Just Another Spring Day [Gwathren]

[Zenyatta]

Today's weather wasn't something to complain about. Not that Howl really ever complained about much in the first place, but today he was especially content, lounging in a rare patch of nice grass in the Badlands. He was laying there, all four legs tucked up under his body and chewing half-heartedly on a small mouthful. Breathing in deeply and exhaling, Howl closed his eyes and leaned back blissfully enjoying the cool spring breeze and the sunlight that made up today. Eventually he may get ambitious enough to find some other bachelors to romp around with, but for now, he was content to just lay and relax.

{ooc} yay no-pressure thread!

[Lady Lemon Zinger]

Gwathren hadn't noticed the other stallion for a moment, he was so caught up in thought. It was rather awkward to suddenly be so close to him, and of course Gwathren couldn't just apologize and move on. He lowered his head and backed off a step, wondering what sort of response he'd get this time. Usually his encounters with other stallions ended in bloodshed. Really though, it was something to do. Or some way to possibly get killed and be put out of his misery. He was too scared to stay around long though.

[Zenyatta]

The young stallion had been almost asleep when the sound of hoofsteps suddenly woke him and he spooked, flailing his hooves as he struggled to stand. Shaking free of dust and sleepiness, Howl looked about for the horse that disturbed him in a curious manner, as opposed to aggressively and grumpily. Then his eyes landed on the other painted stallion, who seemed to just be standing there, watching him right back. Ears pricked, Howl trotted a few steps forward. "'Lo," He greeted cheerfully. "Just passin' through or are you a permanent resident here in the Badlands?"

[Lady Lemon Zinger]

Gwathren snorted his frustration for a moment before opening his mouth, trying to prove his speechlessness. Then he pawed the ground and touched his nose to it, trying to answer that he was a resident. Of sorts. More of an outcast who roamed as far away from the others as he could. He looked up quickly though, his eyes on alert as he waited for his signal to bolt. He fully expected hostility, but he was always willing to try. Maybe there was a part of him that still hoped? Some stupid, foolish bit of his heart that was holding out on someone actually being friendly rather than giving up every time. He wondered at his own mental state, but then if he was stupid as everyone said, how was it that he'd survived his three year tenure as the target for other's brutality?

[Zenyatta]

Howl watched the other stallion carefully and initially figured he was just uncomfortable in the social situation. He took a couple of steps backward, just to let him relax a little bit more. But then, after he moved away the stallion still looked unwilling to speak. The young stallion tilted his head and then when the stallion opened his mouth and no sound came out and then proceeded to paw at the ground, it finally dawned upon him. "C-can... Can y'not speak?" He asked hesitantly. Howl didn't understand the signs the stallion was doing to communicate but it made pity bloom in his throat and chest. He couldn't imagine losing his ability to speak and communicate properly with his fellow horse brethren.

[Lady Lemon Zinger]

Gwathren nodded, his head low to the ground as he looked at the other horse, wondering if it was pity or rejection he was sensing. He watching the other stallion, alert for the slightest move. The distance was a bit more comfortable, but Gwathren still expected trouble. What else was he to expect. It was his life, the life he'd lived since he was a colt. His mother had rejected him, his herd, and any other horse he was ever lucky enough to stumble upon. It was like he was just not good enough for them. He didn't want to assume anything about this horse was evil or bad, but Gwathren didn't know if anyone _could_ pity him. Was he that undeserving of companionship?

[Zenyatta]

Howl had never met a horse with such a disability before. Of course as a foal he'd seen those with problems but usually they'd either died at a young age or left the group in order to keep from slowing down the rest of the horses. But never one this old and with this affliction. The stallion shook his head sadly. He couldn't fathom the thought of being unable to speak. Of course he'd been forced to play the quiet game with his mother when he'd been too boisterous for her to deal with, but the thought of just losing the ability to speak was a loss to him. He couldn't think of what to say to the stallion that would make the other stallion feel any better, but he'd try. "Well... My name is Howl. Is it safe to assume you have a name?"

[Lady Lemon Zinger]

Gwathren was surprised, but pleasantly so. He nodded in response to the question, then pointed with his hoof towards Howl and nodded with a smile, his own way of saying he was pleased to meet him. He was glad to meet another horse, but wasn't sure what to expect at the same time. At least Howl was kind enough to give his name. It wasn't like Howl had to. He didn't know how to give him his name, but he wouldn't really care if Howl picked one to give him. It would be nice to just have someone call him something.