Hawley's Holiday Gift?

Aslan was pressed for time. He needed to get that ribbon on Marmelada as soon as he could, and yet the mare was evading him. It was like playing a game of chase, except one of them didn't want to play. Marmelada was proving much more difficult than Aslan anticipated, and he wasn't having it, not one bit.

Marmelada would trot around as if showing off, head held high and tail flowing in the wind. Aslan knew she was the perfect pony for Hawley, if only he could get close enough to put the damn bell on before the day was over.

Every time Aslan thought he had a chance, she would take off again, bucking and spraying snow in his face. At least she was having fun, he thought, weaving through the rest of the ponies that would occasionally swarm around him. Every one except Marmelada.

She eventually decided to take a break from tormenting poor Aslan for a moment, slowing her movement down to a walk. Aslan was out of breath, hunched over a nearby fence post silently cursing the little grey mare. She approached him, ears pricked forward and nostrils soaking in his scent. Aslan thought this was his moment to try and bind with her enough to tie a bell ribbon onto her, but once his hand neared, she leaned back on her hindquarters and pivoted, prancing away in her little pony trot. This was a nightmare.

At last, Marmelada grew bored of Aslan's defeat and approached him, head low and ears relaxed. He was delighted that she had at last given up and Aslan had won their little game. He gave her some scratches above her tail and she enjoyed it, lipping at him back in an attempt to groom him.

This was when he made his move with the bell ribbon; gently moving his fingers through the soft hairs of her tail. Aslan watched for any signs that she was uncomfortable, yet she stood patiently. He weaved his fingers around and amongst the strands, braiding the ribbon into Marmelada's tail. When he stepped back, he admired his handiwork, as the mare nudged at his arm. This spunky little mare would make the perfect present for Hawley.