Post your backstores here!

Starlight's Story
This mascot is dedicatd to my late mare Starlight, may you rest in peace.

My early memories are all a blur, but from what I can remember, I was loved. I was born in Spring in a lushes field of daisies and clover. My mother was kind to me and my time here was what I had always thought life would be like. But as with everything, nothing lasts forever.
When I was a mere yearling, a couple bought me. I was to be shown in halter classes. They had promised to love and care for me like their own; but that had only lasted for about a month. About six months later, a storm rolled in. There were high winds with lighting and loud cracks of thunder that sounded. I was terrified. I wanted nothing more than to be with my mother. A crack of thunder sounded and spooked me and I took off running. With the heavy rain, I couldn't see where anything was. When it was too late, I saw the barbed wired fence of my pasture. I tried to stop, but the ground was soaked and I slipped and got caught in the wires. I was stuck there in the open as the storm raged on until that morning.
They found me the next morning and were able to get my leg free from the fence. But that was all they did. They didn't treat the wounds or call out a vet to make sure nothing was infected. The pain was horrible, but bearable. My leg ended up healing on its own, but it did leave a long nasty scar and my owners were disgusted by it.
By then, my showing career failed, and I was left in the pasture alone for what felt like an eternity. Other horses came and went, but I was never looked at like a prized position any longer.
One morning, they came into my pasture, put a halter on me and led me to the back of this mans trailer. The man was large in size, and didn't look like he smiled much. They tried several times to load me on to the trailer with the other horses who looked frightened. I fought them and then finally gave in and let them load me.
The ride was long and dusty. When the truck stopped and the gates opened all the others rushed out of the truck.I was so scared I froze. I couldn't blink, and I felt myself stop breathing in air. Finally, a different man came to the trailer where I stayed and scared me enough to jump off the trailer. We were all in a small paddock. It seemed far too small for the number of large adult horses, but the men did give us grain and the water trough was full.
We were there for several weeks, and they made sure we all obeyed them through fear.When they'd come into the paddock, we all stayed in he furthest corner from the gate. The following morning they came in, and one by one, led a horse back onto the trailer. I can't be certain if it was the same one that we were all on when were brought here. We all followed with little to no hesitation, willing to accept whatever was in store for us at our next destination.
When we arrived, we could all hear the numerous voices coming from inside the building. We saw many more horses outside, being around while another man yelled numbers. Again, one by one, we were led off the trailer and out while he screamed numbers. I'm guessing we were being sold to new owners. If the horse was sold, it was moved on, if not, they were led back onto another trailer.
In my time in the small paddock, I had become close to a small black mare. She was shown and sold prior to me being show. The only thing I could think of was that I hope her new future was going to be a good one.
Finally, it was my turn.I could see people looking at me, judging me. A lot of the guys out there resembled the ones who loaded me the first time. I was scared. Then I heard the man scream "SOLD!" I flicked my ears to see who I was sold to, an was slightly relived to see I was being sold to the same person who had bought the little black mare as well. A third horse joined us. A taller chestnut gelding. Afterwards, we were all loaded onto a different trailer. I could tell the other two were just as scared as I was for what lie ahead.
The ride was a short one. The doors to the trailer opened to a new, dusty paddock. I expected more men to come with whips to scare us off the trailer again, but that never happened. After a few minutes of standing there, listening, I jumped off the trailer into the paddock.
A few minutes later, a different man came out to give us all some grain, hay, and topped off the water trough. After we were done eating, a small framed girl came out. the sight of her scared me because of my last time being in a dust paddock, so I can to the other corner. She climbed the fence and sat and just started talking. I'm not sure what she said, but I somehow understood she wasn't much different from me. It seemed she was also scared of men
That afternoon we were let into a paddock full of good grass and water while other horses were brought into the dusty paddock we were in. Everyday we were brought up to the dusty paddock and every day the same girl came, sat on the fence, and talked. Then one day she was gone. I missed her but my days were the same.
The man tried a few times to get close to me but I was still so scared I kept as far away as possible; so he left me be. He focused more on the other two instead. He was rough but not cruel. He didn't hit them when they did something wrong, but did reward when something was done right. Soon he had the other two broke.
One day the small girl returned! She sat on the fence and talked to me. After a few days I decided to go up and get her scent, but only briefly before I ran back to my corner. She seemed happy but left it at that and went away again.
During the next few months the man finally broke me. But I didn't like being ridden much. Every few months the girl would come back she talk with me and work with other difficult horses.
For those who rode me, I'd either go as slow as possible or as fast as I could. After a while the man had enough with my attitude and got the girl to get on me, before she did, she let me smell her hand, as if saying, you can trust me. She asked me to trot and I decided to do it properly and by the end of the ride I had learned that she was kind and her soul was like mine.
We were together for a week, where she rode me every day; building up our partnership. It was a little more difficult when she was away, but she always came back. She was the only one I'd left close to me.
After some time, they decided to sell me. She came to me in tears and vowed to try and buy me and I decided to put my faith in her. After all, she's never done me wrong before, right?
Not much longer afterwards, I was mistakenly placed in a pasture with the stallions, but was quickly discovered and moved back. In the short time, I was already with foal. Six months later after coming back from another farm with good grass and water, the girl came to me and said I was going with her. She offered more money to buy me because of the fact that I was with foal, but he declined and just informed her that I was over weight.
She took me to a small farm and named me Starlight. The markings on my face resembled a shooting star. She visited me every week, brushed me, gave me treats and lots of love, but was careful to not ride me. A few months later, I had a beautiful little filly.
A few weeks later, she brought me up to the barn, threw a saddle on me, and we went out on our first adventure in months.
My life was finally at piece! I was happy and healthy, and so was my filly. I love and trusted this girl with all my heart. We were moved around a lot, going from one boarding stables to another, but she never abandoned us.
The last place I remember was a good place. Plenty of grass, a good shelter and good water. I saw the girl less and less, but she still loved us. I didn't want to leave her but time moves on and we all grow old and die but at least I knew what it was to be loved and cared for.

KYLO REN

Ben had a voice in his head.

The voice was not his own, and it was not his father's or mother's. He compared it to his uncle's and found it quieter, more calming, like wind through grass or the hum of the engines on his father's ship. It spoke to him always. It was with him always.

It was there when his parents fought outside his room at night. When the energy that resided in all things, the energy he could feel when he closed his eyes, was disrupted by the stress of his mother and the restlessness of his father. When he lay in the dark, listened to their hushed arguments, and cried.

Weak, it crooned.

It was there when his uncle ushered his parents into their room, looking over his shoulder at little Ben with wide eyes. When his father started shouting again and stormed out. When his mother explained that he was afraid of the Force.

They are afraid of you, it whispered.

It was there when his father left for the last time. When his mother passed him over to his uncle. When he was taken from his home and all he knew because he had been born with an unwanted power.

You are alone, it said.

It was there when he was tested. When his uncle, his master, looked at him once again with wide, cautious eyes and told him he was powerful. Told him he needed to be careful.

He's trying to weaken you, it snarled.

It was there when his uncle told him stories of his grandfather, voice straining to hide the emotion he battled with. When he learned of how powerful, how feared, how strong his grandfather had been.

Stronger than your uncle, it crowed. Stronger than the Jedi.

It was there when his emotions raged unchecked. When his interest in the Dark Side grew. When his uncle sensed the darkness in his heart and grew truly afraid.

What can the weak Jedi offer the heir apparent of Lord Vader? it hissed. I can make you stronger.

