Which way is the right way anymore

[Nevvy]

{Sorry just had to post her here...}

ABBY AND RUDOLPH

Her wrist ached from all the driving. Her eyes hurt from the focusing and watered a little bit. But she couldn't stop. She needed to go on, she needed to get as far away as possible, across open seas and lakes and oceans. She pushed a strand of flyaway hair out of her eyes as she found a stable labeled, "Maplewood Stables". Well maybe just for the night? She needed a place to put up Rudolph because she knew he was getting restless back there and she was running out of food to feed him, so she was going to have to make a stop with what little money she had left. Her heart pounded at the thought of stopping. What if he was right behind her? It would be easy to see this battered up truck and trailer. He could come at any minute and steal her away again, speak sweet words laced with arsenic and drown her with tender touches that bruised. But for Rudolph, she would do it. She looked down at the crumpled up papers and coffee cups that were spilling over her seats, not to mention food wrappers. She couldn't stop driving, she just couldn't. Gotta keep moving on. But for Rudolph. He needed grass and some actual room to maneuver.

The sun was just setting up ahead as she turned down the drive toward the barn, her heartbeat quickening. She looked down at the cast on her wrist that thudded dully underneath, the pain just an annoyance with the medication that she was on. The breathtaking view would have stunned her, but she did not have time to be stunned. She took a shaky breath, pulling up next to a stable. She sat there for a few minutes as she let the last song on the radio play out before opening the truck door. She could do this. Jason wasn't laying in wait here, knowing exactly where she was going as if he were in her head, like she had thought sometimes. She pushed up her sleeves a little bit because it was humid out there, and her hair started to curl a bit as she slowly climbed out of the truck. One step felt like a painstaking mile, and the next ten. She just wanted back into her dream world. Back to her childhood life where nothing was a fear and everything was always just okay.

Finally, she made it to the back of the trailer. If anything, her Hanoverian would be happy to stretch his legs. Climbing into the trailer, she whispered nonsense words, more to calm herself than to calm him. He stood there, watching her with a little bit of pain in his eyes as she fumbled with the lead line, wrapping it around her arm clumsily before latching it to his halter. Walking him out, she circled him a few times before bringing him to the side of the trailer and tying him up, although it was too easy of a knot to get out of. He stomped once in impatience before calming down. Wrapping a hand into his mane, she sighed, leaning against him wearily and laying her cool cheek against his warm neck. Just a little bit farther boy, just a little bit. She whispered, hoping too it was true. A hot tear slid down her cheek and dropped, but it would be the only one to fall. She wiped away the trail. She was tired of driving but it was the only thing to keep him, the memories and the pain away. Stroking his long neck a few times, always stopping at the shoulder, she finally lifted herself away from her protection and looked out at the big bad world around her, wondering where to start to find the owner.

[/blockquote]

[Serenade]

It was a peaceful day at the calm stables. Well, somewhat. A shout reverberated from behind the mare and foal barn. ACHILLES! A gold hued canine came barreling around the barn, stolen hat dangling from his mouth. Behind him came Eddie, leading his palomino mare Devan as he chased after the happy dog. Devan held her head high, auds flicking, an imperious look on her face as she was dragged hither and yon after the troublesome animal by Eddie. Soon tiring of the act, she put on the brakes, nearly throwing Eddie onto his back with her abrupt stop. Eddie did indeed stop, panting, as he looked from Devan to Achilles, who was laying down with Eddie's hat on his paws. The tall man shook his head, chuckling a bit. Achilles, please. The hat. He held out his hand, and with a sigh, the large dog rose and deposited the hat at his feet, thick tail waving gently as he looked up at Eddie happily. Eddie reached down and tugged one of his large, upright ears affectionately.

Devan, soon annoyed, stamped her feet for attention, which she was not receiving. Sweeping his dark hair out of his eyes, Eddie glared at Devan. You are not queen around her, pretty girl. Prissy animal. He smiled at the mare, rubbing her nose and patting her nape as he began to lead her back to the ring. But before he could, a sound caught his attention. In the excitement of trying to catch Achilles, he had completely missed that a truck and trailer had pulled up. A short blonde girl with a handsome bay stood by it, looking a little lost. Looping Devan's reins around his arm, Eddie began making his way towards the pair, Achilles trotting on his other side, tongue lolling out of his mouth in excitement of meeting a new person.

