Blessed Curse .&.Open.&.

[BRONZE]

<sup>BRONZE. She was a diamond in the rough, one with plenty of burdens to bear, and visible imperfections that clearly marred her visage. She had no one but her, herself, and the little creatons that rested on her shoulders time and time again who whispered in her ears devious things. Of course there was the herd that she's recently joined,The Rahn'akke, but they were mere allies up to this point. They didn't know the extent of her character, for they had only scratched the surface. Bronze was no average, ordinary mare that lived to please others. She didn't bow and scrape after anyone. No, she was quite the contrary in fact. The inky black equine was one not to be tampered with, and she wouldn't hesitate to familiarize herself with another's internal organs at the drop of a hat. Her almond brown eyes held many things in their depths, one of those things being a fiery passion that was unrivaled by most. But in the darkness of the caves, the mare was nothing more than apparition.

At the current moment the Friesian lass blended in with the darkened labyrinth that was one of the few crowned jewels of this land. What she was doing was her own prerogative, and no one else seemed to care. The rest of the herd seemed to be tending to their needs, and she was no different. Bronze stood in one of the caves farther back, and she stood listening without saying a word. What was there to say? Her rounded ears rotated on her head, and the only noise came from her own heavy breathing. Bronze's nostrils flared with every inhale, and her glossy sides heaved in and out as well. The raven colored mistress was just thinking, breathing, and listening to the steady beat of her heart bump, bump, bump in her chest and the voices in her head. 'Listen and listen well, dear,' her mind hissed 'those others, they aren't like us. They must come together to be strong. But us, we are different, we are strong without them. Let no one dominate us, no one tame us, for there brings trouble when a master tames a wild beast. The beast becomes a subservient slave with no freedom and the desire for its carnal nature becomes unrelenting. We've been there, done that and our own blood turned its back on us for an accidental death. We were young, naïve, and this is our position because of it. Never, never ever will another hold claim to us,'</sup>[/color] Bronze thought. A slow nod was the only outward indication of her acceptance of her thoughts. An outsider might have wondered what she had nodded once for, but none were present for all that the mare could see. There might be others lurking in the darkness, though they hadn’t shown their faces yet. Bronze was certainly ok with that now though.

Speaking of the others, what came to mind then was who was really in charge of this herd. Sure the Rahn’akke were nothing more than a cluster of blood thirsty mongrels thrown together because of their similar….tastes, but someone had to be a source of guidance. It would be determined later Bronze guessed, but woe to those who tried to make her bow down to them. The mare rose up on her hind hooves with a defiant snort and let her chiseled fore hooves smash against the cave wall closest to her. A nerve wracking scraping noise reverberated loudly as the mare raked her hooves down the side of the cave. A guttural excuse for a laugh escaped Bronze’s lips before she began to move away from “her” spot. Believe it or not, that grating sound was pleasing to her ears. Bronze’s hooves returned to solid earth again and she almost slithered further in the caves. If horses could slither that is. Bronze would return later to this very place, for it seemed to fit her well. It was quiet, secluded, and spacious enough for the 15.3 hands mistress to navigate. For now though, the inky lady would explore her new home, for it could be called a blessing. Or maybe a blessed curse.

Notes.&. So...in case you haven't noticed, my mare is sort of a nutcase. Kinda like me. c:
Tags.&.---
Word Count.&. 700[/sup]

[RUMPELSTILTSKIN]

Lub Dub, Lub Dub, Lub Dub. The slow rhythmic pace of his heart, was like the hand of a clock, tick tock, tick tok. This was the only sound audible by his eardrums, because silence had come over the area in which he stood for all creatures in proximity grew silent when a predator drew near. A warning to others alerting them of the danger that lurked nearby, for the scent of blood came with his own cologne. It was caked to the front of his legs due to a crocodile encounter that became a bit hostile and left new hatchlings without a mother. Hooves once more began movement and the stallion traveled deeper in the caves of Rahn'akke, which had been the lands to welcome such a disturbed soul. The chestnut flesh was truly breathtaking, the color was rich and even with the numerous scars it still could be considered handsome. Large nostrils drug in oxygen deep into his lungs, while aromas of all sorts were sorted through in his nasal cavity. Ah, perfume was such a sweet scent, as it intoxicated the stallion for a moment or two. Then Rumpelstiltskin had determined as to which cave the perfume came from, and to that direction the fellow went. Rust hued eyes gazed forward to lay sight upon the lovely raven that fluttered about the cave, his hooves were ever so silent due to his gaited bloodline.

