J.ust Checking I.n

[Frenzi™]

Ana //

The sun was shining brightly down upon the lands, but there wasn't too much heat that actually met those upon the ground. The winter was finally gone, even though it hadn't been that cold, Illiana hated cold. Her horse, Impulse, absolutely loved the cold, and adored the snow even more. And that was the mare she was riding. The 15 hh black Arabian mare was lifting her pillars and stools high into the air, shimmering black nape arched. Impulse continued to trot towards the building that lay ahead, the vet. Her tail was flung high out behind her, showing just how proud she really was.

The sky above was bright blue, with white fluffy clouds breaking the eternal cerulean every now and then. The female riding in the leather saddle had a hand over her eyes, shielding them from the sun. There were sunglasses in the saddle bag, but she felt too content to get them out. Illiana's hair was blowing behind her in the breeze, and even with it's length, she rarely ever put it up in a ponytail. She would always think she looked bald, no matter what anyone would say, and that it made her ears look big.

Now the pair had arrived at the vet's office, and at the smell Impulse stopped and snorted, though it was a bit late for that. Smiling, Ana jumped down and tied the reins onto a pole, and with a kiss on Impulse's muzzle, she opened the door and walked inside. It was clearly new, as it had that new building smell that all tended to have. Though the medical scent was there too. "Hello?" Illiana called out, wanting to meet the new vet.

[FalconX]

Kenya

Kenya turned the faucet off and grabbed the towel. Drying her hands quickly and then walking out of the bathroom. She was currently in her favorite building, her practice. Her vet practice, to be exact. She couldn't contain a smile of delight at the thought. Turning around she entered the room where patients would stay. She hadn't been here very long, so nobody had called for an appointment. Well, there had been one. She hadn't had the time to head down to his ranch just yet though. She couldn't wait to find the time however. Lifting one of her hands she flipped some of her chocolate brown colored hair behind her shoulder.
With satisfaction lining every feature of her face she left the room. Everything in the entire building was in order. She needed a secretary, but for now she would have to do without. Her radiant smile never dimmed as she walked from room to room, though she already knew there was nothing wrong in any of them. She had just spent the last month setting up, and had just finished moments ago. She inhaled deeply when she got to the room next to the lobby. Everything, and I mean everything, was extremely clean and neat. Just the way it should be at a vets office. She knew she would need to get employees sometime...

As she had her hand on the doorknob she heard someone enter the lobby. Happiness bubbling inside of her she turned the knob and swung the door open, being sure to close it behind her. With a smile on her lips she walked up to the girl who had entered. "Hey there" She greeted warmly. Offering her hand to shake. "I'm Dr. Miler. You can call my Kenya or Dover though."

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[Forte!]

[/b] he said, his voice tainted with the Russian accent of his homeland rather thickly, "I have, how you say, an emergency with my big boy. He took a spill. Spilled me too, but now he cannot be ridden." Something about Ivan was ominous, even though he spoke civilly. He didn't really care what happened to Bartok either way. He had Justin, after all.

"I will go get 'im for you," he said, more of an order than a request, not waiting for her answer. He opened the trailer door, causing Bartok to blink ferociously and shy away from the light. The untied stallion came plodding down to the end of the trailer, and looked dubiously at the jump down before catching the look in Ivan's eye. He knew that look. It was a punishment look, so he jumped, and nearly spilled onto the pavement before straightening up and hobbling a few steps as Ivan clipped on his lead rope.[/size][/ul]

[Frenzi™]

Ana //

Illiana leaned against the counter, looking around. It was really clean, and I mean really clean. Nothing was out of place, even behind the desk, from what she caught out of the corner of her eye. Ana almost jumped when Dr. Miller came in, but a smile quickly slid over her face. "Sorry," she said, not knowing why she was apologizing, but possibly for jumping. Illiana grasped the hand that was out for her and shook it, "I'm Illiana Thorneblade, I work at Coal to Fire Acres," she said, letting go of the hand. Shaking hands was weird for her, waving was better.