It was there when his master betrayed him. When his master's fear drove him into Ben's room in the dead of night. When the blue glow of his master's saber woke him from his restless sleep and Ben realized how foolish he had been to trust the Jedi.

They have betrayed you! it screamed. Show them your strength!

It was there when Ben stood atop the nearby hill, watching the flames devour his old school, listening to the screams of the weak with the stench of smoke and ruin in the air. When Ben left his past behind and was reborn. When he turned his back and chose a new name, as he would choose his own future - KYLO REN.

My worthy apprentice, it purred. Come to me.

He did.

Zalanaaz's Story

The mare scanned the marketplace, amazed that none of the humans recognized a wanted thief in their midst. She did not approve of her master's way of life, but what choice did she have? She was so far away from the family from which she'd been stolen...

He creeped through the crowds, one hand holding her reins and the other taking what was not his to take. As he reached into another coinpurse, she snorted disapprovingly. Was that what caught the shopkeeper's attention, or had the thief finally made a mistake? No time to think; he was on her back suddenly, turning her around and digging his heels into her sides. All around her, people were shouting and pointing, but they knew better than to get in the way of a galloping horse.

They raced out of the square and into the narrow streets, but the city guards were on their tail. Try as they might to lose them, they reached the gates with no less than ten riders charging towards them. The mare saw one rider streak swiftly ahead of the rest as they thundered out of the city. Her eyes widened when she saw the royal sigil on the stallion's breastplate. The thief looked back, cursing when he saw the prince gaining on them.  It was common knowledge that no ordinary horse could outrun a blue-blooded one, let alone one bred by the royal family.

But to the surprise of all involved, she held her own for a while, and for a moment there was hope. Quickly, though, it became apparent that she lacked the endurance of a blue-blood. Thoroughly exhausted a mile from the city, she slowed to a halt and they were completely surrounded. Breathing heavily, she lowered her head in defeat and in fear.

''Seize him!'' prince Thurnor shouted, and the thief was dragged off her back and clapped in chains. She dared not resist, but in truth she was happy he was finally getting his due.  ''And bring this horse back to the stables. She must've been stolen.'' He spun his stallion around and led them back.

                             ....................................................................................................................

All the while, the royal stallion, Gaharius, had been staring in disbelief at the mare. He knew she was not from any blue-blood herd, not only because he had raced against the best of them, but because of her appearance. She lacked the fine bone structure and facial dish the blue-bloods were known for. How this mare possessed such speed was beyond him, but he pushed away the questions for the time being. There would be time when they got back to the royal grounds.

It was early evening when they reached their destination. When asked, the stablemaster denied that this mare had ever been cared for by him, but the prince shrugged. ''Put her in sprint races. I saw what she's capable of.'' He exited quickly, leaving no room for argument.

The stablemaster looked at the mare and sighed. ''I suppose you'll need a name. How about... Zalanaaz? For you are as swift as the desert winds.'' She looked at him with kind eyes. No one had ever bothered to name her. Gaharius snorted his disapproval as stableboys fed and groomed him. The newly-named Zala ignored him, but rolled her eyes for good measure.

The stablemaster cared for Zalanaaz personally. Although her chestnut coat shone like never before, she had unfortunately been placed right next to this haughty blue-blood. She knew of Gaharius from listening to humans rave about their favorite racehorses. He watched her through the bars separating their stalls, and once the humans left, he pinned his ears at her.

''I don't know how-''

''Neither do I!'' Zalanaaz cut his words short. ''I didn't know, I didn't ask for this. But I have a gift, and if they can see it, why can't you?''

Gaharius' ears slowly lifted back to their usual position. The words wouldn't come out. Evidently she was gifted, this lowly mare from the marketplace. The humans understood something he had not yet grasped.

''I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone, but I've always believed that 'good' breeding is not all there is to it. Take your time, think about it,'' Zala explained. She tried hard to keep the sting out of her words.

Gaharius bit back his retort. He was a prince, not a petty child. Her words did make sense, however. Good breeding didn't always help - some ''blue-bloods'' had never won a race in their entire careers. ''You're right,'' he finally admitted.

And so they began to get to know each other, talking through the evening and well into the night. Zala broke down walls and stereotypes; Gaharius learned that different was not a bad thing, and that it can be downright interesting and attractive.

Wild Thing - New Forest (This is the story of my own Fidley but the name is her Grandmother's)

I had been in the same home for 3 years since I was 6 months old.  Before that I had moved twice and no-one had taught me human contact is not to be feared.  They worked with the other horses but left me to my own devices.  I was too sharp, they said.  Now I found myself in a rumbling trailer all alone after being frightened into it by waving jackets.

I stood at the back of it trying to balance when finally we stopped.  Sunlight peered in and there was a gap to get out but I heard voices.  Suddenly, my feet took flight and I bolted towards the escape door.  I ran as fast I could and stopped.  This field was small and there were scary trees whistling in the wind on one side.  I stopped and turned to face the 4 humans.  They stood watching me. 

Finally, they left until one young woman was left.  She leaned against the gate with her head tilted.  I threw my head in the air and snorted.  She left.  I was alone and trotted around with my head and tail held high.  There was a little bit of grass.  Far away I saw horses and a strange grey thing with big ears.  Nearer were 2 other horses but they ignored me.  I spun around.  The young woman was back with a bright thing.  She brought it into the field and backed away.  I sniffed and crept over.  I touched it and it moved so I ran off.  Slowly, I made my way back as it smelt sweet.  Putting my nose in cautiously I took a small mouthful.  Yum!  Mare and foal mix and a sweet chaff.  The young woman edged forward and I raised my head.  I wasn’t quick enough and she grabbed my headcollar.  I tried to spin and run but she held on.

“Easy!” She murmured softly.  She then stroked my neck and I stood trembling.  She started to scratch and I leaned in.  Oh, that felt good.  It was May and I still had my itchy winter coat.  She stood and scratched me and people came out the house.

“Caz, so much for her being uncatchable!”  One of them laughed and I tried to shoot away but Caz held on. 

“I know eh?”  She laughed back and murmured to me.  “I don’t think you’ll be easy though.” She left soon after.  “You’ll be a nice companion for Tilly.”

I spent the night between grazing and darting around my paddock.  The noises in the trees and the deer that bounded through were unsettling.  

Next day Caz came back with a noisy thing.  I ran to the bottom of the paddock snorting and Caz laughed.  “It’s just a wheelbarrow!”  She started throwing my muck into it.  I edged towards her and touched it gently.  It rocked and I took off. 

I didn’t like it but it came into my paddock every day.  Caz brought my out some hay and spent time scratching me and gave me food and carrots.  She tried giving me something white but it was very strong and I spat it out.  “Never known a horse not eat a mint.”  She shrugged.

I followed her like a puppy around the paddock (although it did help she held carrots in front of me). Then she put a lead on but the carrots were still there so I followed her.  When she felt confident, she opened the gate and I stopped with my whites showing.  “Easy.  It’s ok.”  I followed her although I was ready for anything and ready to jump on her. 

That was the beginning of my new life.  I’m now 11 years old and a long way from the naïve 3 year old that arrived.  There have been ups and downs, tears and tantrums – from both of us.