Appearing as if almost from the shadows the stallion did so, the exotic swan like neck thick much like a constrictor and the handsome dished skull that brought his look together. Muscles flexed and churned with each of his movements, and then he came to a halt when he had now placed his masculine frame in front of the cave entrance. The stallion obviously did not fear the mare, yet this did not mean that he underestimated her capabilities. Though a wicked chuckle escaped his jaws, as it echoed smoothly across the stoney walls. "Hallo Dragă." His Romanian accent was thick, and his baritones rolling off his tongue like thunder laced in venom. The Romanian language thrown in to lure in this lovely creature, as his gaze never left her movements. Rumpelstiltskin knew which cards needed to be dealt in order to obtain what he wanted, and therefore allowed his silver tongue to do the luring much like bait on a hook. He prayed the mare would not attempt to leave for he would not allow it, no not just yet for they had barely just met. A malicious grin spread slowly over his velveteen lips as he continued to view the female, waiting and watching patiently.

To be a predator one needed to understand how to perfect the hunt, one must be patient, quiet and never be in a rush to cease the kill. All of these aspects went into Rum's mind and thoughts, as he had already began to bait his prey, and then he would stalk it, and to finish of course with a fatal attraction. He was a criminal a felon that certainly did not need to be released into the outside world, though here he roamed and now in the presence of a lady well Rum could almost not contain himself. A tilt of his skull was the last movement emitted, while the stallion turned basically into a statue. No movement and no expression other than the grin lay upon his features, as he waited silently for the creature to react. The possibilities of a reaction were endless as to how one could react, though each one only served as a new challenge to this soul hungry demon, but the predator continued to hold its composure. Even his breathing had decreased to such a slow rate to a passing glance the stallion would seem to not be breathing at all, which was quite impossible right? The eerie savage stood awaiting the female to retort.

Word Count: 656.
Translation: Dragă - Darling.

[BRONZE]

<sup>The darkness of the caves seemed to be suiting the dame well as she ventured further and further within the mazes that it provided. She felt at home, thoroughly relaxed and close to being completely at ease after so long. The sojourn that she had taken finally as a filly yielded some worthy results, ones that would satisfy her needs well. Bronze’s family was who knows where by now, and there were only so many that missed her. Two, in fact, was the total sum. Moonshine and her mother were the only ones, and they had no need for her now. More than likely they had moved on with their lives as she had. But here in this place, she felt enclosed in a warm, deep hug, one that brought a shroud of obscurity and numbness. Would this be her permanent resting place? The coal colored creature came up with no solid solution. However, as long as she was welcome here, that was where she would stay. She felt as if she belonged here and wouldn’t be judged for her demeanors. Yes, plural, demeanors. Bronze finally finished her exploring when the scent of blood entered her velvet nose. Her nostrils flared briefly, and a satisfying shudder ran down the horse’s spine. An ecstatic chortle rumbled deep within the mare’s frame as she skulked to find it. There was a glint of yearning to discover what had entered the cave, for only moments ago, there was nothing, absolutely nothing. Who was there? Who entered the Lion’s den? Bronze would have to see for herself, and taste that iron-like taste she loved so much. She must have it, and she must have it now.

The inky beast was searching for the scent like a bloodhound when it hit her in the face roughly. Bronze’s face was close to the cave’s floor when she spotted the blood on the stallion’s legs. Her head rose slowly, and her eyes settled upon the Arabian’s face. Those brown beacons of her’s widened significantly before narrowing to vicious slits. Bronze faced him, her forehead coming within inches of touching his, but not quite at that point. Her brown eyes bored into him investigating him, and her expression held sheer contempt. ”You? You are the bloodied one that I seek? You are not what I expected. You are nothing to me,” she murmured lowly. The mare gave no greeting in return to his initial salutation, but the words were silky and smooth to her ears. She had never heard such a language as this one, and she liked the sound as it registered in her senses.