She nodded her head, understanding Dr. Miller's words, when the door was slammed open. Illiana again jumped, and when she was again landed on the floor, she turned around to glare angrily at the person who had caused her to fly, but then the anger faded, and it was replaced by a sliver of fear, which also quickly dissolved. It was huuuge! The man stood at least six feet tall, and Illiana felt like a dwarf to him, so she took a step back and braced for the door slamming back closed. When his rough tones came out, it was clear that they weren't open for discussion, and when he left, Ana turned back to face Kenya.

"That was... uh, odd. I'd say I can get rid of him for you, but it sounds like he has a horse in 'need', so, I guess that isn't an option. It's a great place you have, and Impulse would probably need a check-up soon, should I make an appointment over the phone since you seen busy?" Illiana asked, not at all being rude. Her jeaned-legs were crossed slightly as she leaned against the counter, the green tee she was wearing making her eyes a bright green, rimmed with dark blue.

The black arabian mare tossed her head and let out a small whinny when the door was slammed, spooking her slightly, but thankfully not much. Her bodice tried to turn, and she could only turn enough to see the trailer, half of it anyway, the back half. It was large, way larger than any one she had ever been in. The stag that came from it was huge, just like his human. No wonder the trailer was that big, it was for the giant of an equine that stood in it.

Words// 422
Puppets// Ana & Impulse

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[FalconX]

Kenya

Kenya was ripped away from the kind introductions with the other girl, Illiana Thorneblade, when the door opened abruptly and then slammed shut, loudly. She wasn't startled in the least by it, she had known quite a few, in a hurry, people working in her job. Her calm gaze met the man that entered, though she noticed the other girl had jumped at his sudden entrance. Though she was only 5'4 and this, uh, gentleman, was probably 6 foot something, she wasn't the least bit intimidated. She had learned that was the worst way to deal with people, she had to be confident if she wanted people to actually listen to her. Which really wasn't all that hard for her, she was a naturally confident person, though not in the cocky way.

As the man stared at her, she returned his gaze. Though to say the least he was, unsettling. When he spoke she relaxed a little, he had a gruff voice and it was overflowing with a Russian accent. "Yes I am" She answered his question evenly. Her eyes grew clouded with concern as he talked about his horse, even though other shad told her to always be professional, she loved animals and that was why she was a vet. "Well let's see him then" She answered. In fact, she wanted to see him this instant, if he was really hurt he needed immediate attention.

She nodded her head as he said that he would go get him. Though it sounded more like a command, she didn't enjoy people ordering her around, but she didn't say anything. An argument would delay helping his horse. Besides, she was new and didn't want to start off on the wrong foot with any of the people here. She watched him leave and then turned back to Illiana. Giving her an apologetic look. The young girl had obviously come here for a reason, and she had been interrupted. "Sorry" She said with a small smile. She couldn't not help the horse though. Besides, she wanted to help the horse, no matter how rude of an owner.

Kenya laughed softly as the teenager spoke. "That's very kind of you, but you're right. I've got to help his horse. I'm kind of in the business for it." She joked calmly. She considered suggesting that the girl wait, but she really didn't have an estimate for how long the emergency would take. She frowned slightly as she considered the facts and then shrugged. "You can wait if you want, or you can schedule an appointment. I'm not sure how long you'd have to wait though" Again her tone was apologetic as she spoke to her.

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[Forte!]

[/i]. Well, no way the girl could know, so he decided to make nothing of it. His black eyes narrowed as he spat on the ground near his boot, and Bartok hobbled painfully to the side, away from him as much as the tight lead would allow.

It was amazing that Bartok was even attempting to move on the leg - not attempt at first aid had been made. It was badly fractured, two segments of bone ribbing painfully together at his every movement. It hurt even to tuck it so close to his side, and eventually he just let it hang, showing the slight deformation of the lower calf where it was fractured. In another time, this would have meant his death, but thankfully now it did not. Fractures of the leg could be cured, with the right amount of love and care - and occasionally a sling.