RED RAPTURE AND EDEN

    Red Rapture middle son of Keziah who was a treasure hunter of sorts and his mother who was an outcast priestess since she had been shunned by her family once she had been cured. Eden was their only daughter and the youngest child as well. Red Rapture and Eden were brought up deep in the rainforest in the African Congo hidden from most of the outside world with their older twin brothers Temple and Legion. Despite the hardships of his mother and father’s past they had grown up in a loving and nurturing environment. Their father telling them tales from when he used to sail around the world with their grandfather they were always in awe of how brave and strong he was they admired the tattooed marking on his skin and often wondered when they would someday get their own. Their mother taught them all the skills they would need to survive in the jungle that surrounded them, she taught them how to make healing potions as well. They would often ask their mother about her mother and father but she had refused to speak about them and that puzzled them to no end their father talked so freely about his parents his mother even being a part of their mothers old tribe.

    However it was not always so grand of a time their mother suffered from fits from time to time fighting the demons that had invaded her body when she was young, when this happened they were terrified and Red Rapture and Eden would often be led to a safe cave by their older brothers for a few days while their father seen her through the worst of it. The time soon came when Red Rapture and Eden’s older brothers grew tired of living in the think lush jungle and had decided to leave and find what they were meant to do in the world their parents were sad to see them go but understood that they could not be held back, they knew from personal experience how much freedom was worth.

    One day a few years later when Red Rapture was around 5 and Eden was 3 one of the traps set around the perimeter of their home was set off their father told them and Delaney to stay in the cave while he went and check it out, they sat around nervously for a few minutes when their father had finally returned in tow with what looking like another tribesman they all stood their guard but Keziah told them to calm down it was someone from their old tribe coming to take to their mother and it was an urgent matter. Delaney stood firmly and said “It’s none of my concern what matters in my father’s tribe”. The tribesman looked at her with sad eyes and said “ Your father is dying he was attacked in the woods by a tiger he doesn't have much longer he wants you to return home to see him it is his dying wish”. Red Rapture and Eden sat a little in shock they had a grandfather so it seemed but not for long they knew their mother never talked about him so they assumed he was dead. Delaney stated she had no intention of going back to her old tribe after what they had done to her.    

    “Mother please”! Shouted Red Rapture and Eden they so badly wanted to meet their grandfather! Their mother finally said “Fine, for the children sake..”. Red Rapture and Eden danced with happiness. The tribesman then lead them through the dense jungle it seemed like they were walking forever before they finally saw it off in the distance, Red Rapture and Eden were in awe when they saw all of the others in the village they had never seen so many others in their life. The tribesman lead them to a large red tented hut. Delaney stated this is as far as she would go and refused to see her father, Keziah decided to wait outside with her. Red Rapture and Eden were ushered in by the tribesman that had come to get them. They were nervous and a little scare, in a bed of straw lie their grandfather he was bandaged heavily and wheezing slightly. As they approached he smiled and said to them “ You look just like your mother” they half smiled back not really knowing what to say. Their grandfather spoke again and said “I’m not long for this world my grandchildren i asked your mother here but as i’m told she refuses to see me and i can not blame her what we did to her was a horrible thing but it seemed right at the time to send her away to protect the tribe i had later learned it was the wrong thing to do and i have been searching for her for quite some time. Red Rapture and Eden finally understood why she had never talked about him, They understood what he did was incredibly wrong but he did what he thought was best for the tribe at the time so they couldn't hate him.   

    “My grandchildren before i pass on i would like to show you what lies ahead for your future if you will allow me to make up for all the lost time.” Red Rapture and Eden shook their heads excitedly wanting to know what was ahead for them in life, their grandfather took out a pipe and took a puff of it and blew a thick grey cloud of smoke towards them it almost took over the whole room. Red Rapture started coughing and suddenly his vision had changed and he saw himself but much older, tribal paint covering some of his body he was looking around him and was surrounded by others looking up to him as he spoke, he saw himself helping and healing others he was the tribe shaman. Eden at the same time had visions of her own she saw herself somewhere beautiful surrounded by a beautiful valley with waterfalls and rivers, lush green grass and animals of all kinds and they looked to her for protection and she felt as much love as anyone can feel she knew this was her sacred place, her forever home.

The visions had begun to fade and the smoke started to clear, a gentle breeze had blown through the hut Red Rapture and Eden had noticed their grandfather had passed on but he had left them with something wonderful, a beautiful gift no one else could have given them a bright outlook on the future.

The Shepherd

 He watches over the herd while they graze from sunup to sundown  and over the barn as they sleep.

His name was Chaz.  He belonged to an elderly boarder and they clearly had a bond.  I wish I could tell you more about them as team but I wasn't around for their younger years.  What I do know was that the horse was smoother than butter and he did everything his person asked of him.  

I remember one day, as I was grabbing the horses from the field, I left the gate  just wide enough for me to squeeze  through (or so I thought) as I was haltering  the "Big Boys. I've been dng it that way for a few years incase I needed to escape for safety reasons. I turned around and Chaz had squeezed out!

FREEDOM!!

The old man took off around the property, flaxen mane and tail  whipping in the wind behind him, flashy white legs in a blur.  Boy could he still run for his age. Then, just as quick as it had all  started, he turned himself in. 

I wish I could have heard you from a few properties over. 

Your thrashing and pawing would have for sure woken me up.

Anyone arriving at the barn that morning was already too late.

I watched as your chestnut coat and flaxen hair faded and

your flashy whites dulled.

But what makes me cry the hardest was watching

your bright blue eyes lose all life and color as they

turned grey and glazed over.  

 There is a cross made from your beautiful tail hanging above your stall. It has been there ever since.

Love: The Magic Yellow Bucket Lady

For Thelma the Unicorn...

Once upon a time

in a farmer's field so green

lived an Appaloosa mare

who wanted to be seen.

"I'm not special!" she cried out,

feeling ever-so forelorn

"I think what will make me famous

is to become a unicorn!"

Her best friends were confused,

they liked her quite a lot.

They thought her perfect as she was

but she assured them, "I'm not!"

Of course an Appaloosa

can't just grow a horn

no matter how hard she tries

she can't just become a unicorn.

Thelma had a plan though,

she would just use a carrot

if she couldn't grow one herself

she would just have to wear it!

She took a piece of string

and tied it to her head

looked at herself in a puddle,

"I'm perfect now!" she said.

Just as she was turning,

a truck it did drive by

"Oh wow, is that a unicorn??"

the driver rubbed his eyes.

With just one shot of Thelma

a star with a horn was born

her fans would scream and shout her name

"There's Thelma the Unicorn!"

Thelma was now a superstar

Her dreams, they all came true

But soon she found that so much fame

was kind of tricky too.

Thelma's fans, they loved her,

They'd yell and cry and laugh

They'd chase her to the ends of the earth

Just to get her autograph.

Finally, Thelma had had enough

"Please stop!" she begged the crowds.

"Absolutely not!" they said,

"You're famous, so we're allowed!"

Our Thelma, she couldn't take it,

and an idea did come to her.

"What if," she thought, "I took it off"

Went back to amateur.

The crowds no longer chased her,

without that tied-on horn.

They had no reason to, really.

There was no unicorn.

Back she went, did ol' Thelma

to the field and her friends and the trees,

"How was it?" they asked.

"Fine, but now I'm ME!"

"He stomps the ground with fierce and might as he patrols his territory."

On a stormy day in February near the Tyrrhenian Sea, A handsome grey colt

stands up to take his first breath of the crisp air. Kaito cannot seem to locate his sire

or his dam but he knows deep down inside he was born to find his own way, just as

the driftwood on the nearby shore had done.  