The mare broke her gaze suddenly before moving into a short circle around him, her movements calculated and carnivore-like. Her shoulders rolled smoothly in their sockets and she put on her own charms. Her movements were coy and almost sensual, for the mistress surely had her training as an alluring figure. Bronze examined Rumpelstiltskin like the piece of artwork he seemed to be, and Bronze estimated his value and his worth. This one, this one might be her Achilles’ heel. He was a masterpiece in his own right certainly. However, she would push him to his limits; test him to see just how far he would go. If he really wanted her for his own, he was going to have to work for her, and this wasn’t an easy task. ‘Don’t let him use us, don’t let him corrupt us. We must remain steadfast or he will be our undertaker…’</sup> [/color]

The Friesian mare sidled up next to the stallion coquettishly, though before another word came from her lips or before she touched him, something set in unlike any other thing she’d felt. Her head pulsed violently and she felt like she was being shaken so hard that her brain was rattling around in her head time and time again. An almost roar of pain tore from the vixen’s throat and she pulled away from the Arabian quickly. The once lithe and graceful creature stumbled and her knees buckled violently. “What have you done to me, stag?” she snapped, “You’re just an apparition I know it, now be gone!” she yelled. “I don’t want you anymore! I don’t want you anymore! I thought I left you behind. Stop! Stop! LEAVE! I’ve had enough of your torture, I’ll listen. I’ll listen. It was accident, leave me be. Just leave me be…” she begged. Tears were streaming down the horse’s face, and she curled inward upon herself. ‘See what happens with them and us? We are different, we are very different…’[/color]

Bronze rocked back and forth on the ground, and her breathing was heavy. Her eyes were wide with panic, and everything was remarkably fuzzy, tears or no tears. As she lay there she thought that demons from her past were trying to attack her. They used to after the day her father risked his life for her and she took on shame, guilt, ridicule, and darkness. That was the day it came. Bronze had heard of the sicknesses that were running rampant through the lands, but that couldn’t be it. She had only come here a few weeks ago. The lass had not come into contact with Rumpelstiltskin, so she didn’t know he was real. This majestic stallion before her had to be something out of her nightmares; he had come to take her happiness away from her already.

Notes.&. Poor Bronze, she thinks the sexi man of her dreams literally is a ghost. :c But the lub dub at the beginning made me laugh. c:
Tags.&. Rumpelstiltskin
Word Count.&. 905[/sup]

[RUMPELSTILTSKIN]

Rumpelstiltskin had remained completely statue like throughout the time that passed while he waited to see what would unfold before his eyes, the raven beauty was quite pleasing to the eyes. With the tapping off rough hoof against stone flooring, there she comes right into his grasp due to the sweet iron nectar that had been the real culprit into bringing her near. The female's voice alerted his ears causing them to flicker about in her direction, to catch every tune and word carried in her speech. A smirk could not help but to cross his features for her words were slightly amusing, and then powerful baritones broke the silence once again. "Oh but I am many." The comment was in reference to her statement earlier, and he only twisted his words to allow a new meaning to be represented. Than the raven twisted around his masculine body, still even with the female in close proximity Rumpelstiltskin still made no movement. Whatever purpose she was doing this for whether it be actually useful or not, he allowed her to finish out her action.

Rumpelstiltskin was always one to anticipate things and therefore surprising this stallion was something difficult to come by, it was as if he truly could care less what a creature displayed. The shrill scream that had erupted from the mare's throat was quite terrorizing, and truly was no joke nor bluff. Whatever had affected this mare had affected her mentally due to the quick speech to filter from her lips, causing him to release a devious chuckle. This overall display was more humorous rather than painful, then again torture was always a divine sight to see. "I am quite real on the contrary." The baritones haunting as they left his lips, and a dark tune that was all to stimulated for it's own good. As the mare descended to the Earth, tossing and flailing her frame about the cave floor. Rumpelstiltskin must have felt oddly generous on this evening and did not wish to allow such a confused soul to continue on, the chestnut flesh drew taunt over robust muscles. Lips parted as they reached downward, gently grasping a decent amount of ebony locks and then pulling quickly yet the action flowed. This would certainly allow for the lady to understand reality, though he was almost to amuse to change this altered setting.

The locks slowly fell from his lips as if he almost savored this time, then again when a reaper was this close to a soul one could not help but become overwhelmed. Rum was always one to hold his composure and therefore the demon only allowed others to view what he wanted them too, controlling them and yet they still were clueless fools. Reversing slowly away from the frame which still lay upon the stony floors, and the rust hued eyes lay their spell casting gaze upon the lady. "Ţipetele tale sunt ca un cântec de leagăn tentant." The native Romanian tongue was divine, and soothing in it's own unique way. Not that this female would have any real clue as to what he was saying but all that he cared was that she was lulled by the thick exotic accent. The handsome Arabian figure became motionless once more, awaiting to see the next outcome. A predator was one to think at any given second, just as a lion anticipated the attack so did Rum. This raven was an odd creature, and she held many different ways of reacting to situations that he cannot recall seeing before. Though his mind only set to understand it fully, allowing himself to not be caught off guard by even the smallest of things.