"You going to help him?" Ivan asked, impatiently, "or do I have to put him out of his misery?" And that'd be the end of his feed bills. He added, silently. In a way, the death of Bartok would be a benefit to him, although the Shire was his favorite mount. He was so compliant with his every wish, knowing naught else. Unlike that brat of a Belgian, Justin. Justin could rot, as far as Ivan was concerned, but he needed the draft to get around while Bartok was injured. The stallion moved uncomfortably, ears laying back as he caught the vibe of what his trainer was thinking. He was good at that.[/size][/ul]

[Frenzi™]

Ana//

Illiana shifted uncomfortably, letting the weight fall on the opposite foot, and then back to the normal again. She could feel his black orbs staring at her, seeming to burn a hole into her skin. Never in her life had she been stared at so intently like this. It wasn't even someone her age, so she didn't have a reasonable explanation. Why does he keep staring at me? Illiana thought, now turning around to look at the massive stallion. Her jaw almost dropped open, he looked like a giant, even when she was still inside the building, and he was out. Ana didn't even want to go and stand next to him. "Any time," she replied to Kenya, flashing her a smile. By the looks of that man Illiana really didn't want to just randomly leave at the moment, so she said, "Would you mind me hanging around for a bit? I don't think I'm actually going to be able to even get out of here, and besides, I've never actually watched a vet at work, 'tis a mystery to me." Illiana said, also having an apolagetic tone to her voice.

As the rough man once again spoke in his gruff voice, she winced inwardly. How could he put such a magnificent beast down like that? He seemed to be in a ton of pain, but by the angle of the leg it didn't seem broken, just fractured. My she hoped it wasn't broken, and perhaps it was only her hopes speaking to her instead of her mind. The massive equine seemed to move to the side, away from the man, as if he was afraid, and when the man asked if he should simply kill him, the equine continued to shift away uncomfortably. Impulse flicked her ears toward the stallion, letting out a soft whinny of greeting, though it was asking questions too. What had happened? What was with his owner? Why was he so afraid?

Muse: Great! But gotta go. >.<
Other: Sorry, not entirely finishioed, but whatever. Go ahead and post!

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[FalconX]

Kenya

"Sure, that's fine with me" She answered with a nod. Kenya really didn't mind all that much if the girl waited. She just didn't want to have to keep her waiting, under the assumption that this would be quick. Because, if it was an emergency, as it was told to be, it could take quite a bit of time. She personally didn't mind, but she knew a lot of people weren't as patient as her. Kenya quickly turned around, to make her way outside. The man had surely gotten the horse out of its trailer, unless the horse couldn't get out because of pain... Though the thought was gruesome, she knew it might also be quite true. Reaching out with one hand she caught the door knob and turned it, letting herself outside. Carefully she shut the door behind her, blinking rapidly as she tried to adjust her eyes to the sudden rays of sunshine.

When her eyes landed on the equine, her heart ached with pity. This was what some people called "being unprofessional". However, Kenya called it "having a heart". She didn't mind that other people believed that she was soft. She became a vet to help animals, because she loved them. Not to get rich, which you really couldn't do running a veterinary practice. She frowned as she watched the horse and the way it held held its leg. It wasn't pinned to its side, just kind of hanging there. The harsh voice of the man cut through the air again, she cringed at his last statement. Her eyes narrowed, she wasn't usually short tempered. However, she was almost positive this horse could be helped, putting it out of its misery, wasn't necessary.

She watched as the large equine sidled away from its owner, as if from fear. Kenya was getting a bit suspicious, though she kept her opinions to herself. First order of business, help the horse. Walking up slowly, she murmured in comforting tones to the equine. Wanting him to know that she was there, yet trying to sooth him, so he would know she didn't want to hurt him. "This might hurt a little, so be sure to try and keep him calm" Though she still was talking in her calming tone, the words were directed at the equine's owner. Bending down with caution, she watched the horse's ears. Making sure not to make sudden movements. She knew she was sitting in a vulnerable position, and kept the weight of her body in the sole of her shoes, so that she could scramble out of the way if needed. Her soft fingers found their way to the horses leg, not putting hardly any pressure, just trying to feel for any abnormalities. She grimaced as she felt something out of place. Stepping back and then looking at the owner. "He's got a fracture, and needs the leg to be bandaged. I don't think it's so bad that he'll need a sling though." She looked thoughtfully at the horse again. "I'd say that he'd need to be here for a couple of days, just so I can be sure everything goes smoothly. Horses are bound to get restless with only three legs at their use."

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[Forte!]