After a brief pause he decides to go explore. The cool sand feels like heaven

on his hooves as he walks along the beach. His ears flicker  when he hears the

sound of the gulls  flying nearby but he doesn't falter in his pace. Along the way he

comes across a scent smelling sweet and aromatic causing his nostrils to flare. He is

very curious as to what it might be so he picks up a trot and begins following the

scent.

The smell went on for quite a while along the beach before finally veering up

And over a sand dune. It was quite the task on this colts young legs but he finally

manages to climb over the crest of the dune to see what had peaked his interest so much.

There in a valley below was a field of grass and in the middle stood a beautiful grey

filly. Kaito politely nickered a "hello" to the filly. With that the filly looked at him and it

Was love at first sight. She neighed to him to come see her. And so he started on his way

Down the dune to the valley below.

                Suddenly disaster strikes as the sand gives way under his hooves and he tumbles down the hill landing with a thud at the bottom! The filly sees this and comes galloping over to see if her new found friend was alright.

                Kaito lay motionless as the filly approached and she feared the worst.  "Phhhhd" she

Said. Nothing from the colt. "Snort" she says. Kaito lay still. "Clip Clop" she paws the ground

Beside his motionless body. Kaito remains still. "It's hopeless she thinks as she lay down beside him resting her cheek on his left shoulder.

               As she lay there she thinks on how she had came so close to the colt of her dreams and how he was taken from her before she could even tell him her name. A tear rolls down her cheek landing on his shoulder, as she gets up to walk away.

Kaito's shoulder begins to sparkle where her tear had fallen and his eyes begin to flutter. The filly turns to look at him one last time and much to her surprise he begins to sprout marvelous silver wings from his back. "Stupendous" she neighs as she watches the beautiful

colt stand up.  

                With a flutter of his wings he says thank you for being there for me. My name is Kaito of soaring and the sea. To which she replies it is the least I could do. My name is Ushio of tides and opportunity.

And so with that Kaito and Ushio are united and spend the rest of their days in that seaside meadow together.

                                                                                               The End

When the earth was still young, and creatures like dragons and unicorns still existed, it was blessed by the birth of a pure, young foal named Morganna. The kingdom was ensnared by her restless, yet innocent young spirit, and  and its love for her only grew as she did.

At five years old, Morganna was queen of the forest realm, keeping the ecosystem in balance. She was kind and merciful to those who worshipped her and fierce and coarse to those who opposed her. More than once, a usurpation was attempted by those who disagreed with her ruling methods, but they were quickly thwarted and imprisoned.

When Morganna turned seven, she was approached by a handsome young stallion who looked to court her. She was hesitant at first, but the more time she spent with him, the softer her heart became towards him as he charmed his way into it. Needless to say, she fell in love with him.

But he did not feel the same about her, despite his professions of love. After two years, the stallion fell in love with a younger, more beautiful mare and together, they ran Morganna, heartbroken and enraged, out of her kingdom and assumed the throne. She was left to wander alone, and in the years that passed, she grew colder and angrier. Her heart became ice within her chest and all of the animals of the forest fled in fear of her.

The stallion and his young queen ruled Morganna’s forest kingdom with fear, and soon, the forest began to decay, for Morganna had brought love and kindness to the realm. The trees turned black, the deer and bears and wolves and small animals moved on to greener forests, and the forest was left to die. Within the blackened trees, Morganna stayed, waiting for unsuspecting intruders to lure into the forest’s depths, using her beauty to bring them to their untimely deaths.

Even though her soul had turned evil, Morganna only grew more beautiful as she aged, and as her beauty grew, so did the number of her victims. Once under her spell, Morganna’s victims became the forest; when they died, their bodies eked into the ground and gave new life to the trees and plants and flowers within. In months, the forest became full of life again, and the missing strangers from the nearby town were never found. No one was able to make the connection between their disappearances and the sudden revival of the forest.

As for the stallion, despite his love for his young queen, his soul was doomed after what he’d done to Morganna. And as her power grew, his health waned, until he was as weak as a newborn foal and frail as a thirty-year-old horse. His young queen, confused and disgusted by his sudden change, abandoned him and fled the kingdom to return home. The stallion was left alone, for his servants and subjects abandoned him, too. His rule was harsh and unfair, and they were sick of taking orders from him. So the stallion was left to waste away, alone, and within the forest, Morganna ruled, also alone.

When the stallion passed away, Morganna felt it, and despite the heartbreak he’d caused her, she still cried for him. When she wailed, the earth shook, and the kingdom came to ruin, leaving broken towers and debris in its wake.

When she turned thirty years old, Morganna passed away and her soul left her body in a cloud of stars. The stars restored balance to the forest and cleared the old debris from the ruined kingdom before sailing upwards towards the sky. The stars became a constellation, and it can still be seen in the summertime to this day.

ku'uipo

It was another humid day in May in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The animal shelter was over crowded with animals, like always. Multiple dogs shoved into a kennel. It was loud, hot and very depressing. All these animals either left at the shelter for being unwanted or a stray that couldn't catch a good break. The shelter staff tried as hard as they could to help these animals find a loving home. Being on an island, the rescources and man power to do so is very limited.

One young dog sat in the far corner, sharing it with 4 other dogs. She was scared and very confused. This was the 2nd time she was brought back to the shelter. Being born here, then being returned 10 months later as a surrender, another tried to take her but sadly returned her 2 weeks later. The odds were not in her favor. She just wanted to be loved and love someone in return. Her big brown eyes so hopeful as each person that strolled through the kennel. None even stopped at hers. Maybe it was because it was so loud? Maybe it was because she was an owner surrender. No one knows why. 

As the humid day reached the highest peak, 2 females entered the back Kennel. Both of them stopped and looked at her. Ignoring the loud barks, the youngest called her over. Her voice sweet and tender, coaxing the scared pup. Slowly she walked up the kennel door and began to lick the persons hand. At that moment, she knew this was her human. The young girl spoke to her mother, then her mother walked away. After what seemed to be eternity to the pup, the mother returned with a kennel employee. The lady opened the kennel and snatched up the young pup and closed it behind her. It seemed as if the world fell silent as they headed towards the front. The young girl entered a room and sat on a chair next to her mother. The staff then placed the pup on the ground. Pure excitement overcame her body and she ran to them. Jumping into their laps and covering them in sweet puppy kisses. The young girl hugged and loved on her. Calling her a pretty babygirl, she was the sweetest. The shelter called her "Bella", but that did not suit her. A song played over the radio called "Ku'uipo", the song played and the young girl sang it to her. The young pup looked her in the eyes and thats when they both knew that was her name. "Ku'uipo" which means sweetheart in the Hawaiian language was oh so fitting for such a sweet little angel. Finally, the all left the kennel and carried the pup to the front to do the formal paperwork. A new collar was placed upon her neck and a tag. That freedom walk felt so amazing. A young girl had a new best friend, and a pup found a forever home.

As the years went by, that human girl has always put Ku'uipo first. Never even entertaining the idea of giving her up. Moving overseas, moving states and homes. She always managed to keep her with her. She has given up a few meals to be able to feed her. Has given only the best food, sought out the best medical care when needed. Never settling for less. This dog has become more than a pet, she has been her rock of sanity. She has given her love when she has felt alone. Has postponed trips to be with her, left men who disliked her or weren't willing to share her attention with Ku'uipo. 

Ku'uipo is my heart dog. And I want nothing more than to provide her with an amazing life.