Word Count: 618.
Translation: Ţipetele tale sunt ca un cântec de leagăn tentant - Your screams are like a tempting lullaby.

[BRONZE]

<sup>The episode ended almost as quickly as it came on out of nowhere. Bronze had no grasp on reality until her black mane was curtly yanked to the side. “You pulled my mane! You pulled MY mane! What did you do that for you insignificant piece…of…curd…”Bronze’s words started out harshly and snappish, but then drifted off when the realization hit her of what was happening. He was real? He wasn’t a ghost? Then what the heck happened to her body just then? She was fine in the cave all alone until he showed his face. It had been an hour that she’d been meandering around, and in the first ten minutes that he appears, something goes wrong. That was so excruciating and shocking. One moment she was smoozing the stallion like only she could, and then next she had no control of her body whatsoever. Was that a seizure she’d just had? Then why was she still conscious? Most times when seizures take their victims, they are out for a while, days even, and have no recognition of the scenario. Others have to tell them what was going on. She knew who she was and where she was all the time. It was just the what happened? and the how did it happen? that were avoiding her. She was going over and over again trying to make sense, but it was evading her grasp.

The physical bondages that overcame Bronze so suddenly were still there, but very slowly receding. Her whole body had repeated tremors that weren’t of the good kind from before. They weren’t the ones of excitement and deliciousness, rather of brutality and malevolence. The mare’s vision was returning, but there was a steady thump, thump, thump</sup>[/i] in her head with each flow of blood. The feeling made her twitch painfully every once in a while. Bronze loved to inflict pain on others, she lived for that, but when it was dealt to her, she wouldn’t want it for the world. The vixen couldn’t put two and two together, this didn’t make sense. Was the stallion lying? Then why had he helped her? A monster from her past wouldn’t have proven that he was real. It would just continue to torment her. So many unanswered questions buzzed through her brain, and Bronze was desperate to stop them. The mare noticed that she must have looked a hot mess then, wallowing on the ground like a foal, so she attempted to pull herself to her hooves. She staggered once, and a sense of lightheadedness came quickly. But Bronze stood and held her ground. She calmed her breathing at once, and looked into the eyes of the Arabian once more. She hadn’t the slightest inkling of what he had said to her in that language, but she blinked the last of the fogginess away and one side of her mouth turned up into a half smile. ‘We’re alive, he’s alive. We live, live, live,’ her brain whimsically sang. The mare was surprised that she could even hear her thoughts after that whole ordeal, nonetheless hear them sing.

But Bronze had a few questions for the stallion right now, and she wanted good answers. “If you’re real, and you’re not here to haunt me, then what do you want? I’m sure there are plenty more things in this world that you could be doing than watching me die,” she stated. The lass let her head loll slightly but she lifted it with all her might. Her brown eyes settled on the male, grateful for one that he wasn’t here from her past and two because he was pleasing to her now clear eyes. She hadn’t come across another like this one. He scared the crap of out of her yes, and her body ached considerably, but at least he was a fine piece to look at. If he was some grungy mutt of a horse, he probably would have been dead by now. Bronze could now take better notice of his muscle and build though and that surely would’ve made her happy before, had the circumstance been different. Bronze didn’t know what his initial assessment of her would be, but she wasn’t going to try and rectify her behavior. I mean, how could she? She herself didn’t know what was going on. Now there was an extra challenge posed to the Arabian stallion. He could choose to hang around, or be on his merry way and Bronze wouldn’t fault him. She would go back to her resting place and try to ease her mind with sleep. But in some way, like the blood she’d smelled, he attracted her there. She wanted to cling onto him really tight, but that would show weakness. That would’ve been considered taming her in her perspective, and that was the last thing she wanted. Bronze didn’t need this stallion, but somewhere deep, down, she wanted him.

Notes.&. I pictured Bronze as Simba right thur. "Rum, you're messing up my mane!"
Tags.&. Rumpelstiltskin
Word Count.&. 820[/sup]

[RUMPELSTILTSKIN]

This raven had not been pleased with his mane pulling though it only allowed for a malicious grin spread over velveteen lips, as her screaming and name calling took place. He truly did not care if she was enraged or upset with his previous actions, though he was never one to take back a deed therefore why begin now? Chuckling lightly his lips parted while a thick accent rolled off his tongue. "Boo Hoo." The baritones sent out a deadly tune to his words, as he smirked lightly. Indeed he was a prick to say the least, a corrupted soul and that always left for amusement with other beings. His words were usually blunt and incorporated a lethal toxin too, the voice then was something to fear and yet it only seemed to lure others in. The beauty had begun to find her legs once more, as she rose to her posture and then shook away any issues that still lingered from her episode. The two equines now displayed similar actions each watching the other, analyzing Rum was and detecting any physical flaws that he could use to his advantage if need be. He did not expect this mare to be thinking anything close to what he was, possibly she was admiring other such things. Though his attention never left her figure, he kept his attention focused upon the mare watching and anticipating.

