Not To Remember

[NejiHyuga]

Everyone has things in there past they want to forget. Some secrets however should be told. Neji had decided to come and spend the day with Eclipse. It had been raining for awhile. It had just stopped about a hour ago, despite that Neji still got up early. It was a habit and they die hard.
His eyes always seemed sad he was always distant. As if he did not like so mucht he company of others. Perhaps some things are better left unasked. Eclipse gave a soft wicker and Neji looked up from the ground. Not sure why he was thinking of that. He wants to forget he wants to forget it all.
Yet how can you forget something that has, been your life for as long as you knew. With a sigh " you hear someone boy?" Neji asked Eclipse was trained to let him know when someone was near by. Incase he did not see or hear them. Eclipse swished his tail, what did it mater anyways probably just another rider.
Neji walked the five feet back over to the stallion stroking his neck softly. He always rode bareback but since they did not know the area, he always at least had a halter on the stallion. The large black horse blew out of his noise and stamped his foot. Staring intently back the way they had came.
Perhaps it was someone he already knew and perhaps not. Neji watched the trail forawhile, eventaully decideing he dose not care. It was around noon he, planned to spend most of the day here, like he had the day before. He always seemed to get out, never really bothering to enter the shows. Besides Tsunada had thought it would, be good for him to get away from home for awhile. Actually there was a good few reasons for it. Neji had left without a word to his family, probably a good thing to.
The bright sunshine added a mild warmth to the day, it was cool but it was a nice day either way. The clouds were no longer heavy with rain. Neji seems to dissappear off on his own alot. Rain or shine he did not care. The breeze blew lazily about the land, it had died down to like the storm. Eclipse shook his pelt clear of the dust, once he got back up from his role. Neji started to walk back the way they had come. Hearing someone coming he ignored this. But got on to Eclipse anyways and the stallion picked up his pace to a trot.

[jazz]

"... And then we'll have to get you looking quite smart for the next show, no need in looking ratty for the first show of the season. Whoops, easy there boy, lets not get to hasty..."
The soft, oblivious voice had drifted in and out with the hoof beats that had been sounding out every now and again in the area of the forest where Neji and his own Stag had decided to take their rest.
Now, the hoofbeats of her horse and her soft toned voice was coming up again, now from behind the two. The paced sounded a steady trot and Chris seemed to be talking of different matters.
"... And thats all good and well but we need to build you up a good status. Fine amount of points and such, see? But I can't wait to see all the sons and daughters you'll get. I just know they'll all have your good character, I have a knack for those things, you know?"
Her voice was steady, slipping from one sentence into the next, the slight bounce in her voice more evidence toward their pace being a trot.
It was not long after that they came into view of the pair, although took no notice, the two being too far ahead for comfortable conversation.
The stag with the even trot was pitch in color and his shoulders moved smoothly with the grace of his tall legs. From the front one could tell his draft stature by his broad chest and thick neck that was arched with a spirited gesture. His hoofs too where large and curtained with soft black feathers that where only hidden by his white braces, both on his forelegs. Dyre was set with a fine head and ears that remained mostly forward, unless to flicker back and listen to the chatter of the girl upon his back.
Speaking of said human, the girl was slight compared to her large mount, and was clothed in a fine, but sturdy red riding vest and a nice white shirt, quarter sleeved. This was all matched with a fine pair of black riding pants and equal colored boots that slipped up to her knee.
Tack was a simple black trail (English)saddle with a white pad(of the same English way) with a fine black trail bridle that was accompanied by leather Hunting reins.
Chris of course had her medium length blond hair back in a French braid and rode this day with no helmet. Light blue eyes soon caught sight of the two ahead and she became rather curious as to who it was..
"Lets go make a bit of chat, shall we my boy?"
She asked and with barely a touch of her reins the big Freisian stag slipped into a long-strided canter, which started them forward toward the two with a bit more spirit.
"Why halloo up there!" she called out in a merry sort of way, letting the horse and rider know that they where coming up. And come up they did, gaining ground quickly, but smoothly within a few moments before slowing to the pace of the new horse.
"Hey there! I didn't expect to see anyone out today, hows the ride so far?"
Chris asked, always friendly and curious to those she did not know yet.
Dyre had given his own welcoming whinny at the sight of the new horse and rider and had happily obliged his filly into a comfortable canter, coming upon the two faster than he thought they would. Finally upon them he gave a light snort to even his breathing and nickered a greeting to both the boy and the new horse. He was a friendly sort, taught to be so by his own filly. She often told him it was bad to scorn others before you knew if they could scorn you.