Regina: Queen Bee

It had been ten long years since Regina had been anywhere near North Shore High School. They say that things (and people) change, but the school sure had not and neither had she. Once a queen bee, always a queen bee.

Though she hadn't kept in touch with Karen, Gretchen, or Cady, she was excited to see if they would show up and to know what they'd been up to. Kind of like those ''Where Are They Now?'' articles about washed up celebrities. She barely thought of her ex-boyfriend, Aaron, though. Been there, done that.

A former teacher at the check-in table recognized her immediately and let her into the school's gym. There were tables and chairs scattered around, as well as a makeshift stage for the DJ currently blasting the latest hit music through the speakers. Scanning the room, she noticed no one she cared to speak to - though everyone's eyes were on her - so she made a beeline for the cocktail bar, chin up and heels clicking.

There were three women already sitting there, but she only saw their backs. Regina helped herself to some punch. As she lifted the ladle, she listened to the not-so-whispered conversation next to her. ''...hope she doesn't show up... I still hate her...''

It was almost certain they were talking about her. In fact, that red shade of hair looked familiar...

''Oh em gee, is that Cady?'' Their vile little heads spun around in unison. ''Gretchen! Karen! So good to see you!'' Her smile was so fake, it hurt her face. They smiled back uncomfortably. Caught in the act and they were gonna pay for it.

Though Cady's hair hadn't changed, her current sense of fashion had deteriorated back to pre-Plastic times. Karen had gained at least 20 pounds, but at least she maintained proper attire. Gretchen was, well, Gretchen.

''I see the Plastics never truly disbanded. Still petty, too. I expected better, to be honest.''

Suddenly, she didn't care anymore about what these girls might've been up to all these years. She shrugged and waved goodbye. Behind them, she had spotted a former lacrosse teammate: Kristen Hadley. Though their short friendship started off rough, they became an athletic force to be reckoned with.

''Kristen, hey! How've you been?'' Regina asked. Kristen had sat alone at a table and looked like she wanted to be anywhere but there. She seemed to perk up a little when she saw her old teammate.

''Hey Regina! I've been good. Looks like you ran into your ex-minions,'' Kristen pointed over to Karen, Gretchen, and Cady, still standing at the bar and occasionally glancing in Regina's direction.

She shrugged. ''Yeah, they still hate me, but I'm over it. It was like ten years ago, move on already!''

The reunion ended up being a bore. Kristen and Regina stuck around for a while, catching up on the last decade, but they ended up ditching the party and catching a movie. Overall, the evening had gone well. She didn't pick a fight - though she was proud to shut down the Plastics - and she got to catch up with an old friend. Maybe she had changed after all, even just a little bit.

Mauna A' Wakea

Mauna A' Wakea stood peacefully at the sumbit of the mountain, located on the island of Hawaii. Staring down on the island, watching over those who reside on it. How he loved this island. He protected it with all that he had. For many many years he faught, refusing to let any harm come to those that he protects. The island is the only home he has known, he was their protector and guardian. Without him there, who knows what harm could come to all that he loves.

There were many times so many threatend him, and the only home he was ever had. How he defended them so feircely, every battle such a close call. At the very last second, they have bowed out and moved on. He refuses to give up. With every ounce of energy he has, he will fight all that challenge him. Though many slip through and cause alittle trouble, they never stay long. He catches on quickly and takes care of them as needed. 

The storms that roll through can be brutal, but so many rely on the rain. Parts of the island are parched, thirsty for every drop that falls. Many others rely on the wind to power things. The island has many different types of ecosystems that rely on a vast variety of things that mother nature provides. Mauna A' Wakea tries to assure that none on his island go without. It may seem like a dry spell at times, but that only means a bigger blessing to be given to those that tend the lands. The island is always full of fruit and vegetables. The animals never go hungry for the abundance of greens that grow. The thick brush and lack of predetors provide a thriving enviorment to those that call this island home. 

That doesn't speak for the ocean that lay surrounding the island. He has witnessed dark creatures taking the lives of his children. He is unable to stop them, the God that controls the ocean is not so loving and forgiving as he is. He has attempted but has only seen the wrath of the God. Tsuanami's have hit the islands shoreline, along with minor flooding the the coastal regions. He hasn't given up, but he needs to figure out a better approach to the scenario. The loss of his children is not something he is willing to risk in order to achive peace.

His beloved lady sits high on the Mountains of the island of Maui. At the end of each day he calls out to her, his voice carries along the windward breeze to travel to reach her beautiful ears. A song of his love, reminding her daily that even though a wild ocean channel seperates them. He will never ever stop loving her. She is as beautiful as the Hawaiian sunsets, voice of a nightengale. 

The islanders look up at the mountain and see a sacred mountain. A temple for the people to praise and respect. Knwoing a loving and caring divine power watches over all of them. Singing nothing but high praise, thankful to have such a wonderful guardian. They are truely blessed. And in return do anything in their power to protect him. Many have turned their back to him but the others refuse to let them disrespect such a high noble king. Where he hides ontop of his mountain, he refuses to be treated like royalty like many kings before. Or others gods who let the power go to his head. He sees it as his job to protect his people, they owe nothing to him. He was taught to do things right, do right in this world. And only good will come from it. Bad things happen, but the blessings that follow will be in abundance. 

It was an unseasonably cold April morning.

Storm stood on a bluff, the early trails of morning light awakening before her. The ground was icy from the night’s sudden snowfall. Storm shook her shaggy winter coat and her clear blue eyes gazed at the horizon with expectation, as if she knew exactly what three weeks of holding Standing Rock was leading to. She exhaled softly and her warm breath froze as it touched the biting air.

All night, Sitting Bull and his men had waited in the camp with bated breath. Quiet murmurs ebbed and flowed throughout the camp, as if ordinary conversation could dampen the animal fear that had crept into their bones along with the evening chill. The camp was a litter of tired tents, pitched hurriedly weeks ago, wilting under the weight of spring’s fickle rain and sun and last night’s snow. 

By dusk, the camp had fallen silent, the air thick with anticipation, filled with solemnity as the warriors prepared to meet their fates. 

Storm all but glowed as the first rays crept up. Her blue roan coat flushed black in one moment, shined silver in the next, reflected cerulean blue in another. 

Sitting Bull approached his loyal mare and bowed his head to hers. She closed her eyes as he began to vocalize to her, humming and chanting their shared ritual song - Sitting Bull and Storm’s - in Lakota. 

Sitting Bull had picked out Storm in a herd of yearlings nearly ten years ago. She wasn’t the tallest, or the fastest or even the cleverest. She was the most frightened. And yet despite her fear - or because of it - Sitting Bull was drawn to her like the tide to the moon. Fear gripped the overwhelmed young filly, but even as he saw fear in her eyes, he saw the fight in them too. He saw the way she planted her feet, skinny knees knocking, as crying colts swirled around her - but she wasn’t running away. She stood her ground in the middle of the chaos and in doing so, Sitting Bull saw the future of a true warrior. This young filly wasn’t giving in to her instinct to run, nor was she numbing herself from the fear. She was fearful and she was facing fear.

Sitting Bull weaved his way through flying hoofs to meet the quaking little blue roan filly. He found her eyes. The fear in her eyes touched something deep inside him, long hidden away - his own fear. In an instant, they understood each other deeply. She saw a brave young warrior who opened his heart to her. He saw the bravery beneath her fear. 

They were bonded forever in that moment. She would always be his Blue and Black, his Domain of Storms, his Storm girl, standing in the eye of the hurricane. 