[/i] be here, of all places? Did she even know who he was, anymore? It had been a long time. Eighteen years. But, in a moment he knew that she would not remember him. She probably had some other, happy memories instead. Oh well, he had never been overfond of the girl. He turned his attention back to Bartok who was, despite popular opinion, trying to get away from the vet with a passion. The stallion laid his ears back as she approached, nares flaring, looking for all the world like he was about to bolt or rear or something. Ivan was, in the meantime, doing nothing to calm the stallion down. The gigantic Shire shied badly away from Kenya as she drew close, coming impossibly closer to Ivan. Bartok was beleaguered with the emotion that his human was a kind human. And if Ivan was kind, who knew what other humans could do to him? Who knew what tortures were in store for him? His breathing accelerated as pain shot through his leg, bone gritting on bone, eyes wide with fear and pain, a sheen of sweat showing on his hair.

When she spoke, however, he grew stock still, ears turning towards her in intense interest. He had never heard that tone in his life, and was shocked by it. She seemed... sympathetic, her tones those of a mare comforting an injured foal. He nickered deeply, nares flaring with the nearly silent noise as he touched him. Bartok was mesmerized. A soft 'huh-huh' tone emitted from his throat as he stared at Kenya, eyes wide with something a bit like awe. When she touched his leg, his ears drew back sharply, but he did not move a muscle otherwise. He felt her wince, and drew back a bit, but in the gentlest way possible. With the astute good nature of all draft horses, he was watching his feet. He lowed his nose and touched her back, in disbelief as she kneeled there. His nose was prodding, searching. What was this being? Her touch and voice were so soft they barely touched, but seemed to hover above in a quiet way. In a moment. Bartok revered and loved this human, he would have done anything for her right then, even with his leg shattered and his back aching.

"He can stay here as long as you want him," grumbled Ivan, and Bartok suddenly came crashing back. No. That touch was too fleeting. He would be torn away from this strange dream as soon as it came. The reality of it brought a weight down on his shoulders again, and he looked sadly off at nothing. Yes, he remembered kindness. That voice had stirred distant memories of his first year of happy bliss. And then Ivan had came. And he had become a slave, a piece of dirt, nothing more. "How soon can he be running again?" It was a fool's question. Ivan had dealt with broken legs. He had caused his fair share of them. And he had put down his fair share of horses because of them.[/size][/ul]

[Frenzi™]

Ana//

"Great!" Ana said to Kenya's reply, following close behind. The man, apparently named Ivan, kept staring at her, his beady black eyes sending shivers through her arms. Trying to cover it up, she took a hand and brushed back a lock of hair that was highlighted golden, and threw it over her shoulder, also throwing the man a glare that clearly said, 'Watch it.' Her orbs now switched to her mare, Impulse, that was still tied up, much closer to the building than the giant of a stallion. Her delicate auds were pricked, and she was standing quite still, probably trying to catch the words that were difficult for the equine to hear. Impulse let out a soft whinny, her elegant cranium bobbing slightly. She was asking the stag what had happened, and was confused why he was so afraid.

Illiana's orbs met Impulse's and the mare immediately quieted, though now Kenya and Ivan had both started to speak. Ah, so it was a fracture. It looked more broken, but the animal didn't seem to be in that amount of pain. And besides, Kenya was the vet, Illiana, in this case, was simply the audience, watching and possibly hoping to learn. Ivan was still unnerving her, so she couldn't really walk over to Impulse, as she would probably feel his glance and get restless. But now she relaxed, and Ana glanced briefly up at the giant's owner, who now was thankfully paying more attention to his horse and Kenya.

The man didn't seem to care too much about his horse, and come to think of it, he hadn't even told them his name or the horse's name. Illiana really wanted to know the giant's name, though didn't care too much about the man. "What's his name?" Illiana asked the man, gesturing to Bartok with a tiny wave of her hand. Her mind was still wondering what the man's gaze held. It wasn't like, attraction or anything, it was just... weird, though something in the gaze was quite odd, and it made Ana uneasy.

