A Fateful Encounter I 8432 Capture 2nd Attempt

BEEP BEEP BEEP!! Quin woke up feeling groggy and sick. “Ughhh...Shut up!” He grumbled and felt around his night table for the annoying alarm clock beeping like crazy. Once finally off, he sat up in his bed, ready for the day to start. He stretched and groaned, still feeling the effects of the morning. Grudgingly he got up and slipped some clothes on, plus his lucky cap which was now dirty and worn from use. He only shrugged and put in on so it covered his messy brown hair. He turned hearing his phone start to buzz, it was his uncle. “What does he want?” he grumbled and picked up the phone. “Hello!”

“Did you hear the news? About the new ballator spotted in Regales Glade, heard hes a real looker.” His uncle's loud voice filled his ears making them ring.

“Geez do you have to talk so loud?” Quin growled pulling the phone away from his ear. “A new ballator? Have they determined the type?” 

“Not yet, but the pictures make it look like some sort of steppe. Or even a desert! Are you interested?” 

“Anything to get me out of the house.” Quin laughed and grabbed a jacket laying on a chair within his room. “Alrighty I’ll talk to you later. Hopefully when I have that ballator!”

“Remember to stay cautious, it's still a wild animal! Just don't get hurt!”

“Don't worry, I have Legacy. He’s extremely loyal to me! He’ll protect me if things get out of hand!” he smiled starting the walk downstairs. “I really should go, so stop talking my ear off!”

“Legacy!! You sure you want to take that ornery mule! That damn beast almost bit my fingers off. I wouldn't trust something with that big of an attitude.” A sigh resonated across the phone. “Guess there's no stopping you, especially when you have your mind set. Now be careful! I’ll talk to you later!”

Quin hung up the phone, slipping it into his jean pocket. He smiled wondering why his uncle was so worried, he’d been around wild ballators before this would be no different. He dropped down the rest of the remaining stairs and out the door. Slipping on his flannel jacket he grabbed his boots that were resting near the doorstep, slipped them on and started walking towards the barn. He swung the door open revealing multiple stalls, some empty some not. He sighed looking at some of the empty stalls, he loved ballators and respected their privacy. So when they wanted to leave he let them, he was worried about the few that were out living life. Shaking his head he turned towards legacy’s stall. “Ready to go get ourselves another ballator?” The golden stallion snorted in disapproval. “That's the spirit!” Quin laughed and opened the saddle shed door revealing Legacy’s saddle and bridle. After saddling him up, he pulled out a carrot hidden within the saddle shed. “Here, take this!”  The stallion grabbed the small snack as a peace offering and followed Quin more easily. “Crap cant forget this!” Quin laughed and grabbed a bag of bait. “Not for you!” He smiled, waving his finger at Legacy. 

Legacy snorted ready to go, which only made Quin more and more anxious to get going. He saddled him up and climbed on top of the ornery stallion. “Okay! Lets go...:” Quin sighed, repositioning the saddle so it sat upright. 

Legacy pawed the ground in frustration. I’ve been wanting to go this entire time! Why won't you ever listen to me. I should just buck you off! He snickered, trying to tell himself that he would even though he would never. Truth be told, he loved Quin. He was the only rider fit for him, he hated pretty much everyone else including his own kind. Hopefully this ballator isn't some pushover. Cause oh boy I’m screwed if they are. Quin kicked him into a fast trot which Legacy complied and trotted down a country trail near Quin’s house.

“They say Regale’s glade is a mysterious place, and only shows itself to those who are worthy! Do you know how to get there?” He asked, rubbing his head, I mean I am talking to a horse...Oh well I’m crazy anyways! He laughed in his head. 

The trail darkened revealing the cold and damp feeling of the forest they had just entered. Fog escaped out of the mountain tops leaving behind an eerie cloudiness. Mud clinged to the hooves of Legacy making it hard to stay sure footed. “Why is it so wet today? Must’ve got a little bit of rain over the weekend!” He grumbled buttoning up his flannel jacket. “It doesn't matter, we need to keep going!” he smiled and patted Legacy on the neck. The dark forest soon cleared a bit revealing a bright light towards the end of the trail. “Huh I’ve never seen this part...This is the right way!” Quin smiled and turned legacy in the direction of the trail. 

The clearing opened revealing a plain of green grass, Legacy snorted. Wowza! I could get used to this! He smirked as he looked over the vast meadow of wonder. The mountains stood sturdy and red above all the trees, stripes of sediment marking the landscape like a masters painting. Legacy’s eyes grew big as he looked at all the sights. He nickered seeing Quin’s mouth stuck open like a fish. 

“Have you ever seen anything like it? I mean I’ve seen pictures, but its way better in person!” he laughed suddenly getting excited and ready for the day ahead of them. He pulled out some of the bait from Legacy’s saddlebags getting a few pieces of meat and a carrot or two. “He's ours!” he smiled and pushed Legacy into a canter towards the middle of the meadows. Legacy snorted, stopping in his tracks. “What's wrong?” Quin said looking worried, he looked towards where Legacy was looking. There he stood, the wild ballator they had been looking for.

The stallion stood on top of a large hill clearing, hsi gold horns and gold markings were a sight to behold. Quin’s mouth dropped open wide, “He’s stunning!” The stallion posed at the top of the hill, making him look even more regal than before. His golden markings glimmered in the sunlight making small light spots fill the shadows. He stepped down curiously approaching the two. Quin hesitated wondering if he should get off and try to give the bait to the ballator. He dismounted and held legacy close just in case. The wild ballator stopped a short distance away, he smelled the air and swiveled his ears looking for danger. Quin reached for the bait, holding it out. The ballator sniffed the air obviously knowing what it was, but wouldn't come closer. Quin sighed and threw a piece of the bait towards the stallion, letting the beast come to them. The ballator walked closer eating the piece of bait and looking back towards Quin. Quin then tried again, holding his hand out hoping the golden beast would come closer. 

Legacy snorted not too happy to see the ballator coming closer. He better not do anything, or so help me, I’ll kill him. His expression changed revealing a grumpy and snide frown. He tensed up a bit seeing the golden stallion get closer and closer till he was at the hand of Quin.

Quin looked surprised as the stallion ate from his grasp, he exhaled trying to keep his breathing calm even though his heart was beating out of his chest. Reaching out he let the ballator sniff his hand, in a sign of harmlessness. He wanted the ballator to be calm, especially if they were going to bring him home. The golden stud sniffed his hand, letting Quin pet him softly, he wasd still jumpy though. Quick movements spooked him, making him step back until he was gently soothed back towards Quin. “Wanna come home with us?” Quin smiled holding out his had towards where they had come.