Congratulations to =kalmanen for buying Anya! I really like how this deviant stayed true to Anya's personality and put a vast amount of thought into her future and history. The idea behind the entry itself was very creative. I hope to see great things from this little mustang filly!

=kalmanen's piece: [link]

Thankyou to all the other entrants for their time and effort, as well. I truly enjoyed the pieces you created.

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"Oh, God. NO."

Rajial couldn't believe her bad luck. As she'd been poring over her bills and wondering how in the world New Horizon had sunk so low, her cell phone rang. Chevoda apprehensively informed her that not only was their rescued mustang, Mischa, in atrocious condition; She was pregnant.

Raj knew that this was all her fault. She'd thrown caution out the window and purchased far too many horses than she could logically keep or compete with. She'd turned down numerous competition opportunities that would have meant a chance at the cash prize and advancing her horses' values. Though her business partner argued otherwise, Chevoda couldn't possibly tend to the farm's six stallions, eight mares and their single leggy mule by herself. She'd would've hired a hand if it wasn't for their tight financial status in the first place. The farm's horses weren't booked with enough breedings to safely defend their own upkeep. The herd was due for shots and worming, and Raj couldn't pay for it all. And now Mischa was pregnant and too weak to even trot. Who knew what her vet bill would be. Downsizing seemed the wisest and certainly inevitable decision.

"Chev, please tell me you're joking." The resulting silence made Raj put her head on the table.

The cold wood was hard and hurt her forehead. Its natural aroma seemed to mock her foul mood, and the table's polished texture reflected the living room light with glee. Raj took a deep breath.

"Alright. I'll be down there in a minute." She said in a small voice.

Chevoda heard a click. She stood with the equine vet, sick with worry for her friend. If it wasn't for the somber mood, she would've hinted to the young man that Rajial was single. Colt Jackson was a fine looking specimen straight from Texas. He had a southern drawl that would make any decent female melt, and his dark hair and deep blue eyes were amazingly intelligent and kind. He was the sort of man who could look equally attractive in both a tux and overalls. Today, he sported an emerald green shirt and blue jeans. Simple, yet he made them look refined.

Rajial tugged at her wrinkled shirt with annoyance as she trudged down the gravel drive from the farmhouse to the stable where Mischa was being looked over. She'd hastily changed, having been in her pajamas when Chevoda had called. Last night had been unbelievably tiring seeing as she'd been forced to work with an uncooperative Annita who decided she wanted to be a bucking horse. More than one part of her body ached, but she hadn't even had time for a relaxing bath. Dirty as she felt, the day had stubbornly refused to be pleasant. It was a real Kentucky scorcher. Ninety degrees and high humidity even this early in the morning.

She smacked a spider from her arm and swiped its sticky web away as she ducked into the stable's entrance. Three heads turned to look at her, and her step faltered as she glanced the vet. He was quite attractive. She'd chosen the worst possible day to look ridiculously unkempt.

She shook his hand and managed a weak smile and brief eye contact before introducing herself.

"Colt Jackson," he grinned.

There was a moment of awkward silence before Chevoda began filling Raj in, a job Colt should have taken care of. But he was suddenly speechless. Funny for a man who'd talked her ear off all morning. Usually SHE was the one assuming that role!

The news was bad. Mischa's foal was alive and surprisingly healthy, but the mare's condition was quickly spiraling downward.

"We'll need to get her on some vitamins and supplements to keep her strong." Colt sighed, giving her a pat.

"How much is that going to cost." Raj said numbly.

A few months later, it had miraculously occurred. Chevoda and Raj leaned against the fence and eyed the black filly Mischa had birthed prematurely the night before. She hadn't made a sound, and it was as if the entire herd was unaware of this new life. The foal was tiny, but her spirit at such a young age mirrored that of an energetic yearling. She'd somehow already learned to pin her ears and make the face of death, but that wasn't too hard to believe considering her moody mother.

Mischa looked ten times better than when she'd first arrived. Her leg wound had healed perfectly, and the resulting scar was barely visible. The foal seemed to nurse perfectly fine. Raj thought she could begin training Mischa to be a great lesson horse in the near future, and that would mean an extra form of income. Two-Time was almost ready to begin her part in teaching young children the art of English riding, as well.

Raj had no clue how they'd held it together for the past couple months. Nothing had changed, yet New Horizon remained alive. Part of it had been Colt's undying generosity. He visited the farm often to check up on Mischa but tended to some of the others as well. He adamantly refused pay on more than a few occasions, and this infuriated Raj beyond belief. The two had formed a hot and cold friendship full of bantering and laughs.

"You know we can't keep her." Raj said bluntly. Chevoda had been the first to see the black filly and had fallen in love with this baby in particular.

"What's one more?" She laughed, but Raj heard in her voice that she was only half joking.

"The money will help us out a lot. You know this."

"You're going to start teaching lessons soon anyways. That should bring in enough extra money to keep her! And Colt has certainly visited enough times to show us his generous side and spend time with you."

Chevoda's tone was insightful and slightly mocking. She inwardly kicked herself for the emotionally charged dig at her friend, but the damage was done. Raj furrowed her brow and walked away from the fence in a huff. Chev had implied that her elapsed friendship with Colt had been incentive for him to cease charging the farm. And she hated herself because it was true.

"I've made my decision." Raj said with forced calm, "The filly goes."



Anya's Information
Name: Anya (Subject to change upon new owner)
Age: Newborn
Coloration: Black overo paint with dark blue eyes
Markings: six-pointed star, stocking on front left, minimal overo markings
Background: Although no one knows it, Anya is a product of rape that occurred during the transportation of the horses to the auction where Rajial bought Mischa. Though her mother was severely emaciated, Anya survived the pregnancy, and Mischa began a swift recovery. The two are thriving.
Personality: Anya is generally mean-spirited. She shows aggression towards any horse that approaches and finds it difficult to make friends because of this. She's extremely stubborn, moody and strong-willed like her mother. Anya can be very understanding and even kind as long as she feels understood, so a lot of time must be applied in order to win her over.





Story, Anya and art (c) Me