Muse: Okay, I suppose.
Other: Will she ever know? xD

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[FalconX]

Kenya

Kenya, oblivious to any of the going ons, was still studying the equine. Her gaze going over the rest of the horse's body. The worst injury he had received was the fracture, otherwise, all she saw was some scuff marks that could easily be taken care of. Though, there were a few larger cuts, again, it wouldn't take hardly any time at all for those to heal. Still, a grim expression remained on her face, fractures took quite a bit of time to fix and it could sometimes get expensive. That was usually for the surgery though and she didn't think the horse would need surgery, or that it would do him any good. Her grim expression remained firmly on her face as the horse shied away from her, in obvious pain. It seemed the episode that caused this injury was making him fearful. Unless, he was abused before hand and he only trusted his current owner. Her ears easily picked up the ragged and quickening breaths of the horse. She needed to calm him down, he just looked deathly afraid, of her? She knew the horse was in pain, anyone could tell that, and she knew he was scared, also an obvious factor, though, why he was this scared, was a mystery.

After she had spoken, she noticed in slight satisfaction, that the horse was now quieter, more docile in fact. As her hands went in a gentle search for his injury, he still stood calmly. Hardly moving at all, except for the puffs of his breath in the air. Her green eyes glanced up as she touched his injury, she saw the first signs of irritation, his ears going backward. Yet, he made no attempt to hurt her, so she didn't step away just yet. She smiled, in a soft way, as she felt his nose touch her back as she bent over to examine his leg. She didn't moved, Kenya felt completely confident that he wasn't going to hurt her, at least, not deliberately. As she drew back, she looked at the horse again, still trying to find any other injuries. As soon as possible, she would preform a more detailed search for wounds. From the way the stallion must have fallen to have fractured his leg in that way, he was bound to be sour in numerous places. His back for one thing, would most likely be hurting, quite badly.

The gruff voice of the horse's owner shattered the silence. She glanced up from her study and looked over at him. Nodding in approval at his choice. It would take quite awhile, the horse staying here for part of the time would be easier. Simpler. When she had first seen the horse's owner, she had thought that at least he knew something about horses and their care. However, the question that he asked in that moment, completely shattered that thought. Didn't he know that this was a severe injury for horses!? It was bad enough for humans, but they healed faster, easier. Horses had strong bones, that took a lot of time to mend. Running? The chance that this great draft horse would ever run at full speed again, was slim to nothing. Trying to control her temper, which this man seemed to fuse quite quickly, she turned to him. Her face was carefully blank from all expressions as she spoke. "This horse, will most likely never be running again. At least, not in the way I think you will want him to run..." She let her voice trail off and she watched him meaningfully. She managed a small, ever so slight, smile at the girl's question. "Yes do tell, it will be much better than just calling him "horse"..."

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[Forte!]

[/b]Ivan growled, looking at Ana again as she spoke. His dark eyes narrowed as he studied her. Yes, she had not turned out like him. Perhaps that was a good thing. Perhaps that would keep her safe. He had no great love for her or her mother, and wanted nothing to do with them any longer. He may have, once. They might have changed him. But not now. "After the composer, I suppose," he kept talking. He was fond of Bartok. The viciousness with which the man deployed his violins, the mutilated screams of the normally murmuring cellos. It was fitting that he should have such a rustic taste in music, it was suggested in his rough mannerisms and gruff accent. He did not appreciate it for its brilliance, though, and had not even brought the record with him. He disliked being bettered by any man, and he was busy enough for his own tastes, here. He had encountered a total of three wild horses since he had come, none of which he had captured. Yet. But he would. Oh, yes, he would. Pity unto the horse who fell under his command from the wild. He was no easy master even for the incredibly tame Bartok.

The stallion looked about to collapse at the moment, actually. He had jarred his bone slightly, laying the hoof on the ground for an instant to keep his balance. His head was down again, in obvious pain and depression, and his ears were laid back irritably. the corners of his mouth and eyes were pulled in a stressed expression, showing the amount of pain he was under. With more than half of his weight on one front hoof, his knee and back were compensating, and paying for it. His breathing was labored, and it seemed that he might just roll down to the ground any instant and stay there. But, he did not, though it took an amazing amount of strength to balance like that. Had he not been here, now, he was sure that he would have laid down and died. But the voice had given him new hope in this world, that he might live to no longer be in pain. He was distressed, but relaxed and not attempting to harm anybody. His ears pricked as Impulse spoke, and he let out an almost inaudible whinny, sides shaking with the effort. He was unable even to speak through the haze of pain that clouded his brain.

