Care to Dance?

[Lionheart]

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Staying close to the trees, the ash gray Arabian hoped not to be seen or heard. She couldn’t bear it if she was mocked or ridiculed here among a new group and in a new terra. She also knew she could not withstand the rejection of a stallion. She had always wanted to be loved, but had never been given even small scrap of kindness in her young life. This obviously wasn’t the place for her and she knew it. The rejection she was risking could end up crushing what was left of her spirit. The cruelty she had experienced in the three short years of her life was something better left unmentioned and forgotten.
Memories, unfortunately, were accursed things, cropping up when unexpected and even more unwanted. The cold winter air bit into her, making her long for a friend, someone to stand close to when the nights got bitter cold. But with her luck, that would never happen.
She would instead walk the earth alone, forever in the ashes of a life unlived, true to her nickname, Cinder, until the end.
For what kind of a name was Cinderella?

[Patch]

Snow lightly crunched under steady hoofs. The steps came closer and closer till they stopped close to the ash gray mare standing near the trees.

Hello there, lone one. My bearance is Arian. May I know your own? came the proud, though gentle vocals of a young, and gray, stallion. He was a polish arab.

The mare in question looked as if she had seen worse days and Arian sensed it. He could tell.

Arian's listening orbs flicked, waiting. He wondered what would be her reaction to his presence.

Wispy snow lightly starting falling. The occasional gusts of air were not very cold. It was a pleasant winter, or so Arian thought.

[Lionheart]

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She looked at the snow around her. It was beautiful, shining in the light. Why couldn't she be beautiful? The sound of hooves crunching on the snow brought Cinder's snapping up. Spooked, she backed up, bumping hard into a tree. Eyes wild, she gazed upon the approaching stallion with fear and curiosity.
He was a handsome brute that was for sure. He introduced himself as Arian, asking for her name. She snorted. Would he hurt her? Maybe he would just laugh at her…like all the others. Hesitantly she answered. “ I-I am Cinderella…umm well Cinder…that’s what most call me.” She dared to look into his eyes, but quickly looked down at her hooves. Who was she to look him in the eye? He was obviously well liked and respected. She could tell by his proud demeanor.
The wind picked up her silvery tresses, blowing them about her face. Hopefully she would not feel the sting of rejection from this stallion. Maybe she should flee now, before he had the chance.

[Patch]

Pleased to meet you, Cinderella. By the way, you don't have to be so afraid of me. I will not harm you. he crooned. Arian was not sure if he should tack it on, but finally added, Will you come with me to Lilac Woods?

Dark gray auds pricked as he awaited her answer. She would be welcome and safe there. Cinder wouldn't be his first one, but she'd be comfortable there. Arian would see to that. The mare had been through a lot and needed a home. He offered that. He, deep in his heart, had sympathy. Arian hadn't been through much.

[Lionheart]

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

Cinder looked at the stallion as he spoke, trembling a bit. He spoke softly, sweetly, like the notes of a guitar when strummed gently. He was trying to soothe her, she could sense that much. He seemed trustworthy enough and he said he would not harm her. He offered her a home. Oh, how she had longed for this moment. But would he grow tired of her or think her less than his other mares. What if he didn’t grow to love her or the other mares hated her? What if they treated her the same way her old herd had? What if?
She shook her head slightly. No more what ifs… It was time to just let go and trust someone.
She stepped toward him, muzzle outstretched a little, but not touching him. “I would love t-to c-come with y-you, Arian.”
Her silvery forelock fell over her orbs like a smooth waterfall, her mane caressing her withers, and her banner slightly raised in excitement. However, she wouldn’t show how she felt just yet. If she did, her heart might be broken. She would go with him, trusting that he would be true to his word. Maybe, just maybe, with some time, she would learn to trust him completely and open up to a new world.

[Patch]

The gray listened to her frightened, stammered lyrics. He watched her stretch her pretty neck to almost meet his, and his heart went out to her. Their banners both raised, Arian extended his neck forward, sealing the wonderful gesture.

It is time to go now, Cinder. To Lilac Woods. he announced.
Yes, she would be fine there, Arian would see to that. He hoped Rene would accept her. She might, since Cinder was no threat to her throne.

Yeah, and Bruna too. My lil' bold, jumpy princess.

He nudged her slightly, encouragingly. Arian and Cinder trotted on, to his home, the place which would be hers too.

[Lionheart]

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone


Cinder was thrilled when Arian returned her gesture. She was sure that he would be good to her. This was a step in the right direction. When he told her it was time to go, she was more than ready. She was quite nervous but he was right by her side. She wondered if he had other mares, and if he did, would they accept her? She was sure he would love her and that no mater if he had other mares, he would still make time for her. Right? So she followed him.
He nudged her gently, and she shivered with pleasure. This was the first time anyone had touched her in years. A new spring in her step, she nudged her new stallion, excitement burning inside.