It was not long before the trio reached them, though Eddie stopped a little ways away from them, seeing that the bay was a stallion. Maybe he should have left Devan on the hitching post by the barn. Too late now. Whatever. His face lit up in a quick smile as he looked at the girl. Welcome to Maplewood. I'm Edward Jansen, the owner. How can I help you? His dark eyes quickly look in the tear track on her cheek, as well as the broken wrist. She seemed frightened of the world, as if at any moment it would rear up and attack her. He wondered what had made her this way. He kept these thoughts silent as he waited for a response, though concern was growing the more he studied her.

[Nevvy]

(Of course she isn't queen because Kyss is XD)

Abby looked over to see a horse and rider coming from behind somewhere. Of course, it had to be a man’s bar, she couldn’t just find a lady’s barn. She would feel a whole lot safer. What if he was an accomplice of Jason’s? Stop it! She scolded herself inwardly. Her crazy mind was getting the best of her, and that was not the greatest thing in the world. Remember that front, Abby. Nobody else needed to know about her problems. Her wall was behind her and she just needed to walk away from it, for a little bit at least. Rudolph appraised the mare in front of him before turning away. At the moment he was not the least bit interested in her. He was more focused on Abby and maybe the green grass and the stall and somewhere else to stand besides here because he had been here way too many times. Abby listened to him speak, slight soothing running over her quickly. He wasn’t, of course, anything like Jason. Nobody was. Jason was unique. But this man was tall, very tall. He seemed to tower over her. No not tower. He was just taller. The dog, on the other hand, was a cutie as was the mare. Quickly her face became emotionless and she set a business tone to her voice. What, crying? That did not happen, you must be mistaken. Maybe something to do with the light? I’m Abby McClinnon and this is Rudolph. Yes a silly name for a horse, but it wasn’t her doing it was the other owner’s. She figured it was because of the show name “Spotlight Stealer”. Durr.

Rudolph just looked at them, especially the man, stamping his hoof, this time for a completely different reason. The mare was fine, just fine. Beautiful, but that was not why he was here. The dog was just an annoyance like all dogs were. But this man could be a predator, Abby his prey. The scar upon his chest proved that any man was just a foul beast when it came to his girl. A few seconds of silence stumbled past. I’m looking for a place to put him at least for the night. For the night for sure. Any longer, she did not know. She was thinking already about leaving right at dawn and see how far she could get again. It was best. Never stay at one place too long otherwise…well she wouldn’t dwell on that again. She pulled down the sleeves of her shirt as if she were cold. Rudolph nudged her before looking at Eddie again as if to say “Come any closer and you’ll be worm meat.”

[/blockquote]

[Serenade]

It looked like her entire mannerism changed as he spoke to her. Stronger, more upright. But there was still something that made him ponder her past, though he was not rude enough or bold enough to ask her outright. She was quite short up close. Then again, he was a monster of a man when it came to height, even though he was the biggest softie anyone could hope to meet. Devan pulled at his jeans a bit, causing him to stumble for a moment before regaining his balance. He turned his dark eye's toward her. I would appreciate it if you would stop, annoyance.

The mare snorted at him, then returned to studying the stallion, who was quite handsome in her eyes. Not sure if he was her type though, and he seemed disinterested. It was an insult she couldn't ignore, and Devan tossed her head haughtily before returning her attention to Eddie and the conversation between him and the girl.

She only wanted boarding for a night? The pair looked exhausted, travel weary. A few days rest would do good for her and Rudolph, he was certain of it. But he didn't want to make her skittish, as she seemed about ready to bolt on the inside. Instead, he spoke carefully, though his puzzlement was evident in his voice as he replied to her inquiry. I have plenty of room for your stallion for the night. Do you want me to show you where you can put him? I'll just have to hitch Devan up somewhere first.[/color] He turned the mare, walking her back to the mare and foal barn, hitching her to the rail outside the wall that was there for just that purpose.