Ten years and countless battles later, Sitting Bull hummed what would be his final song to his beloved Domain of Storms. He didn’t know what the future would hold for him. Neither did she. But both would ride into battle with the courage and grace of seasoned warriors who have not conquered fear, but persist in spite of it. 

Kallisto

Its gif form, so be patient and read!

The Persistence of Memory:

Long before the time when humans first walked Earth, there existed magical beings in all shapes and sizes both with and without physical forms. These beings were capable of incredible magic and used their powers to help other creatures alive at the time.

One group of these beings was especially powerful; they learned how to harness and utilize the power of nature to influence the weather, heal the sick and injured among them, make predictions about the weather, and create items to be used by others for their benefit. Over the course of generations, they gained the abilities to change their form to mimic that of other creatures at will, and they even learned how to manipulate time itself.

As the years elapsed, members of this special group took on physical forms that suited their needs. Some became eagles, others became wolves, bears, and horses to name a few. For those that were more timid or shy, they often became incredibly tall mountains, great trees, and powerful rivers. Despite the wide variety of their forms they all selected a special charm that could be carried with them to hold their powers and spells; most elected a gemstone for this purpose. Regardless of shape, each and every magical being worked for the good of all living creatures on the planet.

Millions of years later when the first humans arrived, these beings observed from afar to become familiar with the new creatures and their habits. These human like beings, later to be known as Homo habilis, had a few special members who were chosen by the magical beings to interact with. Seeing their struggle to survive in a difficult landscape, the magical beings gifted them with the knowledge of tool making and use. When satisfied that the human like creatures were adequately proficient with tools, the magical beings returned to the spirit realm and took up the role as observers from afar; but always ready to return should their expertise be needed.

Many generations later, these guides recognized special abilities in a select few of the Homo erectus species that came along. For them, the unique individuals selected were gifted with the knowledge of tool making and use along with another incredible gift. To help ensure their survival, the magical beings decided to share the most basic rituals with the human like creatures and gifted them with the ability to create and use Fire. These gifts were shared with other members of the human like creatures and the magical beings were elated. When the human like creatures had learned all they could, the magical spirits resumed their roles from afar yet again.

The Cro-Magnons were in fact the first of the humanoids to be able to interact with the magical beings on a more complex and intricate level. With them, the magical beings could share all the information they had gifted to the previous incarnations of the creatures that would give rise to modern day humans in addition to setting the foundation for modern day language for them. In the long run, it would lead to even better communication between the creatures and the magical beings.

Eons went by and Homo-sapiens took up their place as the dominant human species. Through more generations of evolution, they diversified further and further and humans who could use magic were found among all groups.

In North America, the Shaman of the Native American Tribes were the choice of the magical beings to interact with. The choice was a simple one as the sole purpose of a Shaman is to communicate with the magical beings so that they may explore all aspects of what is now known as Tribal Magic.

The magical beings that interacted with a Shaman eventually, and collectively, took up the name of Spirit Guides. Working together, the Spirit Guides shared their knowledge with the Shaman of their choosing. This collective knowledge of rituals, ceremonies, and magic was passed down over time. Shaman thus gained the ability through their Spirit Guide to use rituals and ceremonies to draw from the powers that exist in nature and direct it to create magic.

One particular Spirit Guide was extremely talented in all areas of magic. Recognizing his power, he decided to use it for the ultimate good and benefit of his chosen.

He observed that the People were particularly fond of horses, so he chose to become a stunning brown and white Paint stallion to speed acceptance among them. He came to the first tribe just after a snowstorm had blanketed the world in white. As he predicted, the tribe welcomed him with open arms and cared for him well. Over the course of a few weeks, he observed the People of the tribe and paid close attention to their Shaman.   

He realized that the tribe’s Shaman was particularly talented and connected to nature, hence he was an exceptional match for the Spirit Stallion. As a final test to prove to himself that the Shaman was worthy of him, when the Stallion had the Shaman’s attention one morning, he acted lame on the limb where he carried his magical turquoise stone.

The Shaman was concerned, investigated for the cause of the lameness, and once found, quickly removed the stone from his hoof; something no Shaman before this one had ever managed to do. When separated from the Stallion, the stone revealed its true colors and began to glow in the young Shaman’s hands. He reverently cleaned the mud off of the stone and observed it carefully.

Recognizing that the stone has extraordinary powers of its own, to not only remain so flawless all this time, but also to have the ability to glow, the Shaman carefully strung it on a leather cord and placed it around the stallion’s neck. This pleased the Stallion immensely and completed their bond while further increasing the Stallion’s powers.

Over the next few years, the two would work together closely, and on a daily basis, to further understand nature and its magic. They completed rituals and ceremonies for their tribe and for those of their allies. Their talents became well known and sought after, and tales of their accomplishments passed into legends for adults and bed-time stories for children.

Eventually, through the good deeds that both the Shaman and the Spirit Stallion completed over the course of their time together, the Stallion was granted the ancient but so far dormant ability of his ancestors to manipulate time itself. The second gift that accompanied the new ability was that he felt an incessant pull the from distant lands that needed his assistance; he instinctively knew where he was needed most and with the help of the turquoise stone, he could arrive at the precise location.

Due to his new talents of forming time to his will and knowing where he was needed most, he was able to exist in several places on the Earth at the same relative time. He was therefore also able to work with multiple Shaman at the same time and continue to positively influence the lives of many tribes in North America.

When summoned, he would venture to a large body of water and call forth an impressive rainstorm for cover. Completing the ritual of storm summoning, the turquoise gemstone would glow and direct him through time to be where his assistance was most needed.

Numerous tribes over the years were graced with his presence and teachings. He was always thought of as a trusted advisor, mentor, and guide. His extensive memory of the past helped prevent history from repeating itself. His knowledge of magic helped heal the sick and wounded. And, his ability to predict and even influence the weather helped his tribes avoid numerous disasters.

He came to be well known by not just his abilities, but also by his colors; white, brown, and many shades of blue. To this day, the White of his coat represents purity and both snow and winter for the season and winter storm when he first appeared to the People. The Brown of his coat represents the earth in his hoof at the first meeting and for his animal form. And finally, Blue for water and the magical turquoise stone in his hoof.

His work endeared him to thousands of the People and them to him as well; so much so that he remained in physical form longer than any other Spirit Guide ever had without even realizing it. The consequence came one day when he decided it was an appropriate time to return to the Spirit realm to be with his friends and family once more; he found out he was unable to cross back over and was therefore permanently trapped in the realm of the living. Until he can return to the Spirit Realm, he will continue to do what he can for the select few who are able to use magic.

To this day, he can be seen roaming the shores of the West Coast on overcast and rainy days persistently looking for the rift in between the two realms of this existence and the spirit world that will allow him to return home. His persistent attempts to return home would later become a legend among the People. That legend has inspired many paintings and works of art since it was first told.   

Until he can find a way to return to the world of Spirits, he will have to rely on the memory of his friends and family to keep him company and get him through.

Hence the People now refer to him simply as, the Persistence of Memory.  

Mean Girls according to Aaron Samuels

It all started the first week of school in Norbury’s Calculus class. As usual, I had forgotten my pencil, so I turned to the girl behind me, some junior I didn’t recognize with red hair, and asked her if she has a pencil. She looked at me with a blank look, so I gave her a half-smile, which seemed to jog her out of wherever she was, because she handed me the pencil out of her hand. I turned back around, then heard her mumble “so cute”. No idea what that was about. Either way, Norbury called on her for an answer to some crazy math review problem, and she spit it out like it was nothing. She must be some math genius or something.

