Chapter One- Rose whinnied. She stood quietly next to Rocky, her eyes half closed and her tail swishing slowly. Rocky, with a nicker turned so that he stood next to her but this time, he wrapped his neck around hers and the two scratched each other's shoulders. Suddenly, the lead stallion, Storm, a tall, muscalar grey horse, a similar color as Rocky, strode over. His head was held high in the air and his bouncy trot was accompanied by a slight limp. He slowed his pace and snorted at Rocky. Rose whinnied in suprise and trotted silently so she was standing nearby, but far enough away that she was out of harm's way. Rocky nickered softly and avoided eye contact with the huge horse who looked exactly like him but older. " Rocky, ", Boomed Storm, " I know you are a vauleable member of our herd. But, your time has come. We wish you farewell.". Rocky hung his head and snorted quiet defiance. His gaze flickered to Rose and then to Storm. Loudly, but sorrowfully, he nickered his agreement. But, before he left, he walked slowly up to Rose and stretched out his neck. The two touched noses for the last time. With a swift glance back at the home he was leaving behind, Rocky cantered off, out of the herd until he was a tiny dot in the distance. Rose neighed protest and tried trotting after him, but Storm stepped in front of her until he looked like a looming gray shadow. His eye's, from what rose could tell, were as relaxed as ever, without even a hint of sorrow or regret. " Don't follow.", His voice was blank, it had no tone, but he continued, " He is no stallion. He might float around the edges of the herd for some time, but he is NOT fit to protect you.". He glared at Rose before he treked off to where he would watch his herd.