The voice of the mare was being mauled around for some time before he had decided to actually reply, this was to make certain his words were placed in such a manner. For his speech he prided himself on, being well spoken and intelligent seemed a bit difficult to find lately. "I told you I am many, therefore I could be here to rid your corpse of your soul, that is after you die." A deranged smirk curved at the corner of his lips, and pausing for a moment he spoke once more. " there is such other activities one could find to do rather than die..." Of course he was a stallion and that meant at times thoughts were not always purified. Rumpelstiltskin had begun to favor this mare, even with her mental outburst, they were different and unique if anything which it was always good to try something new right? "Damă share your curse, in return you shall receive mine." A simple deal one would say, though who really was this chestnut creature? If his words were truth from previous speech than would it be very smart to give a reaper your name? Then again he was already putting claim on her soul, and quite frankly she had offered in a manner of speaking.

Muscles than initiated movement drawing nearer to the lucid beauty, bringing his frame so close than it would completely come into contact with the mare that is if she allowed it. Though her encased her frame, allowing his body to move in a serpent like action much like a constrictor would to it's meal. Then as he left her frame he returned to about where he had stood previously, and then a grin of course appeared. "Does my touch entice you?" The demon knew how to craft his words, how to wield that silver tongue to no longer induce pain but now to induce pleasure. Taunting the mare, and attempting his best at always to welcome one into his grasp. Yet would this beauty allow him to take her just yet he did not believe, though with time he would obtain this creature in one manner or another this he was for certain. A challenge always ignited a fire in this stallion, and this situation was no different because a hunt had just begun. This was only the beginning of this hunt, and he would run it into the ground until this raven was captured and caged for himself.

Word Count: 648..
Translation: Damă - Dame.

[BRONZE]

<sup>Bronze was thoroughly amused by the stallion’s comment at her offense to being pulled gently by the mane. No sympathy or was regret was shown, but rather blatant apathy was involved instead. And Bronze liked it that way. She didn’t want an apology for something so meager and insignificant to the situation. The tug on her tresses didn’t bother her in any way possible, and there were things in the world much worse than that. Like that freaky incident of torture that occurred only moments ago. He had pulled her from one of her worst nightmares, and for that she couldn’t be more grateful. And though her features expressed her gratitude clearly, the words that came with it wouldn’t fall from her lips. Not quite. He wouldn’t receive that stereotypical favor as a token of her gratitude. No baby, not tonight. Bronze was wondering what was going on in that skull of her “savior” but this male was ever so unpredictable. That ever so alluring voice and physique drawing her in. These two were like rain and thunder, two objects drawn by similar, conjunctive motivations. So here they were analyzing and admiring each other within the dark depths of a cave. Bronze was true to her word and had no intention of raising an attack on Rumpelstiltskin rather she wanted to make sure that his own intentions were faultless as well. There was something lurking she wanted to grab ahold of for sure. The inky colored equine was endowed with wisdom and restraint though unlike some average, everyday hussy. Just because he ran into her at an opportune moment, one when she was at her most vulnerable, didn’t mean he would get Bronze to bow and scrape after him so quickly. They were like the same signed magnets in some respects. They were so close to coming together, but that sameness repelled them. This would be a workout and a hunt indeed.