The next day, I saw her while at soccer practice. She smiled at me, so I said hey. She gave me a very enthusiastic wave, before hopping into a car with my witch of an ex, Regina, who thinks her poop don’t stink. Too bad I knew she was the epitome of evil. She did cheat on me with Shane Oman last year. Too bad, that chick from my Calculus class is pretty hot.

A few weeks later, I asked her what day it was. Apparently it was October 3^rd. A week later, I commented on the weather. It was pouring rain after all. A week after that, she asked me for help with factorials. I explained all about summations and she thanked me. Then I invited her to Chris’ Halloween party. The party would be sweet, even better if she came. I made a point of telling her not to bring some other guy and she invented the word “gruel”. Strange, but again, she was hot.

At the party, it took me a few to find her. Apparently she missed the dress code memo, because she showed up in some weird white dress get-up and not the usual minimal-clothing attire all of the other girls had. Thought she was a zombie bride, but she proudly told me through her fake teeth that she was an “ex-wife”. Pretty brilliant, really. I went to go get us drinks and had Regina stop me. I managed to insult her costume and how she looking like herself, not the playboy bunny she was supposed to be. She told me Cady was in love with me to stalkerish proportions which was super weird, before grabbing me and shoving her tongue down my throat. She broke up with me, but apparently still wanted me. Ah well, at least she’s hot. Wouldn’t trust her, but she’s hot. -shrug- I guess we’re together again.

It was weird. Once I was back together with Regina, it was like she was trying to dangle me over Cady and make her jealous. First, she made Cady tell me my hair looks better pushed back. Which everyone knows it doesn’t. Then, making out with her, her face smelled like peppermint. And she cut holes in her shirts to show her bra underneath. Maybe Regina was suffering some sort of mental breakdown.

Or maybe it was Cady. Suddenly she was failing Calc, after being crazy smart at it before. I offered to tutor her, and she came over to my place to study. We accidentally kissed, and when I put a stop to it to be a good guy for Regina, she blurted out that Regina was cheating on me AGAIN with that jerk Shane Oman. Needless to say I dumped her.

Cady invited me to a party she was hosting, promising that Regina would not be there. I was in a bit of a funk after Regina, so I went. At the party, I was looking for her and couldn’t find her at her own party anywhere at first. Finally, I stumbled on her room right as she was stumbling out of the bathroom. She sat me down on her bed, tried to make a move on me, but it was like talking to a red-headed Regina. I was not having any of it, and then can you believe it? She barfed RIGHT in my lap! EW. Needless to say I was out of there! SO over the Plastics.

Fast forward to the end of the year. At the Spring Fling Dance us seniors hosted, Cady surprisingly was elected Queen over Regina. I’m not sure what changed, but suddenly she gave this impressive speech fit for a Queen, about treating each other better, and, get this, broke her crown into pieces and tossed it into the crowd.

Maybe she wasn’t so Plastic after all…

Twist of Fate 

Born to a simple yet happy family barn, in the rural countryside of a lush and prosperous kingdom, Twist of Fate was born on a blustery afternoon in late winter. Twist of Fate, fondly known as Twist, was even upon birth a twisted strand on the silk cord that is fate! The veterinarian who sees to the horses in the local area said the mare was expecting a filly but the foal was born a colt!  

Twist of Fate grew up running alongside both his parents until when he reached three years he began his under-saddle training to be able to follow his bloodlines tradition of being show horses. He played when it came to the bridle until his sire nipped him and he listened to the human who was teaching him. He bucked and reared snorting like a wild pony when the saddle blanket was placed upon him the first time with the surcingle that would get him used to the feel of a girth strap on the saddle. He bolted when the saddle was placed upon him until the humans left it on him all day and night to teach him it was nothing to fear. He learned how to bear all this and a rider with a few bumps in the road.  

Two years have passed with his sire and dam winning blues and reds occasionally a white or yellow ribbon while Twist of Fate meanwhile is solidly in places but never a ribbon just always a fraction too little to get even the white fourth place ribbons. Twist knows that now the old matriarch has passed away due to pneumonia during the last wet season, he had dearly loved the old crone as she'd bring him his favorite treats. The family needed winnings to keep the farm afloat but they were barely making ends meet now and the coming shows would be the make or break point his sire told him after the father of the family had talked to the stallion while he groomed or rode him. 

Today is his fifth year and no one yet realizes that once again he is going to live up to his name of Twist of Fate.  

Tossing his elegant seal brown head, eyes flashing from high spirits and the reflection of the brightly lit show ring he watched as his sire swept around the ring to the sound of cheers! His dam had been in the ring a few hours earlier and won best senior mare.  Finally, it was his and the youngest human's turn! They entered a jumping class this time and after bowing to the judges began the routine of trying to win. Twist and the rider went well until the middle of the course when the rider tried to go one way but Twist tried to go the other way! Both knew they were right and so in the end they were disqualified after they finished their tumultuous jumping ride. The young human sulked after they exited the ring and went back to paddock the family was using during their stay at the event. Twist sulked in his own way as well because he knew he had been right since the mother had walked the course with him to make sure he knew how long of strides and number of them to properly finish the course while the young human had been not paying attention at all.   

Unknown to them while they fought on the course a member of the royal family watched on. Liking the spirit that Twist had shown they made discreet inquiries into the family of the seal brown stallion and after finding out where they were they proceeded to go see them after the shows ending for the day. A few hours later while Twist grazed in the paddock and the father figure of the humans came out talking with another one who was dressed like a well-bred human was. Curious since he caught words like foreclosure and sorry as well as the father asking for more time he moved closer to better hear.   

It was at this time the Prince found them and sighing as he heard the banker he approached and after introductions being made he proposed an offer on Twist of Fate that would not only save the family but set them up for a few more years! The banker sputtered and made a fuss as secretly he had already sold the land! The family agreed to the Prince's offer and so Twist of Fate was sold to a new home and a new life. He had twisted fate once more and saved his family both human and animal. 

Now at seven years he has spent two years among the royal stables and remains the second prince's horse. He has gone from a dismal show horse who never won ribbons to a steeplechase race horse who seldom loses! They still go visit his family as the Prince had fallen for the eldest daughter of the couple and now often rode Twist of Fate to see her. 

Who knows what else will befall this young stallion who is a Twist of Fate in the silken strand that binds us together!

Once A Legend

"Gramps, tell me the story!" 

The old man looked down at his granddaughter, blue eyes crinkling at the corners as he broke into a slow smile, "and what story would that be?" He asked, although he already knew. 

The dramatic sigh and eye roll from the little brunette girl only widened his grin as his eyes traveled up from her face and swept over the vibrant grass as he looked toward the ring. From their vantage point on the top of the hill, and his front porch, he could see his daughter cantering a sleek Thoroughbred down the quarter line toward a brightly colored oxer. 

"Gramps," his granddaughter said, the whining tone breaking him out of his mental critique. 

"Oh, that story," he said as if he hadn't already known. As she'd done since she was finally old enough to be enthralled by the magic of how Legends Hill Farm had come to be, she was asking to hear the story all over again. Though Leggy was old, well past her prime, and no longer stepped with the same spring she'd carried in her younger years, the chestnut mare captivated Julie's attention like no other horse could. 