Quickly he turned, trotting back to the trailer. As he came closer he noticed the stallion was very protective of Abby, seemingly staring him down, daring him to try anything. He wouldn't want to mess with the big bay, who was certainly strong enough to take him out quite easily if he really wanted to. He tried to ignore it, though it kind of weirded him out. Looking at Abby, he gave her a quick, innocently charming smile, bright white teeth flashing. Come on, the stallion barn is this way. And careful with him, because I have a stallion of my own in there. Not sure how yours will react to him.[/color][/size]

[Nevvy]

She nodded, and as soon as his back was turned and far enough away, sighed and slumped against Rudolph, looking over at him. She rolled her eyes and tapped his nose. Stop it, he’s gonna give you a place to sleep unless you like your trailer. Bending down, she kissed him where she had tapped him. Grabbing the ponytail holder on her wrist, she threw up her hair in a messy ponytail. Remembering the bruise that could be seen, she pulled her shirt down a little bit more to pull it up in back and hide it. Untangling the…creative knot that she had done, she wrapped the lead line again awkwardly around her arm, glancing around as the shadows elongated, creeping toward them as if to suck them into their dark world. No, they would not take her. They could not take her. She was done living in the darkness, she needed some light shed in her life and on her soul. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed the moon already rising in the celestial sky of blueness that would become twilight as the sun set in the pinks and reds of the day.

Finally, the noise of footsteps coming toward them made her look over her shoulder and all emotion disappeared again, bringing in the businesswoman who did the dealings. Walking with him toward the barn, Rudolph skittered to the side that was closest to Abby and far enough away from that…thing. Sorry about him, he doesn’t like men much. Nothing like a little flooding to get him used to them. Wow she was surprised her business side could use a psychological term she learned four years ago. But psychology did have its way of sticking in one’s mind. Rudolph just glared at him and Abby pulled on the line, making him mind his manners.

Entering the barn, she glanced around quickly. Okay, she really needed to get over this jumpy thing, but it was kinda hard to give up something that had been so much a part of her life as breathing. Maybe in a few days she would calm down, when she was as far away from him as possible. That would be Japan right? Rudolph looked around for the other stallion in this barn, just wanting to know where he was, not really caring about him at the moment. His black tail swung at his hindquarters before stamping his hoof again, this time just wanting off the leash. Looking over at him, Abby stated, You are SO rude. She jerked a little bit on his lead this time, wanting him to remember there was someone at the end of this line who did not take his crap. She understood that he was a little temperamental at the moment. He was around the worst gender out of the two, he had pent up energy, and he had no clue where the hell he was at yet. And he was probably tired from all the journeying. Where do you want him? She asked Edward, glancing at him before looking at all the stalls again. So many places he could hide… He really needed to get out of her head.

[Serenade]

Eddie merely nodded as Abby explained about Rudolph. Understandable. He had a dog when he was a kid that used to be terrified of men, including his father. Men could be the worst abusers, to both animals and women. He was nothing like that though. He seemed like an intimidating person, with his height and dark hair and eyes, but he was gently and a little shy, though not too much. Devan let out a demanding wicker as he walked past her, not pleased with being ignored and left in her tack. He flapped a hand at her, a gesture to be patient.

They soon entered the cool darkness of the barn, and Winchester came forward eagerly to greet Eddie. A smile came to his lips as he went to his prize stallion rubbing the dark nose as Winchester lipped his hand happily. The stud then noticed the visitors, and his auds flicked forward, reaching towards the girl inquisitively. He seemed to ignore the stallion, though he kept an eye on him, making sure he knew that this was his place. He was very friendly, and only wanted to greet the newcomer who had come into the barn.

Eddie turned at the sound of her voice, and watched the impatient stud. He seemed like he needed a good run before bedding down for the night. The man gestured to the open side door of the barn, which lead to the stallion pastures. He seems quite restless. You can take him out into one of the empty pastures right out there and let him run a bit. While you do that, I'll set up a stall for him. Without waiting for a response, Eddie walked to the back of the barn, to the large bin where he kept straw and sawdust for bedding in the stalls. Grabbing the nearby wheelbarrow, he loaded it high with straw, which was easiest to clean up after a one night boarder. He didn't really check to see if Abby had done what he suggested, instead just putting his mind to the work at hand, spreading the straw around and thick enough for the weary stallion to lay on if he so chose.

Having quickly finished, and filled a clean bucket with water, Eddie stretched, giving Winchester a quick pat before going outside to where Devan was still tied, a cross look on her features. He smiled and gave the mare a pat, reaching down to untie her reins. Having turned his back on her, the dappled palomino mare took advantage of the situation and proceeded to shove him, knocking him completely on his butt on the dusty ground. Devan stood over him, flicking her white banner and looking completely innocent as she looked down at her master on the ground. Eddie glared at her, not quite ready to get up and deal with the prissy mare yet.