The mare easily caught the stallion’s drift without a moment’s hesitation. “Nice try,” she countered haughtily, “You shouldn’t have done what you did if you wanted to steal my soul while I was down. But now it’s mine and no one can get it from me. Not even you. Dying isn’t on my “to do” list, for I refuse to die, but what exactly did you have in mind?” Bronze asked raising brow in question, though the answer was obviously stated through subtext and subliminal messages. She rotated her ears on her head just waiting for that voice to tickle them again. “They called me Bronze in my maiden herd, and that has not changed to this very day. Now, so that I won’t have to call you a curd again, though that’s quite humorous to me admittedly, it’s your turn. Just whose face and body have I been gazing upon? I want it---” The lass’ voice stopped up in her throat, for because the mare knew it, her frame was against Rumpelstiltskin’s and she was urging herself not to press against him. The auburn fur against the ebony felt so right, but it couldn’t be that easy for him. “For the love of---no,” Bronze said stopping her initial reaction. Her voice went from a soft, airy tone to the sharp one from before. ‘Liar, liar fur on fire. We know he’s good, too good. But remember, remember what we’ve discussed,’ the mare’s mind reminded her. There was a tingling, almost burning feeling where he’d touched her, but the stag couldn’t win yet. The vixen’s spirit denied that instantly. In order to prove he was worthy, there would have to be more substance than seduction. “Let’s play a little game shall we? It’s called, catch me if you can. If you win, everything but my soul belongs to you, for I don’t know if I have one anymore. Besides, if I did, like I said before, you can’t have it. That’s mine. If I win, I’ll do whatever I want to you, you’re mine…”she purred voraciously. Bronze flicked her tail behind her before she began to step forward. Inwardly she didn’t know how much she could push her body after what just happened, but she had to ride the rhetorical bicycle again. If she stayed down and floundered in her agony, she’d never live again. When the lady prowled up to Rumpelstiltskin, she made a move to pass under his neck like a cat, and headed towards the mouth of the cave. She then stopped at the entrance and looked over her shoulder, before giving him a demure wink of one of her big, brown eyes.

Notes.&.---
Word Count.&. 770</sup>

[RUMPELSTILTSKIN]

There it was the response he had been expecting, the recoil of this raven which only allowed for this stallion to become more intrigued by her actions and only made him hunger more. Yet Rumpelstiltskin was a patient being, for now he listened to the words she spoke. Each word being decoded in attempt to try and figure out the true meaning. "Raven you very well know what I have in mind." Then again was Rum even certain, indeed pleasing of the flesh would be divine or did he really wish to bathe in crimson liquid, though certainly not his own. A deep chuckle escaped his jaws, it was slightly deranged and one could even say savage. Rumpelstiltskin was not your average dark, oh no he was something much more lethal and deadly. This stallion prided himself, and truly a bit vain one could say. Rum was quite aware of this and therefore did nothing to hide it, he was who he was and the elder that night had done something that he still could not believe. Though this is why this creature is so veil now, so deranged and primitive in nature and in battle. Smirking wickedly he waited once again, ears attentively waiting to hear her voice. The speech was humorous really and yet composure was kept throughout her entire words, and then his lips parted to allow his retort.

The baritones were thick, and the Romanian accent heavy with each pronunciation. "Bronze, for I see Gold." Though a sharp pause came at the realization of the ending words the mare had spoken, ah so he had wound his way into her mind. Perfection truly, and a grin smeared over his features and his words continued. "Rumpelstiltskin, is the curse you crave." Giving his name and also referring to her previous slip up, as a smirk crossed his features the Arabian allowed for his other senses to pay attention. Then a soft moan like sound came forth from her lips, as airy tones followed suit meaning for certain she was battling herself not to give into his tantalizing charm. The devil himself could not have been more pleased with the audible sound she emitted, it was like a drug for his eardrums a long with a selective few that truly intrigue this stallion. "Escaping is not an option dearest Bronze, only the inevitable running may aid you." Sarcastic slightly, though more so noxious in the tune he carried for it was lethal and yet ever so inviting. Crafting his words this way and that, also his persona flaunting itself one could not help but fall for this 'bad boy'.

The beginning of a deal rang out to him from those feminine precious lips, the deal was quite crafty and indeed it was all she could do was run. Then again she could fight but ultimately Rum didn't wish to kill her, only claim her as his own. She may even be the key to his throne one day though those thoughts will be kept for a later mauling, for now he kept his keen focus on the bargaining skills this lady held. Ah it was quite good really, a win win situation for either even if Rum did become this raven's slave he would certainly still be pleased. Rumpelstiltskin was always a fellow for a challenge and more so for a deal, then again his entire life revolved around deeds. "A deal you have Succubus, but realize the Incubus knows just what she craves." His speech was odd at times and whether it was due to his own choice or due to a misunderstanding of hos to properly place words in the English language one could not be certain, though Rumpelstiltskin had grown quite anxious for this deal to unfold. A light toss of his exotic dished skull, he spoke. "Să ne începem vom?" Romanian words lathered in a honey dripped venom, waiting for the vixen's next move.



Word Count: 660..
Translation: Let us begin shall we?

