[R a i n e y] for now and forever

[A.spen M.addisons]

Rainey Zepheir

let the r.a.i.n fall d.o.w.n

S

unlight streaked down from
the pale blue sky. Strong and hot it reigned over the
world. Thin, broken stalks of grass laid crippled and
brown on the dirt floor. Summer. The whole world
seemed to burn to a brown crisp. No breeze stirred
and the only movement seemed to come from a lone
mare- her coat was the color of flames, a red golden
sheen. Her dial was thin and delicate as were her
dainty legs. Her bod was short but well formed unlike
most ponies. Her stride was long and smooth and her
tresses floated effortlessly as she paced.

The beautiful animal was a chincoteague pony
though not tall she took the looks of a small
thoroughbred. She stood at approximately 13 hands,
a tad bit large for the breed that she was.
Her ears where perked high and her brown orbs alight
with excitement, for she saw her beloved human friend
walking down the small path towards her. With a
half rear the mare spun in a tight circle like an
overgrown puppy. Before the girl got to the
gate the red gold animal trotted up to the gate and
with her muzzle she unlocked the bolt and met her
girl on the path.

"Hello Hoku" the young teenager smiled softly
and leaned her weight on one crutch to stroke the
mare's jowl. Her name was Rainey, and the one thing
that seperated her from everyone else was that she was
a cripple. When she had been 6 years old she had
been in a car accident. The doctors had said that
she would never be able to walk again. But now at age
16, 10 years later here she was. Braces locked around
her legs and she used crutches but she was walking.
She hoped to someday be able to walk unaided. The
doctors did not believe she could do it once again.
Noone did but her. But determination drove her to
believe that she could do it.

Her eyes where a bright green and her hair
a light blonde shade, it hung at her shoulders
and was pulled back into a very low pony tail.
The mare snorted softly and pressed her head
against Rain's shoulder lightly. "Are you
ready to go for a ride?" Hoku bobbed her head and
Rainey smiled again. Side by side the horse and girl
walked towards the barn. Once they reached it, the
coolness consumed them and Rainey sighed. She
swung her crutches around so she was facing Hoku
and whispered "Stay" before getting out a brush.

It was hard to groom Hoku because of the crutches
and so for the millionth time Rainey was thankful that
the horse was a chincoteague. That meant her hairs where
wirey enough to keep her from needing full grooming
too often. The girl led Hoku to a grooming rack and
began to slowly brush her horse- balancing her weight
on one crutch. Once done she grabbed a hoof pick
and then paused. How was she goes to do this?

Back home someone else would do it for her-
but here? Noone was around and she surely wouldnt
ask for help. Thats just how she was. She stood there
for quite some time before Hoku nudged her questioningly
With a sigh the girl burried her face in Hoku's flaming
red mane and a single tear escaped her eye. How would
she get along like this? Hoku had to be groomed
properly. Rainey would feel horrible if she wasnt.
But what could she do?
[/center][/size][/color]

[poppies]

Picking up a steady canter she popped out of the small wooden trail she had found that was abandoned. Her hair whipped back and her helmet less head would have terrified her parents. Rocky had tossed a small buck when they were galloping in the field but other than that he had been good. Steadying the gelding down she calmed him into a walk, looking at her watch she noticed they had been gone for about an hour and a half. It felt more like five minutes to her since they had moved so quick and calmly through the trail. In fact she felt a bit terrified because of his speed. Also the nice hunter green cooler for him sat neatly on his rump still and had kept him warm.

A nicely trimmed navy blue Aeropostale hooodie sat over her upper frame. A pair of faint blue Aeropostale jeans were decorating her legs. The brand names weren't her thing but they needed to get broken in either way. Also her classical plaid scarf sat on her neck and the gelding hadn't broken a sweat on the trail. The clothes were a gift, the scarf was a prsent for herself. Skidding him to a halt at the end of the trail and near the entrance to the stable she dismounted and patted his neck. Taking a deep breath a cold mist escaped her, it was that cool.

Looking up she saw a girl with a horse near their cross-tie before realizing it was her cross-tie. No matter she managed to squeeze under the cross-tie by the mare and then turned the gelding around. His head faced the other horse and her possible owner and rider. Stroking his neck she drapped the split reins over his neck she let one hang down and she stood quietly. He was trained to be ground tied as well as anything else western. In his career as a younger horse before he was gelded he had won four Nationals in a row, winning almost half a million dollars.

