered the reins and directed his mount to a shadow bed of rocks, giving an easy exit to the small meadow in front of the rock-face. Hauling out of the water both horses were halted in front of the cave opening they'd ever seen. It was even big enough for the mare's to fit and it gave Kuolema a bad feeling...
We're going to go in there...but it's so dark! She whinnied quietly to Yuvon who inspected the rocks.
Most likely, no sense in bringing us this far to leave us tied to a tree. Either way we'll be fine, just keep your head. Yuvon nodded and waited for the humans to decide.
"You ready Taylor?" Greg asked and pulled his backback tighter around his shoulders.
"I suppose, we came this far." Still unsure but now itching for adventure Taylor clucked for Yuvon to walk in the cave. Only their imagination could have prepared them for what was inside...