[OAS] Gwen and Rhiannon - Liberty Drum Circle, Oasis Invitational

Gwen stood outside in the early morning, brushing Rhiannon’s rich blue-ish coat. The mare certainly relished in the attention, though it was clear the Winter bred horse cared little for the heat of the Plains. It was equally clear she loved all the open space to run in, as she wouldn’t set foot near the stables. Not that that was new. 

The Liberty Drum Circle seemed the best competition as far as Gwen was concerned, and perhaps barrel racing later if Rhiannon wanted. Gwen was there more to see Hayti and to appease Rhiannon for not having ridden her in the last competition. 

For once, the mare stood still as Gwen braided delicate white flowers and chains of silver into the blue roan’s mane and tale. It made for a striking look as Rhiannon pranced around in what had to be the most arrogant display of vanity possible for a horse to make. 

“Yes, you look stunning. And you know it.” Gwen chuckled and offered the mare a sugar cube, brushing her velvety nose as they waited their turn. She had to admit the sunrise was beautiful, and the dew carried a song she wasn’t nearly as familiar with. 

Finally it was their turn and Gwen allowed Rhiannon to make for the grassy area. The horse wore tack or lead, and Gwen wasn’t so foolish as to try and make them. Horses like Rhiannon simply weren’t meant to wear things such as that and Gwen wouldn’t insult her by asking. 

As soon as they were in the arena, Rhiannon seemed to find the music readily enough. She started by prancing around the arena, lifting her hooves high off the ground and assessing the crowd. Seemingly satisfied with what she saw, she shifted to a trot. Gwen wasn’t sure how, but somehow the mare timed her steps to the music. She almost seemed to be skipping playfully. 

With a toss of her head, she reared up and bolted towards one of the jumps, clearing it easily before turning and prancing in front of the crowd for approval and praise. Gwen simply chuckled and leaned back against the fence. There was no need to provide guidance, and clearly Rhiannon shared none of her reservations about performing at an event like this. 

After receiving sufficient attention from the crowd, Rhiannon shifted to what Gwen could only describe as a dance. Shifting her gait at random times and almost swaying to the music as she swished her tail or tossed her head for emphasis. The blue roan would even add in the extra flourish of bucking or rearing up at dramatic moments in the music. If Gwen didn’t know any better she’d have sworn the horse was anticipating them, but either way it was a stunning display and she was proud Rhiannon had selected her as a rider. 

The mare stopped off for a quick drink, though she somehow turned that into a show as well by soaking her tail and splashing the water around in an arc as she turned to the jumps. This time she seemed to be playing more than showing off, though she tended to ham it up for the crowd at any chance she got. 

Finally Gwen could only assume Rhiannon was bored with the display. Or sensed their time was up. The mare roamed over to where Gwen stood and headbutted her playfully. Gwen went to open the gate and allow Rhiannon out when the mare apparently changed her mind. With a flick of her head, she turned and ran back towards the arena, stopping and turning to Gwen in anticipation. 

Gwen sighed and after a moment of hesitation, followed Rhiannon towards the center of the area. The mare pranced around her, both herding Gwen and clearly pleased with herself for doing so. The act drew amused laughter from the crowd, but Gwen didn’t mind too much. Rhiannon was far too happy for anything else to matter. 

“Well, what now?” Gwen asked as Rhiannon finally stopped herding her at what was about the dead center of the arena, the mare now looking at her with what was clearly anticipation. 

The mare nuzzled her shoulder hard enough to make Gwen turn or risk falling over. Before Gwen could ask another question or respond, Rhiannon repeated the action, making Gwen turn all the way around. 

“Rhiannon!” Gwen chided, laughing right along with the crowd at her horse’s antics. “This is for you to show off, not me.” 

Rhiannon stamped her hoof and regarded Gwen indignantly, once again headbutting Gwen’s shoulder. This time Gwen complied and spun in a full circle, Rhiannon circling her in the opposite direction and urging her to keep going. 

Gwen gave a resigned laugh as she heard the crowd clapping and cheering for them, continuing to spin as Rhiannon danced and pranced around her in the opposite directions. But the fun couldn’t last forever and without realizing just how dizzy she was, Gwen ended up sitting on the ground laughing as the world continued spinning. 

Rhiannon stopped and regarded Gwen, the mare’s eyes almost laughing as she nibbled affectionately at the fae’s hair before partially kneeling and allowing Gwen to use her side as a way to get up safely. This caused another round of applause and laughter from the crowd. 

Gwen smiled as Rhiannon bowed, though the fae didn’t make the effort as she was pretty sure she’d end up back on the ground. “You put on a wonderful show.” Gwen murmured as Rhiannon glanced back at her. “I’ll see you’re given extra feed today and I’ve sugar cubes waiting in my pocket for you as well.” 

Rhiannon tossed her head in pleasure before carefully turning, allowing Gwen a moment to get her balance as they started for the exit. Once the mare was certain Gwen was steady, the imp started fishing in the fae’s pocket for the treats. 

“Hey now!” Gwen laughed even harder as they stepped out of the performance area. “Could you at least wait until we’re out of everyone else’s way?” Her words were immediately undermined by providing the mare the desired prize. 

Rhiannon snorted and gave Gwen an affectionate nuzzle before taking off to play in the fields, the silver and white of the decorations flashing in the slowly rising sun.