[A.spen M.addisons]

Rainey Zepheir

let the r.a.i.n fall d.o.w.n

A

fter a few minutes the girl
heard the familiar ring of hoofbeats, peering up
over the mare's thick mane to see a girl probably
around her age dimounting a larger, hansome
gelding. The horse- like Hoku seemed to be used
to being groundtied because he stood still when
his reins where dropped. When led past her
his muscles rippled. Rainey knew easily that the
horse was in top shape. Hoku was also watching.
Her eyes alert and excited.

"Easy" Rainey quickly swiped at her face
not wanting anyone to know that she had
been crying. She picked her second crutch
back up and whistled under her breath
to her mare. As if completely foregetting the
other horse Hoku perked up to the sound.
Rainey tapped her hindquarters and the
horse obediently backed out and away from
the ties. The blonde headed girl had noticed
that the other horse and rider had stopped
momentarily and was almost positive that this
was their crosstie.

"Uhm" Rainey tried but her voice sounded
strange. She tried again. "You can
have this crosstie if you like. Hoku doesnt need it
realy." Hoku was standing with her eyes half
closed but when she heard her name she bobbed
her head agreeably. Rainey giggled and swung
out her crutches to take a step away from the ties.
Hoku followed. "Your gelding is amazing" she said
trying to be friendly.[/center][/size][/color]

[poppies]

Looking over the girl and her horse she quickly re-assessed herself and Rocky. Hearing her talk she smiled at the girl and knew that the palomino gelding really didn't need the cross-ties either. "No you can use them. You were here first." Offering the smile she undid the cinch before placing it over the saddle and slidding it off. Pulling the hunter green cooler farther over his body she smiled as he nickered. Putting the saddle down on top of her tack trunk she grabbed a hoof pick and began to get busy. Picking out several rocks and stones, even something that looked like part of an animal.

Grabbing his stable blanket she replaced the cooler with that. His name embroided on the side near the lining. Buckling the two belts on the front and the two crossed belts on the side she patted his neck and scratched his nose. "Your gelding is amazing." Turning she smiled at the girl and nodded. "Thank you. I'm lucky to have gotten him." Scratching his cheek she gave him a kiss, he turned and nudged her. Truthfully she heard her parents had paid more for her green mare Juniper than Rocky. Juniper had cost her parents a stakes race worth of money, at least fifty grand. Just to save her life.

Rocky had cost about five thousand, Azalea cost eight thousand of Shawna's money. All three horses were great, Azalea because she was a jaw dropper and also had great potential. Potential was something also seen in Juniper with some more time. Rocky was perfect really. "I'm Shawna by the way. That's Rocky. I own two others but one is at the vet and my other is a bay filly who is out in the pasture." Shawna hated turning horses out in the cold but the mare liked to stretch her legs and being in a stall didn't help.

[E. Johnson]

The sun's ray beamed unto Erica's head, and a light breeze quickly cooled it off. A few insects fluttered by. Bloody 'ell. Why does it afta be so bleedin' hot? Erica whinied as she tied her reins through the saddle rings and then removed a shirt. She had a shirt underneath. Just plain white tank top. The mount snorted a few times. Somethin' fly up ya nose boy? Flood snorted once again as he bobbed his head. He understood his owner's voice. Whether it was her english accent coming out, her now yorker one, or a normal voice. Erica just smiled then stuck her hands into her holey-jeans. They had quite a few holes in them due to her mare, Storm, pulling at them. It hurt when she bit them, because they were skin tight. But she didn't care, the mare ment nothing by it, and they also looked pretty cool.

Wandering near the end of the trial, a few deer hopped out of the woods. Erica jumped a bit while Flood just looked at them. Once they relized someone was there, they hauled ass back into the woods. Laughing, she tapped her horse with her spurs into a jog. Flood happily went into it. EJ could feel him working under her. His muscles loose yet working, his tail swished behind them, and his hooves stamping the ground. Leaving nice, big hoofprints in the dirt. what time is it? she asked in her mind as she pulled out her phone and looked at the time. its not that late. maybe i will go out to eat tonight. but where? These questions and more wandered through her head as she round the final corner to the barn. The stag screamed as they neared to let the other horses know he was back.

