Pitch Black

[Jazzy]

Twigs snapped with each of Java's heavy footsteps. Crickets sang their merry songs and the only thing illuminating the sky was the moon. Thousands of stars twinkled above and the brooks that ran along the side of the trail gurgled and dripped quite loudly in the silence of the night. Each step had to be taken with caution, as the riders were blind to any obstacles on the ground and the horses were dependent upon their riders for guidance.

Alli loved midnight trail rides. They were such an escape from everything, and although nothing could beat a good gallop down a dirt road, these rides were definitely second. Java never flinched at the sound of animals in the woods or anything else, so there wasn't much to worry about, and Hope had the control needed to be safe at night. They had walked along in companionable silence for quite sometime, and Alli began to wonder if Hope was still following her.

"Are you still back there?" She asked, turning her torso so her sound would carry, even though it wasn't really needed this time. A slight breeze carried warm air toward the riders. This weather was a welcome relief from the bitter cold snow that fell all winter. This was Alli's favorite kind of weather, warm, but not too hot, and slightly humid. Just perfect.

[DJ]

"Mhm." Hope replied, trusting Dazzle to know where she was going. Under the canopy, Hope could barely make out a figure somewhere in front of her, still traveling forward.

Dazzle picked her way through the trail, cracking branches with her hooves. Hope wasn't sure if as the brightest idea to take her green mare, but she figured it'd be a good bonding experience, needing equine and equestrian to trust each other. "Good girl," Hope whispered to the mare.

She relaxed under the moonlight, smoothing out her black riding vest with one hand. She moved forward silently, not even knowing there they were headed.

[Jazzy]

Alli smiled as Java picked up a little jog. The bouncy steps made it difficult for Alli to sit, so she finally gave in and started posting. There was a small clearing up ahead, illuminated by the moon. There wasn't as thick of a tree cover as there was on other parts of the trail, so they could actually see where they were walking. A thin, wispy cloud brushed by the moon, momentarily blocking some light. All got the chills, and felt a sudden urge to make some conversation.

"So, when is the first event that we're going to?" Alli asked, slowing Java back to a walk. The mare snorted in protest, but finally gave in. She remained heavy on the forehand until Alli let the reins slip a little. Then Java happily put her head down and walked along in silence. Alli was quite excited about the events this year, as her and Java would be showing training level. Alli had done this with some of her old horses, but it would be a first with Java.