[Claiming Attempt] Thank You for Being a Friend

The bright golden glow illuminated the back of the trailer as the doors swung open with a creak. Romeo's blue eyes blinking and focusing as a human shape eased into the trailer. "Hi sweet boy." A soft, melodic voice belonging to his girl, Emeline, greeted his ears. His ears pricked forward as he barely made out her form as she slipped a halter around his head and began to lead him out of the trailer. His hoofbeats making a commotion until they reached the concrete outside of a large, nice barn as the morning sky rose. 

The golden glow was shining from the interior, where he could see a few horses with their heads peeking over the half doors of their stalls. He looked back to his handler, a girl with brown hair messily coiled into a bun atop her head with a blue sweater, heavy coat, and paired with some thick jodphurs and tall boots.. Her hazel eyes were kind as she patted his neck and led him into the barn. She stopped long enough to put him in crossties so she could remove his shipping blanket and boots and replace them with an endurance saddle so they could ride out to the herd of Teddies and pick out a new friend for Romeo. 

"Alright sweet boy, let's get warmed up and ride out to let you meet your neighbor/potential best friend." She spoke softly as she replaced the halter for a bridle on the Bay Thoroughbred with his birdcatcher spots and splash markings. Once tacked up and warmed up, they headed out for the foothills of a large mountain and took in the beautiful scenery on a chilly morning. Romeo eased through the landscape, 'taking in the experience well for a young horse.' Emeline noted to herself as they went. 

The trek wasn't a long one and they finally came across the herd of various colors and patterns. She took in their beautiful coats with awe as she and Romeo rode further a little and stopped. Romeo's breath fogged in the crisp morning air as he surveyed the herd of cobs that were at least a foot shorter than he was. He sniffed the air curiously, wanting to approach but waiting until he was allowed to do so. 

Emeline slipped from the saddle with a silver bell attached to a purple ribbon and eased towards the herd carefully, her eyes scanning for what horse piqued her interest before her hazel eyes caught sight of a beauty.  A faded black splash mare tore away from the herd to meet these newcomers. For a moment her kind nature confused Emeline and Romeo but she simply walked up to the pair and sniffed curiously. Emeline quietly petted her nose and smiled softly at her. "Sweet girl. Would you like to come home with us and be Romeo's friend?" She asked allowed as if the mare would understand. 

Behind Emeline, Romeo timidly looked at the little splash mare with curiousity and wanting to meet her but unsure if it was okay to walk up. So instead the little splash mare went to the big bay splash thoroughbred that towered well over her with kindness and her own curiosity. "Who are you?" She asked gently, her voice soft and sweet - something Romeo wasn't quite ready for.  But he offered a shy smile instead and introduced himself.

"My name's Romeo, it's lovely to meet you. What's your name?" Romeo asked gently, the little mare only grinned and answered, "Bunuelo." 

"That's a pretty name." Romeo answered earnestly as he dared a step forward. 

"Thank you Romeo. What do you do?" She asked, motioning with her head towards his tack. 

"I'm a racehorse. I run fast as my job. Emeline and I are out here for a break from training and to try to meet a new friend. Looks like I met one." He answered as Bunuelo walked forward, sniffing at the stirrups and looking him over. 

"You certainly did. That sounds like a very fun job, do you like it?" She asked as she walked over to a tree and Romeo followed on instinct. The leather of his saddle creaking and the stirrups swinging lightly with each step. 

"Yes I love what I do." He answered as they reached the tree. 

"You wanna pick where we graze?" Bunuelo questioned, her blue eyes scanning the pasture for a lush patch of grass and finding none she'd personally pick. Romeo looked around and saw a particular patch under the tree." Right over there looks good to me." He said looking down at his friend before they started that way and began grazing and idly chatting about anything and everything that came to mind. Emeline was forgotten by Romeo at this point. Instead she hung back and watched how they got along and hoped she'd be able to bring Bunuelo home so their friendship could continue. In the end, she knew it'd be fate that decided that. 

After awhile of grazing and chatting, it was time to head home. Before climbing into the saddle, Emeline patted Bunelo's neck and tied the purple ribbon adorned with the silver bell into her mane. "Okay sweet girl, we'll see you in a week I hope." She said softly as she climbed into the saddle. Romeo looked back at Bunuelo, hesistant to leave his newfound friend but knew it was necessary, "It was lovely meeting you. I hope we meet again Bunuelo." He answered softly as his nose bumped hers. "Lovely meeting you Romeo, may we meet again my friend." Bunuelo answered wistfully.

The trek back was quiet and uneventful, yet Romeo's mind kept travelling back to the little mare. How he hoped their friendship could continue. Only time and fate would determine that in a week. Until then he could enjoy the scenery and his human Emeline's companionship.