Before entering the barn, Erica dismounted. She almost fell, but managed to catch herself. I'm okay. A little embarrassed, she clicked to Flood then started walking inside. He followed close behind as they went to his stall. As they walked, they noticed two girls, a horse, and a pony there. EJ's horse towered the pony, unsure about the other horse. She just made herself seem happy, then squeezed by them both to her horses stall. The horse just walked quietly inside. Ok..let me see you take off those boot's yourself. Erica quickly removed the bridle and placed it on the saddle horn. Flicking his ears, Flood thingyed his head before lowering his head and fiddleing with his boots. After about 10 minutes, he had both off and handed them to Erica. She couldn't help but laugh. Erica had this horse trained so well. It didn't even take her long since he was a smart horse. She then gave him the biggest apple he'd ever seen. He was pretty scared of it, but she took a bit and showed him it was ok. So as he muched on the treat, the girl removed his tack and put it away.

Finally done, Erica had hosed Flood off and re-done his tail. She washed it with shampoo, then left the conditioner in it as she brushed his tail and put it back up in his black tail wrap. His tail weighed about a pound, but looked like three. But thats what happens when you start caring for your horses tail as soon as he's born.

When Erica was playing with her horse, she heard the other girls talking. Maybe she should join thier conversation...She wasn't the greatest at talking to new people..but she would force something out. That's when she noticed the girl on crutches. What happened? Did she fall or something? Erica wanted to ask her, but she also didn't. She didn't want to hurt her feelings. Would you like some help? EJ asked the girl grooming the beautiful pony. Flood tried to sniff the closest horse, but couldn't get a good reach.

[A.spen M.addisons]

Rainey Zepheir

let the r.a.i.n fall d.o.w.n

W

ithout pausing the other girl-
Shawna told her that she didn't need the crossties
either. Rainey gave a tight smile as she noticed that
the girl was right. Her horse was perfectly behaved.
Almost embarressed Rainey absently nodded and
gave Hoku the signal that she was done. Gratefuly
the horse bobbed her head and swung it over Her
friends shoulder almost knocking her off balance.
"Careful girl" Rainey warned softly and pushed her
nose lightly away. Dejectedly the horse turned to
peer down the aisle. " I'll bet he can move like
lightning to" she added wistfuly to the other girl
as she said thankyou. Don't get me wrong- Rainey
loved Hoku to death and wouldnt trade her for the
world. Or for that matter- even the ability to walk.
She just wished she could move quickly too some
times.

Hoku's breed was considered a 'scrub horse'
ugly and slow. Ofcourse Hoku wasn't atall ugly but
we'll just say her spanish traits only worked in beauty.
Not speed. And Hoku didnt need speed. Almost
seconds later Rainey heard a squeal unmistakably
from another male horse. Hoku answered back with
a loud whinny of her own. Rainey smiled at the
sound and turned to watch yet another horse trot
up and his rider dimount- edge past them and put
her horse in a stall. Turning back to Shawna Rainey
nodded.

" I'm Rainey. This is Hoku" The mare was still
watching the other horse with intrest and looked
about to go investigate. "Stay Hoku" with a lop-sided
smile she added. "Uh.. I'd shake your hand but I can't
exactly" with a nod to her crutches. A bit later the
girl with the..rambunctiouse horse emerged and as if
an answer to Rainey's unasked prayer she asked if
she needed any help. Rainey almost said no- because
being the person she was she hated to ask for help.
But this wasnt realy 'asking' and Hoku had to have her
hooves picked. Gratefuly Rainey nodded slowly " Realy?
Yeah- I kinda do. Do you think you could help me pick
Hoku's hooves? I did everything else"

She called the
pony back from wandering the aisles and the mare
quickly advanced towards the newest girl and began
to sniff her shoes like a dog would to a stranger.[/center]

Eeeee. You guys are good :)

[E. Johnson]

She laughed at Flood. His attention was wandering back and fourth between Hoku and Rocky. Mainly at the pony. Hello. I'm Erica..EJ for short.That's Flood, and next door is Storm and her foal, Blood. She gave her a sweet smile before looking at Hoku. Hello to you to, Hoku. You mind if I take me feet back for a few minutes? I promise you can have them back. Erica giggled at the mare before giving her a pat. Sure. EJ took the hoof pick and went down Hoku's legs and too her hoofs. When the mare picked them up, she cleared out the mare's feet. Good girl. She handed Rainey her hoof pick back. And 'ello to you, Shawna. EJ smiled again.