His eyes glistened with anger as she spoke again, but he did not say anything. He would not pay the vet bills if the horse required surgery, that much was clear. Probably would spend as little money as possible getting Bartok fixed up. And then, inevitably, sell the stallion. If he could not run, he was of no use to Ivan. Or anyone else. In another life, the mane would have shot the horse. But, here, he would have to pay to have him fixed up, and have to earn back the money he had already spent on the stallion. What a waste of his time. "I am Ivan Mazepa, by the way," he said finally, looking over at Bartok, eyes seething. The stallion did not even lift his head. "You can call me at this number." He handed her a card, a simple thing with stark black lettering. "How long will it take to fix him up?" He was eying Bartok again, and this time the Shire looked up, eyes widened at the glance his trainer was giving him. But he was in no state to move.[/size][/ul]

[Frenzi™]

Ana//

"Nice," Illiana mumbled, in response to the horse's name. It was a nice name, but, there was something sort of menacing about it, yet she shrugged it off. Once again she felt his gaze upon her, and turning her head quickly towards him, her orbs caught his. She paid no attention to the pure black of his eyes, only concentrating on giving him the sharpest look he'd ever recieved. In her mind, she had done it. Perhaps if there was someone standing right in between them, to the side, they would have stagged back slightly. Her orbs were a blazing green, meeting the black with no effort on her side at all.

She was glaring so intensely at him, her orbs seemed to blaze. But as he once again started talking, she deftly turned her head towards the stallion, seeing with ease that he was in inconsiderable pain. Even the leg that had been fractured was lightly touching the ground, probably to keep him from falling over. That was the issue with leg injuries, horses were so perfectly atuned to having four legs, it wasn't like amputating a dog's leg. The dog would have no problem getting around, but the horse just simply couldn't. There was too much weight to bear, and with only three legs, they were like a table with only three of the legs.

The man's name, Ivan Mazpeza, or whatever, seemed to ring an old, cracked bell in Illiana's mind, but continuing to look on over the stag, she ignored it. Why was his name important anyway? Maybe the first name, that way she could come up with nicknames that would sting the pride, like Ivan the Icky for example. Oh well, the name was already out in the open, even though she tried to ignore it. How long would it take to fix him up? Did it really matter, as long as he would live? She let out an inaudible sigh, crossing her arms and inclining her cranium slightly towards Impulse, who was still intently focused on the scene unfolding.

[FalconX]

Kenya

Kenya gave a small nod to show she recognized the name and to say that she had heard him speak. The horse could have been in worse condition. He didn't have two fractures in the leg, which was a plus. But still, fractures in a horse's leg were complicated. Here's hoping for the best, she thought with an inaudible sigh. Her gaze ran over the horse over and over again, she needed to get him into a stall. That could be, complicated, to the say the least. Might as well start soon, she thought to herself with a decisive nod. She glanced up briefly at the owner and then over at the teen girl, Illiana. She hated making someone wait for so long, but this was important, so she tried to dismiss those thoughts. Gaining her confidence, which didn't take to much time, not that she had an ego, she turned to the man. Not exactly sure what to say. Besides the fact that it looked like he wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on the horse, or a lot of time, he was the owner. And most owners didn't like to hear news about their horse, such as this. A small frown etched its way onto her face and her lively green eyes were dulled slightly. She was a vet so she could help animals, but it always hurt her to have to see some like this. She just fervently hoped that the horse, Bartok, would recover.

Her gaze switched back to the horse, seeing his sides shake and plainly seeing how much effort it took for the large horse to remain standing. She ached to make the horse better right that instant, she knew however, that recovering from something like this would take time, if he recovered at all. Though, as far as fractures go, the horse had a pretty good chance of recovering. The pain was so evident when you looked at the suffering equine. All she hoped was that the pain would go away, eventually. No time to hope anymore, time to act. She needed to get things straightened out with the owner so she could start helping the poor animal. "Well Ivan" She said with a small nod of her head, then gestured at the horse. "Any fracture is a terrible thing, as I'm sure a horseman knows, this fracture, without doing a better examination, will approximately take, maybe around a year to heal." She gave a small resigned sigh. "But even that is no guarantee." She reached out with one hand and took the owner's number. She hated having to say things like that, it felt almost like she was telling him to give the horse up. She wasn't, she was just stating the facts.

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OOC: It's suck-ish, sorry.