[NejiHyuga]

Eclipse stood seventeen hands, has a refined intelligent head, elegant neck, well sloped shoulders; great depth through the girth; strong, muscular hindquarters with well-set tail; clean hard legs and well let down hocks. The stallions mane is long his tail just a few centimeters from the ground. Both appearing to be silky the stallions ears gave a flick. The wind picked up the birds sang high above in the trees.

Neji glanced to the girl when she came up " fine " he said with little emotion. Half focused still on his thoughts. After a few minutes he pushed the thoughts from his mind. As Eclipse made a steady even paced trot. Where he would be trotting other horses would be cantering. The stallion gave a low audible wicker as a greeting in return. Swishing his tail casually enjoying not having to trot. He was smooth for a thoroguhbred.

Eclipse took a deep breath only to let it out he was conent and pleased with this. Perhaps there would be more to do soon. Yet he was happy with just being out daily and for long hours. Neji gave a side-long glance to the girl. Perhaps he had seen her before it was not likely, but it was not to unlikely either. He never talked much sometimes diffcult for other people to get to know him. Eclipse lifted his head up only for a moment they, where back more or less on a clear trail. Something had moved up ahead but Eclipse did not break stride. Giving a soft snort he did not spook easily, and for his age was good enough to be called bomb proof.

The dust swirled slightly as Eclipse mainted his casual trot. Neji finally looked to the girl as, if finally, noting her precense which was likely. After doing so he looked back ahead, they where following the same trail as early today. It had been awhile since he had said anything, more to her since her question.

[jazz]

The male upon the fine looking Thoroughbred did not give any extravagant greeting, just a simple "Fine" passed his lips before he looked ahead on the trail again and said nothing for a long moment..
Whereas this might have put off some people, it did not bother her. She had been the same way at one point, having strictly kept to herself and became almost religiously antisocial, that is, before timidly making friends and slowly emerging from her shell, becoming the loud and rather open person she was today..
Dyre was quite comfortable with the silence and preferred to keep his attention upon the other horse rather than the two humans. Seeing as his greeting was returned, he gave his crown a toss and gave a happy whinny, as if telling the other that Dyre was happy for the company. To make 'conversation' better between the two, he stayed paced with Eclipse and chomped his bit a few times in eagerness.
After a moment of catching the male give her glances and side-long looks Chris gave a smile,
"Not a big talker are you? Thats alright, I was the same way once. I love the quiet, but I can be a bit loud too, so forgive me. Just tell me if I bother you at all.."
She said easily, loosening the reins a bit so that Dyre could have his head and so that she could relax from their spanking pace of earlier.. And he was naturally grateful for the break.
"Oh, and um, My name is Chris, and this is Dyre.. it's.. lovely to meet you.. umm.."
She trailed off a bit, not knowing what his name was and therefore not calling him by anything at all.. It was a slight nudge or hint for wanting to /know/ his name, but she would not press if he didn't give it.

[NejiHyuga]

Eclipse was eager for the chance to make a new friend. Where as he was a bit more outgoing Neji was more reserved. At times Eclipse was the same way but, not often anymore. When he was a three year old he had started to be more outgoing. He tossed his head and let out a small wicker, wanting to be friends. And turned his head slightly and gave a small wicker, as if to get Neji's attetion.
Neji looked to Eclipse the stallion snapping him out of his thoughts. He 'almost' seemed to smile but it could not really be called one. Neji had raised Eclipse from a small foal, the stallion's mom had been killed when he was almost three months. The whispered threw the trees, and echoed with the sound of the birds. Who where lively this time of year.
Neji heard the girl began to speak again. He half looked to her and eventually did, when she mentioned her name. His silver eyes watching her in a silence, that may be a bit unwelcoming. Yet was not inteded to be as such, it's just how he is at times. " Neji....this is Eclipse " his tone was calm, and he looked back ahead. Eclipse gave a whinny and a small toss off his head, at hearing his name. Almost like he was saying hello which for him would be perfectly normal. He was smart and clearly attached to his human friend.
Neji may not have replied if he had not notice, she had wanted to know his name. Eclipse wanted to increase his pace but, knowing better did not do so. The stallion's sleek body showed his power and speed, with ease he was in amazing shape. His breathing was calm and relaxed and his ears, pricked forward. Flicking back ever so often his pace smooth and relaxed and his tail was held high.