As he sat there in a tantrum, his thoughts turned to Abby. Did she have a place to stay? He would happily let her have a room in the house, but she seemed rather wary, business-like and brisk or not. Well, she could always have the house to herself and he could take the couch in the loft in the gelding barn. He had done it before when he accidentally fell asleep on the worn old couch up there, and he would have no problem doing so if she felt more comfortable with him out of the house. He would have to run it by her before she left. He just wanted to make sure she had a safe place to stay. He could easily see someone taking advantage of a small, cute blonde girl all on her own.

[Nevvy]

Abby looked over at the handsome horse, a small smile upon her lips. As he stretched toward her, she ran her hand softly against his neck before looking back at Rudolph. He could have really cared less, she could see that already. She nodded as he spoke of the pasture. Oh Rudolph would be very happy there. Thank you. She said quietly, remembering how she had yet to say that. Miss Manners would not have approved. Rudolph was happy to be walking away and outside again where the air met them. Away from Edward, she quickly pushed her sleeves up so that most of her arms were bare. It felt better this way, it was so stifling in the hoodie. Stopping by the gate, she opened it and walked in with Rudolph. He turned toward her, and she placed a hand against his cheek. I know, I know. He’s another man. Just give him a chance, alright, before you decide to rip his face off. A soft smile appeared on her lips. You are my number one boy, and nothing would ever change that. She placed her forehead against his, closing her eyes, as if they were having a heart-to-heart without even talking. We’ll get through this Rudolph, we always do. She lifted her head away from his and he looked her in the eye, and she could see all the love that he had for her, and it brought a tear to her eye again. Why need men when stallions would always be the perfect partner?

Finally she took off his halter, rubbing behind his ears before walking away. As she closed the gate, she leaned against it, her chin resting against the top bar. Rudolph looked at her before dancing across the open area before turning into a fierce gallop, head bobbing, ears perked as he whipped around to a stop, head bent toward the grass, sniffing at it before going into another fierce gallop, light on his hooves as he slid to another stop, letting out a buck and another before finally settling down, sampling grass that had been offered to him. Abby looked over where Devan was, and saw Edward coming out. He was cute, that was for sure. So tall. Over a foot taller than her. She watched as Devan pushed him over and a laugh escaped her lips and rang around her before silencing. Walking away from the fence, she hesitated. Should she go over there, or let him handle his own horse? Now what did she just say to Rudolph? To play nice. And she would do the same. Walking over, she held out her hand. Want some help? She asked, glancing over at Devan. I’m sorry Devan that Edward here does not know how to spend his time correctly and should have just ignored me and kept on going with you. Her tone was slightly sarcastic and mocking as she stated it, watching the mare to make sure that she did not do anything. I mean how could he ignore you? You’re simply too gorgeous to be ignored. Okay so her own horse had even ignored her, but so? Didn’t mean a human had to follow his example.

[/size]

[Serenade]

The crunch of footsteps on the drive caused Eddie to look but, grinning as he listened to Abby speaking. Gratefully he accepted the hand, though he was careful not to put too much weight on it. He could easily pull her completely down. He laughed outright at what she said to Devan. The mare, sensing an ally against Eddie, took a few steps forward, nuzzling the girl affectionately, as if to tell Eddie she had a new friend and he wasn't needed.

Please, call me Eddie. And she gets plenty of attention. Kyss tried to steal the spotlight, but she's given enough.[/color] He dusted off his jeans, and moved forward, reaching and untying the reins easily from the hitch. Eddie rubbed the mare's nose gently, and patted her shining nape. She certainly was a beautiful horse, he was lucky to have come across this treasure. Turning her, he started walking into the mare and foal barn.

Here he paused, turning to speak to Abby. If you want to come in, you're welcome. I just need to get her settled for the night, then I'm going up to the house. You can come in and talk while I work if you want.[/color] He gave her an easy out, and instead of standing waiting for a reply, he turned back and continued into the barn, flipping on the lights to make it easier to see. Swiftly, he replaced Devan's bridle with her halter, and attached her to the crossties. Achilles curled onto a bale of straw beside Kyss' stall, waiting for Eddie to be finished so they would go up to the house and he could eat.