It seemed to Erica that she had made a few more friends. Her first friend..or so-called friend was Joshua. And maybe Flood would have some new friends..Storm and Blood would have to meet them later.


ooc: lol. Im getting better

[A.spen M.addisons]

Rainey Zepheir

let the r.a.i.n fall d.o.w.n

A

s if the mare understood
she snorted distainfuly but reculently allowed
the strange girl to remove her foot and lift her
hoof off the ground. She flinched slightly once
or twice because her frogs where tender but
other than that held still, knowing that this
person was trying to help her. Once the girl
was done Chestnut equine bobbed her dial,
as her flaxen mane flew she seemed to say
'oh good so I'm done now?'

Rainey cracked a smiled and just incase EJ
hadn't heard her say her name she repeated it.
"Rainey Zepheir. Nice to meet you EJ and Flood."
She shifted her weight a bit and glanced to her
pony. Quite happily the 9 year old animal was
wandering down the aisles- greeting all of the
other horses as if they where her long lost
buddies. "Hoku has a mind of her own as you
can probably see." She said trying to strike up
a conversation. "Ofcourse that is usualy a good
thing since- well- sometimes I can't realy think
for her because I cant keep up" [/center][/color]

Sorreh. Short. I know

[E. Johnson]

Nice to meet you. she smiled. Rainey is such a unique name. I never known anyone with it..except you. Flood nickered a 'hello' to Rainey, then sniffing her hands and pockets for treats. Guessing she didn't have any, the stallion squeeled to Hoku to come back. You want to play, huh? She opened the door - letting her horse come out. He slowly came out, but stood by the two girls for a few minutes. Mainly to listen in on the conversation.

I sort of noticed she did. When the girl said 'since i cant keep up' Erica sorta lost her smile, but managed to keep it. If you want to answer, could I ask what happened? You don't have to if you don't want. A fly flew by Erica's face, so she quickly swatted at it. The insect landed on the ground. Flood quickly trotted over to Hoku and sniffed her. The horse made a friend, and wanted to play. After his sniff fest, he jogged back to Erica and Rainy to hide behind them. Flood...your weird. EJ teased her animal. He just returned by sticking up his lip, while sticking his tongue out.


ooc: pips? need to hurry up...

[A.spen M.addisons]

Rainey Zepheir

let the r.a.i.n fall d.o.w.n

R

ainey shrugged. " To tell
you the truth I've never heard of my name any
where else either." she glanced at Flood as he
let out a squeal and began to sniff at her
pockets "Sorry bud. No carrots" She patted his
neck for a moment then smiled as he was let out
and swiftly jogged towards Hoku. The mare
looked up as he advanced on her and began
to sniff her. She Head-butted him playfuly and
as he went back to the two people she followed
behind him at a slower pace. He looked huge
compared to her and Rainey laughed when she
stopped besides him- a good atleast 2 hands
smaller than he was. The girl's smile faded for
a moment and Rainey knew what she would ask
almost before she said it. " Car Accident when I
was 6. It... killed my parents." she quickly thought
that sounded self-pitying so she quickly added
"I'm origionaly from Chincoteague. So is Hoku,"
with a small remembering smile " We where
orphans togather." The mare hearing her name
again.[/center][/size]

[E. Johnson]

Erica giggled. Rainey was a unique name. She had known people's middle names to be 'Rain' or 'Rainy' but never spelt like that. Then you can be the first girl I know that has that name. Sometimes Erica wished her name was different. Erica is just a plain Flood snorted when she said no treats. He didn't mind though: he had a new friend. Then her smile also faded. Oh my gosh! I'm sorry to hear that. But at least you had Hoku with you. She's a sweet little thing. Erica looked at the pony playing with her horse. A smile re-formed onto her face when the couple stood near each other. Ok Flood. You wanna play so bad, I'll put you in the pasture.[/b] Erica grabbed a nearby lead rope. She then slipped it over his neck and grabbed the other end.If you wanna put her in the pasture, they can play while we can..umm...something.[/b] She laughed because she couldn't think of what to say.[/size]

[A.spen M.addisons]

Rainey Zepheir

let the r.a.i.n fall d.o.w.n

Post soon