[jazz]

Dyre was happy that the other horse was as eager to make friends as he was and turned his head to stretch out his muzzle and catch the scent of Eclipse, wanting to place it into his memory for later identification. He was able to brush his velvety kissers against the other stags neck before pulling back and tossing his head. He gained a prance in his step and pulled slightly at the bit, wanting to go a bit faster but not doing so until he was given the signal.
Chris on the other hand nodded when he gave his own name and his horses, keeping it in memory.
"Neji.. that's a lovely name, really. Japanese right? Too smooth to be Chinese, I know."
She said easily, asking a question, almost without thinking, just trying to slip into conversation, as she naturally did when she was around people.
Feeling Dyre's slight pull at the already loose reins for a signal, she gave him a slight nudge and his pace rose slightly in speed. Not enough to really change the distance between her and Neji, but enough to send her into a post in the saddle to keep from jostling around..
"You know, I've always wanted a Japanese name. The language is so much prettier. Better than plan old Christina, but I suppose it's just my lot in life. I can live with it though."
She explained easily, keeping her voice light and airy, a very friendly and inviting tone, wanting him to reply.
Dyre on the other hand was now plotting along at another spanking pace and glanced toward the other stag to see if he would follow suit. He would not want his new friend to get left behind, but also wanted to keep up his speed, feeling the need to keep up his pace.

[NejiHyuga]

Eclipse knew he was allowed to speed up somehow, he picked up his trot giving no apparent effort. The stallion's long legs glided with ease a bit faster but barely a to noticable change of speed. His hooves seemed almost to have a slight gliding action similar to arabians as he moved, over the earth likely to be a show off.
He nodded when the girl mentioned his name being japanese, which for him is natural its where he came from. Noticing she was wanting to talk more, it did not bother him however. Some people where put off by his silence. While others tried to drag him into talking with them. However Chris apparently had no problem with his silence.
When she began to speak after a short while once again. He listened to keep his mind from other things. Eclipse gave a small puff he had reached his head over, to remember the scent of his knew found friend. His ears pricked forward he did not try to speed up. Tossing his head slightly as if glad of his knew friend. His long mane danced over his neck as he did so.
At first he spoke in japanese then correcting himself said calmly " it seems alot of people i meet wish that as well " he picked up on that quickly. Looking over to her as he spoke for the first time.

[jazz]

Dyre shook his head and neck as Eclipse reached over and turned his head again, audits flickering in his direction, nares flaring a moment before lowering his head and snorting. He then picked his head back up again and continued at his pace, hooves keeping a steady rythme that was in time with her posting.
Chris blinked after he spoke and gave her head a slight tilt,
"I suppose your right.. I don't think we can help it though.. Too many pretty Japanese names.. and too many overused American ones I suppose."
She said easily with a slight shrug before continuing on, letting silence take over again, comfortable and holding a slight smile upon her face..
"So, what stables do you go to Neji? Just wondering."
She asked easily, just trying to keep up the light conversation, but not trying to force him into it.. All of her questions where simple and light, trying not to probe to deep.