Eddie fell easily into the familiar routine of untacking and grooming, crooning to the mare softly as he worked the memorized patterns. Knowing his muscles knew exactly what to do, Eddie focused on listening around him, not looking up to check if Abby had followed him inside or waited outside instead. He didn't want to put any kind of pressure on her. If she stayed more than one night, she would be his first actual boarder, which hopefully would help his farm generate some money, instead of just sucking it all away.[/size]

[Nevvy]

Abby stroked the mare’s cheek gently as she nuzzled her. She looked over at Eddie before looking behind her quickly. All of a sudden the man was gone, walking toward the mare and foal barn. She could wait out here, go back to Rudolph and sit in the pasture. Or she could follow him. Indecision made her pause. She wanted to follow Eddie but then again she did not. She sighed, why had she not seen the signs earlier and then this would not be happening to her now. Be nice… she said to herself, more like sarcasm than anything. Seeing as that was what she told Rudolph, she had to act on her own advice. Sometimes she just needed to learn how to keep her mouth shut and then she would not have to do anything. Making sure to pull down her sleeves (she could not wait until the bruises were gone, then she could take these damn long sleeved shirt off) so as to not raise suspicion, she went into the barn, glancing around as she did so.

It was bigger than the stallion barn, that was for sure. Looking into a few of the stalls, she made a guess. So you like Quarter horses? She asked. That seemed to be the consensus from the build of a few of them. There were at least more Quarter horses than any other breed here. Seeing the dog, she went over and scratched his head before sitting down beside him, watching as Eddie worked. She had already glanced in this stall, making sure that the mare would not bite her head off, but she seemed more engrossed in the hay than anything else. But just to be on the safe side, she sat down away from the door. Eddie had a way with horses, especially this more…vain mare here. But of course, usually barn owners did, and those that did not, well some of them turned out to be the worst, more out of less knowledge than meaning them any harm. Looking over at the dog, she said, You know what, I just remembered that Eddie has yet to introduce us. How rude of him. She looked up at Eddie, a small smile forming on her lips. I promise that is the last time that I will say things like that. She could not help it though, it was just too easy. It was easier around animals though, they didn't tell secrets. Humans on the other hand, she felt isolated, along when in a room with them. Ah well at some point she'd get over it, she just had to give herself time. But she knew that what she said could hurt others, so she needed to watch her boundaries.

[/blockquote]

[Serenade]

Eddie heard the footsteps, but waited until she spoke to say anything to her. He glanced to the side to see her checking that Kyss wouldn't bite her and settle next to Achilles on the bale of hay. He paused in his brushing a moment, and Devan stamped her hoof, wanting to be done so she could go to sleep. She was not pleased by how long this was talking. Eddie grinned at the mare, reaching forward and flicking her nose lightly so that she let out a squeal of outrage. The dark palomino mare glared at her owner, but made no move towards him. She may be vain, but she did truly love him, as he was very good to her.

Eddie glanced over at Abby when he replied. Yeah, if you couldn't tell. Good sturdy Western horses. And generally they're pretty friendly. I grew up riding them. Finally finishing with Devan, he unclipped her from the crossties, leading her to her fresh, clean stall. She walked in happily, pleased to be done for the day. Eddie shut and locked the door behind her and walked over to where Abby sat next to Achilles. He gave a laugh at her comment. So, she did have a sense of humor. A nice, teasing one. It made him smile. he didn't mind being teased in fun. He did it all the time. Eddie reached forward, tugging one of Achilles' large, cream hued ears, causing the dog's tail to thump against the straw. This is Achilles. Vicious killer, if you couldn't tell. As he was saying this, Achilles was giving his hand a full wash, tail wagging as he received attention.

Eddie reached upwards, stretching his long lean body. His shirt came up a bit to reveal muscular body underneath, from all the hauling horse equipment around the farm. Relaxing from his stretch, he sighed and rubbed Achilles' head. He didn't look at Abby as he said his next piece. I'm going to head up to the house to make dinner and head to bed, since there isn't anything left to do for the rest of the day. If you haven't a place to stay for the night, you're welcome to take one of the guest bedrooms, so you won't be too far from your stallion. Eddie turned beat red as he realized all this had come spilling from his mouth. Quickly, he backtracked. I mean, we did just meet, and we're strangers to each other. If you're more comfortable with it, I can sleep out here in the mare and gelding barn on the couch in the loft. It's no bother. The shy boy stood shuffling his weight, nervous about what she was going to say, and unable to look her in the eyes as he waited for his answer. Was that too abrupt? He didn't want her to think he was going to take advantage of her, he wasn't that kind of guy. But she seemed a little skittish, and he didn't want to give her the fright of her life.