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(Collab) TWD Phase 2- A Chance Meeting

SilverWolf3746

Published: Mar 19, 2024

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For The-White-December

Phase 2
Horse: Villach
Rider: Elijah Connor

Horse: ACR's Aspen Grove
Rider: Sam Rogers
Companion: Socks

Previously:
(Collab) TWD Assign 1- Chilly Nights, Good Company
TWD| Care for a Drink?
TWD Assignment 1 Jakob
TWD#2 - Extra 1 - Setting Off
TWD Phase one
TWD: A Muddy Start
TWD 23 -phase 1- .:resilience:.
TWD Phase 1- Mud, Mud, and More Mud
(Collab) TWD Phase 2- Familiar Faces
TWD Phase 2- Sun Dog
(Collab) TWD- wait a minute... you seem familiar!

ambient music: A chance meeting, Skyrim OST

Another collab with TerracottaVulture! I am SO happy with how this piece turned out, and I really enjoyed working on this with you! It was a real pleasure as always! Terra did the breathtaking background and shading, I did the sketch, lines, and flats!
Go and give some love to Terra's piece here! <3

Story (written by Terra and myself)

The sun is disappearing into the aether, casting shadows on the land. The blue and purple hues contrast the golden reflections on the snow of the high peaks. Atop a hill, embraced by the same aura, Sam finds a moment to rest and take in the view. Aspen's heavy breaths warm the air around them. Sam checks on him and on his dog Socks and allows them to recover their strengths before proceeding. All is good. Aspen's snorts echo in the valley.

Echoes travel far. At the foot of that same hill face, Elijah hears the sounds of the other team. He still has to face the rocky terrain, but knowing he might be approaching others is a relief because soon it will be dark and he is a couple of hours late. Climbing the hill can become very dangerous very fast, especially in dim light! Eli doesn't want to lose this opportunity, reaching for his supply bag for a way to call attention to himself but flares are for desperate times only. Thinking on his feet, he pulls out the repeater from the holster and fires into the air, knowing his horse would not spook. Hopefully, whoever could hear it would stop and look around for others. After all, the sound of a firearm in the wilderness can only mean two things: great game meat or danger.

Hearing the shot Socks jolts in place, rapidly heading to the edge of the hill top to scout. Upon seeing the other team he signals their presence barking. Sam dismounts to approach the edge. He sees a man waving his hat at him and he waves back. The distance prevents them from recognising each other, nevertheless Eli initiates the climb. Villach was a smart choice to bring along for such challenging terrain, being an Obertaurer. Eli knows not to pressure him and allows the horse to find the safest route at his own pace. Villach carefully picks his way across the rocky, uneven ground. Even in the quickly dimming light, he is confident and sure footed; Obertauren used to be his home after all, and he is familiar with the landscape. Eli is glad that he could bring Villach back to his home for this event; his horse’s happiness and energy are obvious to see.

They slowly make their way up the incline, Eli leaning forwards in the saddle to help Villach on the ascent, gently patting his neck and encouraging him along. The crisp air stings his face as they gain elevation, but he’s grown to enjoy the cold and finds serenity in this moment. Villach, thriving in the cold of Austria and Canada, loves it too. As Villach climbs, Eli is curious of which team will be waiting for him at the top of the slope. Eventually, as they reach the summit, he begins to see the silhouette of the other team outlined against the dusk sky.

Once the team had reached the final, more gentle stretch of the climb, Sam returns to his horse to ready up to leave. He finds Aspen napping, his lip even hanging like an old horse. As for the dog, he is fighting a tree over a large stick. Unfazed by the absurdity, Sam turns to Aspen and mounts. He sees Socks flash by them towards the edge again. The other team is here!

Sam Rogers? - Elijah greets him, hat in hand, excited by this chance meeting. It was the first time he was able to take a good look at the team waiting for him. He smiles proudly upon seeing his boy Aspen as the horse of the phase!

Equally surprised, Sam waves his hand in the most awkward fashion.

oh! hey. Have I known it was you I would have yelled “YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN” and continue on my merry way.

Elijah laughs, panting and coughing as he is still regaining his breath.

And I would have yelled back “DO A FLIP”! - he mimics the shouting, his hands tunneling around his mouth.

They share a raspy laugh.

It's now time to get going. (681 words)