First Encounter
The storm chased after him and he raced along with it. It had been some time since he had been able to enjoy the storms that ran through the grassy plains. His muscles could be seen with each gallop, tightening his skin against his powerful legs. The sound echoed as he ran through a valley, wind coming up to blow through his long soft mane. He shook his head some, parts of it sticking on the side of his face and neck. He could never get tired of the rain. It is where he got his name from. Thunder…powerful, yet full of beauty. He was not like the others. He was free and full of spirit. And for as long as he could help it, he would stay that way. He slowed to a trot and he came up to the top of a hill, the sight before him keeping his attention. His yellow oval eyes catching sight of a small camp sight. Very few humans were spotted and looked to be a family. A young boy helped what seemed to be his father by the stream, most likely catching their dinner for the night. An even younger girl sat by her mother, watching with interest as she weaved something. The sight of the family made Thunder think about his own past. Something he rarely did. Letting his curiously getting the best of him, he moved a little closer. The storm had just missed the family, disappearing without a trace.
He moved up behind on of the tents, her ears leaning forward as he heard them talking. Not being able to understand them, he took a step forward to get a better look. A snap came out from under his front right hoof, causing his muscles to tense up. The last thing he wanted was for them to see him and he had blown that. The little girl came around the back of the tent. He was surprised that he hadn’t seen the mother close behind, but she never appeared. Taking a few steps back, he blew out warm air through his nose. This little girl would not be able to do much, but knowing that parents were protective over there young, her parents would come looking for her. The small child reached out her hand towards him, her fingers spreading out some. What was she up to? Hesitating for a moment, he dipped his head low to breath in the girl’s scent. A giggle came from her, and she leaned forward faster than he could draw back. Her hand landed on the center of his nose, the touch rather soft. His gaze went to her hand for a moment, before returning to her as if studying the small figure. She didn’t seem threatening.
He let her move to his side, turned his head to keep his watchful gaze on her. Her fingers came up to trace over the patterns that covered his side a back. She had to stand against her toes to be able to reach. His sides twitched a bit and his tail flicked back and for involuntarily. It never came close enough to hitting her. Her touch was rather nice, something new to him. This was the first time he came this close to a human. They were well known for their harsh use for horses like him. His back hoof padded against the hard ground under him. Was this really something to be afraid of. His ears moved a bit as her heard one of the males call out. The girl turned towards it, showing that it was meant for her. He moved to circle around her, using his nose to bump against her back lightly towards the direction of the others. He knew that she needed to get back in order to stay safe.
Her body stepped forward with his pushing. She peered over her shoulder at him with a question look but it disappeared as the male called out again. Running back from where she came from. The girl disappeared, leaving Thunder all alone once again. His skin tingled a bit still from the faint petting of the girl. He moved away from the camp site before the girl got the chance to tell anyone about him. As much as he enjoyed his encounter, he needed to head back to safety before night fall. His thoughts were racing. He has so many questions about the humans. Were they all really that bad? All he could do was forget it for now and find answers another day. He galloped back through the valley, towards the place he called home.