Not that he could blame his granddaughter for her obsession. Leggy, or Once A Legend, was something special. Even in her old age there was that spark in her eyes and she still managed to carry a sense of being royalty in the way she walked on the way out to her pasture. Every now and then the old mare would break into a trot and he was transported back to her show days. Though her dam, Something Legendary, had been in a league of her own, her daughter had managed to surpass her. He never would have thought it could have been done if he hadn't witnessed it with his own eyes. 

"Well, it all started the day she was born," he began, allowing himself to be swept away by the memories. The dark and dingy barn they'd been leasing at the time, hovering around the stall door with their vet, Miles, and his daughter Carol. The three of them anxiously watching the bright chestnut mare as she groaned, rolling down into the bed of straw.... 

It seemed like hours had gone by when Carol spoke, "is she okay?" Legendary, as usual, seemed to sense the uncertainty in her abilities and set out to prove the three-people hovering in the dark wrong. Groaning again, as she pushed. Finally, the hooves and a little nose appearing. Another grunt and finally the body of a leggy, but entirely perfect, foal slid out into the straw. The chestnut mare took a moment to breathe as the group stood in awe of the miracle of birth. Dr. Miles was the first to move and slid into the stall to check the little baby over and ensure her airways were clear. Legendary pinned her ears and snaked her neck out toward him even from her position in the straw. 

"Oh, stop it, I'm just here to check on your baby," the kind doctor said as he knelt beside the little body. Carol and her father watched, both eager to go meet their hopeful star but waiting until they were told it was okay. "We got a little filly," Dr. Miles called softly over his shoulder, Legendary, finally having enough of the good doctor, stood up quickly, backing him off as she moved to inspect her little bundle of power. The doctor moved back to the door and again the three humans fell into a comfortable silence as they watched Legendary with her little filly. "Got a name?" Jon asked his daughter, glancing down. 

"Well... she's already a legend to us, right? Once a legend, always a legend...." Carol grinned. 

Three years later the little filly, still a legend to her owners, had begun training. Making quick work of everything she was taught but also anyone who sat on her. Feisty hardly described her, haughty certainly began to scratch the surface. The mare lived up to her name, Once A Legend, as if she knew she was always going to be a legend... even if it was just to the people that loved her. Carol, who had been riding for most of her life, improved in leaps and bounds and as time went on found herself more and more bonded to the mare who seemed set on humbling her at every turn. It would be another seven years before the rest of the world came to agree that Leggy was more than average. 

The mare was a challenge. Quick to stop at a fence when she didn't think she was been ridden correctly, eager to take off over cross-country, and her favorite trick in the dressage ring was an ill-timed spook or buck directly in front of the judge. But Carol never quit. The young woman worked hard, finding herself in the tack six days a week, and at least twice a month on her back, fighting the urge to abandon hope and pass the reins to someone, anyone, else. The years passed by, months and days ticking by as they trained. Shows coming and going with their success becoming more and more frequent. Carol found herself settling into a sense of being at home on the opinionated mare, and Leggy gave more and more to Carol with the passage of time. 

Finally, the day came. Their grand debut, their moment of truth, their final step into the unknown. Leggy had never been better, Carol had never felt more like throwing up. She'd thought the worst it could get was the day she mailed off her entry for the Kentucky Three-Day Event, but she had been wrong. The worst it got, certainly, was the moment she set her sights on the Dressage ring and collected the muscular mare to trot her down center line. Everything coming by the pure magic of muscle memory as she tried, desperately, to ignore the crowded stands and the fact that the wind was kicking up. "This is our time Leg, we've got to show them what I already know," she murmured, the mare flicking one ear back toward her rider, "you're a legend. Just like your mama. No Warmblood can compare." 

The pair trotted into the dressage ring, halting square at X with a fierce presence. Though all the previous horses, and those that would come after them, had been wired for sound Leggy seemed to hold another quality about her. Demanding the attention of her audience as she had commanded absolute perfection from her rider all those years. Gleaming in the bright sun, her tail held out high into the wind as they performed their dance, there was silence from the crowd around them. It could have simply been from respect, and Carol would have been content to believe that had there not been such an eruption when they finally halted and saluted on the final requirement for their test. With it all, the woman suddenly felt her confidence soaring higher than ever. Mentally, and emotionally, ready for the next two days of the event. 

"But they didn't win, did they?" 

The voice broke Jon from his spell and he slid back into the present day. "No," he sighed with a gentle smile. "Unfortunately, they only came in fifth." Julie looked as if she'd been hoping that this time the story would change. "But your mama and that mare placed the highest out of all the other Thoroughbreds, and there weren't that many that year, it made her career, helped us buy this farm, and, on top of all that... Leggy carried your mama right up into the highest placing of any first timer that year. A fifth place on her first four star? Unheard of. Leggy did that. Your mom has always said she was so dazed during the Dressage that if that mare hadn't done her job the way she did... they'd have just been disqualified. She's been a legend since the moment she was born and she's proved it time and time again. Once a legend, always a legend."

Rex's Last Fight

"Where's the kaboom? There was supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom, Marvin the Martian Malamute exclaimed."

It was the year 2018  in Phenomenaville and Rexy was just finishing his NASC (National Aeronautics and Space Canines) Training in the mechanics of fetch of the space balls them dudes at NASA threw. Marvin the Martian Malamute had also just finished his training in the art of Intergalactic snausage seeking on the planet of Puppitar.

Well one day Marvin was monitoring the ham bone radio and a broadcast came in…  Dit Dot Dit Beep Bippity Boop This is the U.s.s. Balto…. Snap Crackle Pop "I repeat this is the U.s.s. Balto, And we've got issues! A giant snausage of the bacon and cheddar kind has broken away from our tow rope and is headed straight for Earth"! With that Marvin knew he was truly done school and must get to work. Off in his space ship the U.s.s. Ruff N' Stuff he flew to worlds unknown...    

*Meanwhile with the Earth hovering around him Rexy was out looking for the elusive tasmanian space ball Ki' Cker. From around the corner of Mars something catches Rexy's eye so he goes to investigate. There in the distance he sees what appears to be a giant snausage treat flying right in his direction. "OH BOY"!  He exclaims, "This is gonna be a good day Rexy"!! As he licks his lips and wags his tail.

Marvin sees the snausage hook around behind mars and then sees this giant blue heeler with dinosaur teeth wagging his tail and drooling up a storm eyeballing up the snausage. Marvin thinks oh no you don't pupper thats Martian Malamute Meat snack right there! And with that tried to lasso the snausage with his doggy harness.

That was when Rexy decided he wasn't going to take none of this from that Martian Malamute, He may drive a wicked awesome space ship and all but Rexy had growth magic and that made him cooler!  So before Marvin could lasso the Snausage or it could hit the Earth and cause the next ice age Rexy sprung into action. He pulled his phaser out from beneath his collar and zapped the snausage with a mega burst of un-radioactive waves.

Finally when the snausage was sufficiently blackened Rexy lunged and grabbed it and bit half of it off and gobbled it down. "Where's the kaboom? There was supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom, Marvin exclaimed", "Heeeeeey! That's not fair I wanted some too", Said Marvin from his space ship. So Rexy decides to be nice and share the other half of the snausage with Marvin.

As the two eat up the last bits of snausage they can't help but think how earth dog and martian learned to get passed their differences and do things for the greater good, (Like the bacon and cheddar snausage kind of good)

                                                              The End

* This right here might not make sense to you avid reader but that's cool Rexy is actually like a magic dog who can be like super insanely massive and walk in space or use his earth like form and do earth dog things….