Nightview

Despite his adoration for the sun, it was undeniably a lovely night.

Staring out over the ocean, the blue waters reflecting the Milky Way overhead, Cronus's eyes closed softly at the soft sea breeze. He felt its invisible fingers run through his hair, He raised his head as it swept across his hide, the air cold, a welcome change to the summer heat. His ears tilted back, and the stallion heaved a happy sigh. It was almost perfect.

The sudden sound of shifting sand drew his attention, and the Tabby stallion turned to see who was approaching; it was Rhea, the mare having also been released from their show trailer. As she came closer, his eyes began to sparkle happily, and he gave a horsey smile. "Now it's perfect," he said, his voice soft and surprisingly gentle for such a large stallion, and she gave him a weird look. He laughed a bit. "Nothing," he said, turning his eyes back to the horizon.

As the mare came to stand beside him, Cronus leaned his head to nuzzle her softly, an affection she returned gratefully. "The water is beautiful tonight," she said, tail flicking contentedly as they stood together, side by side. The stallion only nodded softly, chocolate eyes soft.

"But not as beautiful as you."

Rhea gave a tiny laugh, her equine cheeks felt as though they'd be blushing, had it been possible. "You're a hopeless romantic, you know that? You big cheesy lug."

"I know," Cronus grinned, eyes turning skyward. "But I'm your big cheesy lug."

The two lapsed into silence then, a comfortable quiet that truly needed no words. Every so often they'd nuzzle again, listening to the human's soft murmurs a ways behind them, though the two Nordanners paid no mind to what they were saying. They were too lost in each others company, too happy to have these quiet moments between them. Time passed at a crawl, the stars shifting slowly overhead as the night wore on, but for them, it passed too quickly. It seemed like only minutes later when their handler's definitive whistle broke the still night air, catching both horses' attention.

"Come on, we still have a long drive ahead," Rhea murmured, staring up lovingly at her mate.Cronus smiled and nodded. "And this time, I get the stall closest to the door," she snorted, acting put out, though Cronus could see the smile in her eyes.

"Fine, I'll be a gentleman," he said, giving her shoulder a soft nip. "But only because you're my girl." They shared one last nuzzle before the chestnut mare began to make her way back to the trailer. Giving an equine smile, he watched his love turn away and begin casually strolling towards their handler. He waited a moment, enjoying the last few moments of salt-tinged freedom as he watched the stars closest to the horizon sink into temporary oblivion. Finally he too turned, following the chestnut mare up the beach and back to their waiting owners.

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4/10 Kaaring for AhernStables
Full body, colored, painted background: +2
500 word story: +1
(Rhea was mentioned in story, but not featured in the art: +1 for her!)