[NejiHyuga]

Eclipse gave a small nearly unuadable grunt. His ears twitched to and fro with the timing of his pace. Taking a deep breath as he heard the silence return to them. It did not bother him he was used, to the silence.
Neji kept his eyes fixed ahead, hearing Chris speak. Not truly listening his thoughts had swayed elsewere. To other matters in the past some recent more so than others. Considering and weighing his options in his mind. Tsuanda had thought it best if he went away for awhile, telling him to come here. Neji was uncertain of how she found out about this place. Pushign this from his mind, it was not like the Hakuge was going to tell him.
Eclipse gave a small bob of the ahead his nares flared slightly, as he saw a few squirrels in the road. It did not bother him he, was just in his own way laughing. After awhile it was it seemed as if he had been. Eclipse as a foal used to chase them all over the pasture.
He would but knows he can't at the present time. Neji did not even bother to take notice of Eclipse's desire to chase the squirrels. The steady rythm Eclipse mainted and had adjusted to match the Friesian's pace. Most of the time it was the other way around, but in this case Eclipse had done it on his own.
When Chris spoke once more Neji listened partially. " sun.." He stated simply as if it did not truly matter. In truth to him it did not as much, as it would to others. Neji however had many things on his mind at once. It has been that why even before he came here.

[jazz]

With a simple answer of 'Sun', Chris immediately got his meaning and gave a slight nod with a smile, "Cool, me too." she said simply before becoming quiet again.
This time instead of thinking of fruitless conversation, she stayed quiet, and let the silence speak for them. She started to concentrate more on the feel of Dyre's trot and the sounds of the forest(next to the sound of the other horse and rider beside her). It was peaceful, the soft crunch of hoof upon soil, the slight 'puff..puff..puff' of the horses breathing, and the quietest sound of metal and leather together as Dyre moved his head this way and that every little bit..
It was all wonderful and unique in it's own way. So much so that Chris found herself getting lost in it quickly, but she did not get in so deep that she was not paying attention to what was going on around her. A dangerous thing to do, even when her mount was Dyre, the horse she trusted most above all others.
Dyre on the other hand was more lively and not so quiet in his actions. His slight puffs of breathing came after every other bounce in the trot and his tail gave the almost noiseless slash when he flicked it upon his flank, removing some pesky fly. His ears stayed alert and he kept his head up, all until they came across the squirrels in the road.
What interesting creatures these where; small, fuzzy, and busy, fretting this way and that around trees, gathering small nuts he had heard called 'acorns'. Queer.. Lowering his head as they neared he picked up his pace slightly and tried to catch one before it flit up a tree, but alas he was too slow, and ended up throwing up his head and watching the thing disappear into the branches.. A soft tug on the reins told him that he needed to get his head back on, and so he did.
Chris had not minded when her stag had put down his head, and had mearly kept her grip firm on the reins when he picked up his trot, and leaned back a bit as his head came up again. Thats when she gave him the slight tug and he got back into line.
"Good luck catching one of those old boy.."
She said easily, giving the area where his neck and shoulder met a good pat before looking forward again.

[NejiHyuga]

Neji was not surprised by this when not being rode and a squirrel, happened to be near by Eclipse often took to a dead run. Often resulting in a quick halt as to not run into something. Eclipse seemed to almost be laughing. Neji quickly looked back ahead. As he had been watching this not all together interesting to him. Eclipse's hooves stirred up some dust, as Neji took him into a beautifuly round elveated canter, jumping the log is almost a formality. Eclipse made no effor to enjoy the fact he loves to show off, however as usual Neji did not bother about this. Both were used to jumping however Eclipse felt like showing off today. Showing superb technique the stallion tightly snapped up and folded his front legs, which gave him great ease in clearing the log. Which came up to his knees like a oak or something. It had been there earlyer perhaps put there for some reason. Eclipse came down staying collected he canter for two strides before being brought back down to a trot. Neji patted Eclipse's neck as the stallion gave a whinny of joy of getting to jump. Eclipse pricked his ears up as Neji brought him into a side pass to the side of the road. Before turning him around more or less to get the stallions attention, that had been given to a squirrel once again. Eclipse brought his head up as if wanting to watch his friend jump the log. Neji judged the hight of the log, the friesian could clear it, if he was used for jumping. It was not all together something you would not encounter on a trail.