[BRONZE]

<sup>So, it was like that was it? They were really going through with this? Well then, bring it on. Bronze was up for the challenge that was posed, despite the fact that she might not be in her absolute prime condition at this very moment in time. That crap that happened to her shook her foundation a little bit for sure, yet she remained rock solid anyways. No creature would ever be let into The Rahn’akke should they not be capable of withstanding hardships. It seemed many of them had gone through enough of them to know what that was like in the past. But letting things get them down, well that would prove weakness. And that, my friends, was unacceptable. The inky black beastie wanted to win this challenge with all her heart, for she did not like to lose, but the opposite might work in her favor as well. Regardless of what happened to either of them, win or lose, the outcomes were desirable perhaps. They would be together in a tangled, woven, and intricate pattern. It’s funny how life works that way, bringing beings together, even in the most unlikely situations. Onlookers and outsiders might wonder how in the world those two vicious creatons could come close to showing affection of any sort towards one another. Their initial assessments of the situation would lead them to believe such things. However, their opinions could be changed and their mouths silenced with another glance. Even the darkest demons could learn to accept affection if given the chance.

“If you’re very lucky, intelligible, and fast-footed, perhaps what you seek will be yours, but only then” the mare responded to his first statement. She snorted in satisfaction and listened in closer to the sweet, sweet words. Bronze raised a questioning brow at her new comrade, for her name had had a plethora of other meanings to her, but never one of gold. In matters of value, gold was at the top of the list in peoples’ opinion, then silver, and finally bronze last. Third place, never first. The equine always held herself in high regard and esteem too as he did for himself, but never this much. ‘Does he really mean we are like gold? He’s being slick with us again. But we like it.’ Being that the stag was quite regal in his stature and eloquent with his words, the vixen didn’t expect such a name to cross his lips. But that was his preferred calling and she would respect that from here on out. Rumpelstiltskin. So be it. She’d gotten what she’d wanted…for now. Prospectively there would be more than that to come. This was only the beginning. Bronze wasn’t a horse of high maintenance, but she could be sassy and demanding when she wanted to be. And a lady gets what she wants. “Speed is not my only ally, just as self-assurance isn’t yours,” Bronze said grinning widely.

The time to begin the chase was almost among them, and Bronze smirked at Rumpelstiltskin’s comment and added her own. “If he knows what she wants then he must show her. She wants to see just how much he knows about her already.” The mare didn’t know exactly what the stallion had said from his latter phrase, but she could tell from his inflection what he was trying to portray. She would learn from him in the future more of what he spoke and how he behaved, for she already had come to understand a little bit about him. He had that same conniving spirit that she had, and cherished so much. The mare readied herself mentally, shaking her head which immediately cleared unnecessary thoughts. She was no bubble brain, rather it didn’t take long to pin point the desired thoughts.

Snort. Snort. Snort.

The sound of the mare’s breathing was the only sound now emanating from the lass. Her feathered hooves took a starting position. Her muscles tensed below her silky black coat, and her brown eyes no longer lingered on the stunning physique of her newest acquaintance. The stallion wasn’t the only one versed in bilingual practices. “Listos?” she questioned simply. The inquiry was rhetorical but still noteworthy.

Notes.&. I apologize that this took so long Rumpy.
Word Count.&. 700</sup>

[RUMPELSTILTSKIN]

Rumpelstiltskin continued to eye the raven beauty, watching every movement and becoming entranced by her. Those rust hued eyes kept his focus completely set upon the mare until her vocals reached his eardrums and it alerted the stallion to reply to the raven. "Bronze my favorite game is roulette." Deep accented vocals were demanding of attention and quite charming to say the least. Smirking lightly as his focused still remained on Bronze, with her next statement the males words just seemed to flow from his lips as if he knew what she was going to say before she spoke it. "If only you truly knew my ally." Grinning with a wicked grin, this was in reference to his past but of course only he would understand. Though in a miracle of a chance this slightly insane creature would understand his words without even knowing of his past, if so he would be even more lured to the raven. With the last statements to fly from the beauty's mouth, made the stallion chuckle lightly. "Trust me Raven I know what you crave." The deep vocals leaving a dark aura lingering in the atmosphere, the stallion grinning widely.

The swan like neck allowed for the etched dished skull to outreach and allow his jaws to gently grasp the flesh of Bronze, smirking wickedly, he was taunting Bronze awaiting her to run. So that he could chase after her and receive the prize he so desperately wished for. Rumpelstiltskin would not give up until he obtained something from this mare, and whatever that was would be completely up to Bronze's actions. Waiting and anticipating her movements, his robust muscles twisted and flexed underneath his taunt chestnut flesh awaiting even the slightest movement. Ears were alerted completely listening fully to her every breath and sound, he would not allow her to escape his grasp. No, he would not tolerate a failure like that. though ending up being her slave may pay off in the end. She could beat him and abuse him, torture and tease all she wished and he would not care in the least. This stallion was anxious though composure was held across his features waiting and anticipating, he would race after her until the end of the Earth if that is what she begged of him to do. For if he obtained her than he could obtain a herd, and that meant power and if he could obtain Rahn'akke power it would be doom for all other herds.

