{Lightning Bugs}

[Sage!]

Leylani watched as the sun set over the mountain tops. There seemed to be no other creatures here. The mare picked her way up the peek, and looked down below her. The mountainside spread out like a map. She coult just see Breaking Brooke. There had been too many others there. Here, it was quiet, peaceful...then a spark of light startled Leylani. She whirled around. There it was again! And annother, another...Lightning Bugs. Fireflies. Whatever your choice in names, the little creatures mesmerized the mare. She was held there in a dream-like state as she watched them move about. What would it be like to be so small? Tiny and free, not bound to the earth as was the horse. If she had wings, she too would fly, soaring over the land. But...it must be frightening. The world was big, even to a large horse like Leylani. A summer breeze ruffled her mane as she continued to watch the bugs on their summer night dance...
A coyote howled. The magic spell was broken. Leylani sighed, and lowered herself to the ground. She would rest. Tommorow she could explore.

[shadorea]

Jan had been contentedly eating when he heard the familiar cry of the coyote. He raised his head, ears swiveling all around, searching for danger. He swayed hi head back and forth in an attempt to make up for his bad eye. Nothing. Good.

He did happen to notice a mare in the distance. She seemed transfixed by the fireflies. He chuckled to himself. Oh, how he would give to worry on such things as fireflies. He turned and walked further across the plain. He needed to find somewhere secure to sleep.

[Sage!]

Leylani was startled when she saw something move. What was it? Another horse? Timidly, she called out in the darkness.

[shadorea]

Jan stopped in his slow, plodding gait. Had someone callled out to him? Why, yes, yes they had. Turning, he faced the mare he had noticed before. He figured that she must have been the one, since there were no others around.

He gave a short, gruff neigh in response. He would see what was troubling her.

[Sage!]

Leylani timidly spoke to the horse. "Hello? I wonder...I wonder, do you know if it is safe here?" The mare was scared. Scared of the unknown. Scared that in the morning when she awoke, she would be but a vapor, never to live on earth again. And she would go to that big place in the sky. The humans spoke of it as a grand world, but she couldn't help being afraid. It was a deep, nagging thought that maybe it wasn't so grand. Whatever the case, she wanted to stay on earth as long as possible.

[shadorea]

Jan studied her bit before responding,"Seems so. The only sign of any danger was that coyote a bit ago. What's your name, young one?"

She seemed so frighetened. He knew of the dangers in the world, but he never had any reason to be in such constant terror, as she seemed to be. He was calm and confident in the fact that when his time was done, it was done.

He calmly and patiently awaited her response.

[Sage!]

"I am Leylani. I'm sorry. During my brief time with the indians, I lived in fear. Never knowing what the next day brought; battles, fires, sickness. I'm glad for a`safe haven." Leylani paused. "Oh, and who might you be?"

[shadorea]

Jan looked at her evenly, calmly.

"I am Jan. I wander wherever I wish."

After saying all he felt needed to be said, he turned to leave.

[Sage!]

Leylani sighed, and turned to sleep, wondering what the dawn would bring.

[Sage!]

ooc|| Hey yall. I guess most of you know I've quit. So...goodbye. -waves-