[jazz]

Chris and Dyre had continued along at a nice pace beside Neji and Eclipse before she spotted a large log in the middle of the road ahead. It wasn't too big, not as big as Dyre had jumped before, so that was a plus. She wouldn't have to be bringing him to newer heights today she supposed.
Keeping the large stallion under control she watched Eclipse roll into a beautiful canter and take the jump with the beauty of a natural hunter. It made her wonder if that is what he did, or if he mearly Show Jumped instead, along with a bit of Dressage maybe? That canter was beautiful..
Pushing these thoughts aside she saw Neji pause past the log and turn to watch what she would do, and couldn't help but to feel the slightest urge to show off.. And she could tell by Dyre's prancing that he wanted to do the same. So why not? Just a little at least.
Giving him a slight nudge, Dyre shifted into a well strided canter and when he reached an appropriate distance from the log to jump, his stride easily melted into a smooth jump, body arcing perfectly over the log and landing on the other side with a few strides of a canter, bringing her beside the other two. Chris gave Dyre and healthy pat upon his neck,
"Ah, good boy."
She told him happily before looking to Neji and Eclipse again.
"That was a wonderful jump you two did. Does Eclipse Show Jump any? Or possibly even do Dressage?"
She asked him, curious about what the other stallions specialties where.

[NejiHyuga]

Neji watched the jump dropping Eclipse's reins the stallion just there. Calm and proud of himself which was, easy to tell. Nodding his head slightly when his friend moved to jump the log. Perhaps it had just been a fly. Seeing the smooth arc the other stallion took, it was good improvement is always welcoming even to Eclipse. Who used to get into trouble when, he decided to show off in the middle of something.
As the stallion landed, Neji noticed the few strides it took. When she asked about Eclipse Neji simply shook his head. " cross-country mostly, i suppose the jumping comes from quick escapes...or other matters " his tone carried off slightly when he mentioned quick escapes. It was not really of the matter for now.
Looking to Eclipse he nudged the stallions right side and barely seemed to move his hand. However the reins layed lossely on the stallions neck. Neji had not taken them back up yet. Eclipse listened well and walked off once he turned around. Neji looked back to her he was kinder than most people thought. Yet something about him seemed to say ' can i trust you? '. Unaware that perhaps she had seen the silent message, he looked back ahead. Eclipse contiuned to free walk on his own.

[jazz]

Chris had smiled as he explained what they did and nodded, "Ah, I see. Very nice."
She said with a nod, and with a slight pressure to Dyre's sides, he started forward, following Eclipse easily, catching up with his long stride, but not before catching the silent message that Neji had sent with his look back.
'Can I trust you?'
It surprised her a bit, but she took it in stride, gaining a softer look. It sent her own message, an almost subconscious reply,
'You can, if you will..'
Dyre snorted, not catching their silent conversation, mostly concentrating on what was up ahead and sticking with his new trail buddy, banner flickering once or twice against his flanks.

[NejiHyuga]

Eclipse bobbed his slightly to rid him self of the pesky flys. Neji noticed the look it was not the, first time some had sent that message. Yet it probably would not be the last. He muttered slightly under his breath " you don't understand the meaning...." he almost started to say 'so don't try to'. He had cut off what he had been going to say earlyer as well. It did not matter really Eclipse looked back and began to trot. Once they where a bit ahead he naturaly slowed down.
He had been around Neji long enough to catch his friends moods. More or less you could safely say, they spend alot of time together.
Neji did not talk about things, that he probably should. Naturally he kept everything locked up inside. Yet there was almost a hint of kindness in his tone. Tending to be a loner by nature, yet did not mind company once in awhile. Alot of things have been on his mind lately. The reasons he is really here, he has not told anyone. Not wanting to remember one thing he did not wish to ever remember. Often trying to ingore the fact, and belevie what he knows is not true. Eclipse knew to stay at a walk. Slowing down slightly when he felt his mane pulled on. Slowing his gate down to a slower walk. Eclipse had enjoyed the trot, his tail higher and his ear pricked forward. Knowing well enough the reason he got to trot. Neji's eyes where looking dead ahead. He had sped up for two reasons, to get out of explaining, which would likely not last long.
The second reason he sped up was something had moved quickly. It was a natural response do to long, hours on dangerous terrain. Some where safer than others it was a give and take situation.
Deciding not to worry about it, he patted Eclipse sleek black neck. The horse gave a whinny as if hoping his friend will speed up.