Power of course was always lingering in the minds of the wicked, they could not help that they were drawn to being in control of just about everything except their own minds. Tossing his skull his tail flicked and whipped his large hindquarters, leaving a loud smack to break the silence it could be as her starting call. This raven was a naughty little thing, as she continued to make the demon wait for his meal. She teased him more and more the longer the lucid beauty stood still and did not move, he inhaled deeply her perfume. Locking it away into memory for future reference, and to allow him to not lose her on this hunt. She would not escape, no being usually did if he came after them. This stallion was not the one to choose to fight with or to upset, it will not end in the opponents favor. Yet he did not doubt this mare, for one should never underestimate another. His nostrils quivered, and then he went motionless his muscles tensing and then he waited for the first initial moment of the hunt.

Word Count: 605.
Translation: None.

[BRONZE]

<sup>Bronze was thoroughly amused by the fetching beast before her. His luscious appearance, actions, and words enticed her beyond pure imagination. This would definitely be the most interesting venture she’d had here in these parts so far. Roulette he wanted? That he would get. And he better be prepared to pay his fees, should fate decide against him. The inky black creature was pretty sure she knew what the stallion was referencing, but she chose not to voice her thoughts. Instead she shifted her weight on her hooves and sneered at him. “You’ll need all the allies that you can get,” Bronze taunted back. “Gimme all you got, Rumpelstiltskin. No holds barred. Baby doesn’t play nice with her toys. They always break right when she wants them the most,” she teased. When Bronze was nipped, she scuttled a couple of steps forward snorting, before stepping back in line with her opponent. She reached for the stallion’s mane before resuming her previous starting position. All’s fair in love and war. Except when there were two crazy demons vying for a game of cat and mouse. Then everything goes to heck in a hand basket really, really fast.

With the abrupt snap of Rumpelstiltskin’s tail against his auburn flesh, the mare charged forward with pure reckless abandonment. She wasted no time in pushing off from her prior destination within the mouth of the cave, and taking control of the lead position quickly. The mare’s stride was graceful as ever yet full of unrelinquished power yet to be released. Bronze extended her stride from that of a canter into a full blown gallop within seconds, and she reveled in untainted joy. The first that she’d felt in a long, long time. The thrill of the chase and the escape from the darkness latching on to her was simply divine in her opinion. The lass was glad that she had chosen to stand once more and fight for her freedom in more than one respect. It was both for freedom of this horrid sickness, or whatever it was, and to show Rumpelstiltskin that she would not be his without a fight. A shrill whinny of delight left the mare’s lips, and she kicked her hooves high to the sky like a bucking bronco. The vixen then resumed her gait, weaving and whirling through the lands, creating a puzzle all her own. The mare’s ears laid flat on her cranium as she did so, and her feathered hooves, mane, and tail blew in the small wind she’d stirred up. At this moment, she didn’t care about the scars that riddled her silky fur. She didn’t care about the ones who’d shunned her right now. Bronze’s mind was dead set on winning this game, and she was going to have a wondrous time doing it.

The mare thought that she felt a presence near her however, one that she hadn’t felt for a while and a wicked smile played upon her lips. ‘Daddy’s home,’ she heard sweetly in her head, and that encouraged the mare even more. She dug her hooves in the ground, and created even more leverage between herself and Rumpelstiltskin. Her pace increased again, and her stride was like an extension of her body. Bronze’s hooves were in a dance-like cadence, propelling her forward and round and round, faster and faster by the passing seconds. Bronze had a lot of stamina that she had acquired during her hunts, so she wasn’t feeling out of breath or fatigued at all. That made her wonder how in the world her attack had effected her. It was there for a second, and then it was gone. Absolutely no signs of pain gripped her body. She was healthy and strong as ever from what she could tell. She hoped that it didn’t come back with all her might, or there could be someone else besides the ever handsome Rumpelstiltskin to be there at her weakest moment, and that could go wrong. Bronze wasn’t focused on the past though, rather on her future. What would become of this race could not be determined. Each competitor had their strengths and weaknesses. It all really depended on who used them better. Regardless of the end results, Bronze’s life was now intertwined with Rumpelstiltskin’s, whether she liked it or not. But boy did she like it.

Word Count.&. 725</sup>