Getting to know her

Catori...was a strange horse. She seemed to be more human. A human with trust issues who could also possibly be a serial killer, but nonetheless a human. Horse-human perhaps.

Catori knew what you were thinking five minutes before you did. She studied you like a book, reading that same page three or four times until she unlocked a new clue to who you were, what your intentions were etc.

Eleanor found her fascinating, while her classmates wouldn't go in the same arena with her and Catori. Catori was gentle, but cautious. If she struck you, you might not have realized it until a few moments after.

Eleanor was so astonished by this creature, not a horse, a creature; that she even took it as far as to sit very still in the pasture with her. Or throw something like a large rock near her just to see her move.

Catori liked Eleanor too, in a way. She liked that she fed her things like apples or carrots, she liked that Eleanor made her water cold so it was more refreshing, and changed it up to three times a day. Catori liked the way she wondered about her. Catori liked being a mystery.

A very unpredictable mystery indeed.

So when Eleanor was able to get a halter on her, everyone was very shocked. Catori stood in a more of "set up stance" that young 4h participants make their horses do when showing. Eleanor thought this stance was Catori's way of deciding if she was going to squash you into the dirt or not.

As Eleanor slowly moved toward her, Catori looked to the side. Eleanor wanted to have a shot of fear wiggle it's way up her spine, but Catori would act on it in ways that were mad.

So Eleanor felt emotionless, but wore a smile. Catori seemed calmer when Eleanor smiled. Horse-human things; she could recognize different face expressions and act on them. Strange creature.

So Eleanor made her way to Catori, who was looking away, she wondered what Catori was thinking. She got close enough to hear the mare's shallow breathing. Catori was definitely deciding what to do next. Eleanor dropped the rope, turned and slowly walked away.

She stood straight in front of Catori with her back turned.

Stomp me into the dirt if you have to Catori...

Eleanor's thoughts were intrusive. She found herself scolding her thoughts for being so stupid. She couldn't read her mind... could she?

Before Eleanor could think more on the subject Catori shook her head and walked over to Eleanor. She shoved her forward with her head and Eleanor spun around. There was a moment where everything was frozen, and Eleanor and Catori were the only one's moving. Eleanor reached out her hand and put it on Catori's face. It felt like forever, but only a moment after time resumed, Catori pulled her head away and returned to being hidden.

Strange creature. Strange creature indeed.

Catori's ref (flipped)