The Perfect Steed

As I look around the meadow I instantly know that I am different. I'm larger, taller, and I have great wood sharp like objects sticking outside of my head. I remember when I first arrived in the vast woods of my home hearing the mirth from the odd creatures on two legs. They joked at my care taker, but it was all in good fun. I could tell that the person beside me was well respected and one of noble breed. He was tall; his blonde silver like hair rippled down his back like a waterfall and on top was some sort of hair decorative piece that I have not seen on anyone.

The head piece had sharp ends, and had little drops of what looked like berries stuck between them, from this odd piece, I knew we would get along easily seeing as how we were the only ones whose crown adorned such fascinating pieces.

So here I am, grazing. The others are close together; the horses. They really think there are the most special and graceful creatures to ever walk the earth. They prance around, play, and gallop across the terrain. Their coats white and sleek like silk that is reflected by the sun, their loose manes and tails flow as the winds carries them as they pick up speed. They are truly a sight to behold. When they gallop it's as if the earth is being left behind. They are blessed by the gods as they glide over the ground as if taking flight and travel to their makers. Even I, sometimes watch them when they play, my eyes fill with green of envy at these graceful creatures.

My coat is not so sleek and white of royalty, but brown thick dark and curly, my presence is enough to stop someone dead in their tracks as they gaze upon me, but it's not like the horses. They stop for beauty when eyes are cast of these blessed creatures, mine is nothing but a mockery. What is an elk doing in a royal stable anyway? I do not belong here, I belong out there, in the wild, even though the palace is a forest with giant trees and winding tree roots, it's different out there. I lift my head from grazing and my eyes see out to the beyond; to freedom.

I stop my gazing when I sense all is still and I look to my right and see a horse approach me taking tentative steps the others horses stare as their companion came closer. When it is about two feet, it stops gives a whinny and runs back to its friend where they all runaway form me and whinny as well. It's like there laughing at me, my tall figure is intimidating to them I am sure; horses are such fragile creatures at times. I ignore them as best as I can though one gets used to it after many years of being in their company. I do not need them I have been lonely all this time, but sometimes the mockery is a little overwhelming and I start to feel more and more out of place. No one can really hold me back I can jump over the fence if I wanted and no one would miss me. Just like that my feet are moving before I am fully aware of what I'm doing.

As I approach the fence, I pick up my ears and see a group of three, coming toward the fence. I recognize the leader, his long blond locks are not difficult to match, and he and his father are the only ones I see with such color. The other two are identical with their hair as dark as midnight and as glossy as their friend. They approach the fence and come just as I reach it.

"Is that what your adar rides in battle?" One said as they looked at me with curious eyes, his voice was full of mirth.

"Yes," the other responded, there was silence and the two identical boys laughed, holding on to their sides as their laughter took over.

"Can he even run?" One of them gasped out.

"I'm sure he looks utterly ridiculous if he did see battle, everyone would laugh." His twin replied

"That would make victory in battles inevitable; the enemies would laugh so hard that they will be incompetent in a fight," they continued to laugh and mock me. I looked at them and my ears twitched downward feeling a little uncomfortable, and more out of place, and no way to escape without being caught. I stare at the blond one and he looks between the two, and is a little hesitant to join the fun. The boy isn't all bad he is as kind and gentle as his sire, but the pressure from his company gives in and he gives a tight giggle not wanting to disappoint them in a little fun.

I take a step back at their comments and leisurely turn my head away from the younger ones hearing their laughter as I walk further away although it's hard to block out. I find a good place to graze and before I lower my head, I feel a hand on my neck and I raise my head to meet him.

"Ignore them mellon nin," he strokes my nose and I lean into his familiar touch. His tranquil demeanor and tender hands ripples throughout my body and soothes me. "They don't understand you, like I do." He whispers in my ear, and a flood of guilt washes over by the fact that I almost left him, my friend. He continues to stoke me and I no longer hear or care what others think of me. I step back wanting to tell him how I feel, but it's not that easy. A horse would nod their head and give a shrill whinny, or even nudge him affectionately. I am no horse, and I cannot do that so instead I look him in his eyes. Although his eyes are traveling around my face he freezes for a brief moments and looks in mine. I try to communicate with him and tell him how much I appreciate him. He has stood up for me the moment I arrived and has cared for me occasionally by brushing me, feeding me, and most importantly giving me a home. He seems to understand and his lips twitch upwards in the slightest way and I know he understands me.

Although I am no horse, I am part of the royal family steeds, and just because I am different does not mean that others should underestimate me. Yes I am an elk that would prefer the lush green forest and freedom that it rings, but I have a sense of duty. To stay by my friend and help him in any way I can, and I will do just that and no amount of mockery will ever come between us.

Adar- Father

Mellon nin- My Friend