HOME | DD

Description
OK, so work has been INSANE recently. I have just finished several 6 day weeks and on my few days off i do my best to draw but i tend to melt into things instead and sleep a lot. BUT i have finally managed to finish this. I really need to move past this so i have even the slightest chance of finishing my WD entries.

So this one concludes these twos intro story, i guess it could be thought of as a kind of Origin story but never fear, there will be many more stories with these two in it!

WARNING: Long story is long. I tried to keep it short, but even then i left out a lot of what i planned on doing.

Previously:

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Sarah’s first feeling was throbbing. Her head felt like it had grown into a pumpkin and she had a stick in her side. She tried to open her eyes but all she could see was a big bright blur and with a moan she hurriedly shut them again. Taking a moment she realized she must have fallen, with her eyes closed she wiggled her toes and fingers. At least everything seemed to be working. Gingerly she rolled flat onto he back, sighing as it eased the pressure on her hip and shoulder, though the stick was still where it shouldn’t be. With slightly less caution she moved her legs, trying to feel any weakness or pain that might indicate a break. She was brought back to the moment as she was testing her arms when something wet and soft encountered her nose and left a slobbery trail up her face. Eyes widening in alarm she sat bolt upright, banging into Hunks head causing him to shy, before doubling over again and clutching her head with a groan.

She felt her stomach lurch and pressing her elbows into her knees she tried to stay still until the nausea passed. Gently she felt her head, noting the large lump behind her ear. She was lucky she hadn’t split her head open and hopefully her skull was in one piece. Gingerly she felt the rest of her face and rolled her shoulders, wincing in pain at the right ones restricted movement. Nothing broken, but she wouldn’t be surprised if her shoulder was badly strained or even had ligament damage. Her main problem as she saw it was her head. Her vision was still blurry and she had the beginnings of a big headache, but the nausea really was the kicker. She had a concussion, out in the bush, at least a day away from the nearest road.

It took her a good while before she could stand, but she made her way carefully over to where her horse stood patiently waiting for her. She gave him a reassuring head rub as she walked to the saddlebags and unbuckled the left one. Reaching in she grabbed her water bottle and the first aid kit, rummaging under her small amount of clothes for the waterproof bag that contained the Sat phone. A wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to clutch onto Hunks mane. The stallion turned his head, ears flickering as he watched her, but he stayed still, not moving more than leaning in to press back against her.

Gently lowering herself to the ground she watched as the stallion stood watching her. She wasn’t sure what had happened after seeing the wild horses, but it appeared he had not left her side since. She unzipped the phone from its bag and dialed her brother’s number. She didn’t want a Rescue chopper coming in to pick her up, but Sarah knew that she wasn’t going to be up to the 3 day trip walking back home. Mark agreed to drive a float up the logging track to pick them up so she could get to a doctor faster. All she had to do was make the long walk to the agreed meeting point. Although her first aid training warned her she probably should call in the chopper, she hated the idea of causing such a fuss. She had been injured worse and survived. It would just be a long afternoon until she could get to her brother and then to a doctor.

Rummaging through the first aid kit with her good arm she pulled out the ace bandage. Not a sling, but she could create a makeshift one to get her shoulder out of the way. Frowning as she pulled the rest of the items out she sighed in relief as she saw the Panadol. Not Asprin thank goodness. That would take the edge off her head until she could get to Mark and a doctor. Shoving the supplies back in the kit she set about treating herself as well as she could, again she found herself thanking her training in the reserves.

Hunk stood quietly watching her and grazing on the grass nearby. The woman had seemed stronger once she had been sitting for a while. When she had first stood he had been concerned she would fall down but as he steadied her she was able to manage. He was concerned that he had injured her when she fell and her stiffness and unsteadiness triggered something in him that kept him close and focused on her.

She stood again after she had finished putting her arm in a sling. The shoulder hurt like mad, but now that it was immobilized it was feeling much better. It might be the painkillers kicking in too, but Sarah knew that was wishful thinking. She had made sure she drank a decent amount of water, but for now she needed to get out of the sun and somewhere that she could sit for a little longer until the edge had gone away. Still unsteady she reached out and held onto a handful of Hunks mane, and then the pair headed into the bush to find a place for her to regain a little strength before their last trek.

~~~

Mark could feel the anxiety building. Sarah had sounded fine, but injuries, in particular head injuries could be unpredictable. He knew she had history in Field First Aid, but every instinct was telling him he should have pushed her harder about getting the Chopper in. Sarah was stubborn though, she could walk and there were no breaks so she could get herself out of there. Still, he shouldn’t have let her do this on her own.

He was peering into the fading light as he drove along the dirt road. The trailer bounced along behind him as he did his best to avoid the worst ruts and bumps. They should be along here somewhere. He said the northern edge of the park, along the Forestry roads that marked the border. If Sarah had been correct about her position she would emerge along the section he was driving. He just hoped she had made it fine and that he would find her soon. If he didn’t see her in the next half hour he was going to call the phone again.

Muttering under his breath about her stubborn willful nature he once again checked his watch. It would be coming onto 4 hours since he had got that first call. The light was beginning to fade fast now, it would be gone entirely within an hour. Another kilometer and then he was calling, even if she would smack him in the head for not believing her judgment.

He rounded the bend and with a gasp of relief he saw a figure on horseback ahead. Slowing the truck he put it in park before jumping out of the cab and walking as fast towards them as he could. Murmuring soothing things to the horse, who pinned his ears at him, he reached for his baby sister’s leg. Sarah offered him a weak smile. She looked exhausted and before she could complain about it he reached up and gently slid her off the horses back and into his arms. The stallion moved with her, seeming reluctant to let her off before continuing to glare at Mark.

“Mark put me down, I’m not a child and this is really hurting my shoulder!” She had the nerve to glare up at him before he sighed and lowered her to her feet. Still careful he was steadying her he took a good look at her. She seemed to have a few bruises and scrapes but she had that stubborn and proud glint in her eyes. Why on earth would she be proud, she was limping and injured and being rescued after who knows what happened. She had been sketchy on the exact details, something he planned on her fixing. Then he realized what he had seen.

“You were riding him!” He looked back to the horse who was still staring at the pair of them, untied and not making any attempt to leave or be aggressive, well at least not towards Sarah. She reached out her good arm, and as if to prove Mark right Hunk stepped forward and nudged her palm with his nose. The Roans ears flickered as she praised him for his efforts. Sarah turned back to her brother.

“It may not have been the camping trip I had planned for, but at least one good thing has come from it. I think he has started to warm up to me.” Using her brother’s support as much as the stallions she walked towards the truck and trailer that would take all of them home.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next:

Anyhow, thanks everyone for all the support with these two and their story. I plan on doing more of these mini stories in future to really get my characters and horses out and about and this has been a great test run for me!

and for anyone who actually read all of the segments!

Description
OK, so work has been INSANE recently. I have just finished several 6 day weeks and on my few days off i do my best to draw but i tend to melt into things instead and sleep a lot. BUT i have finally managed to finish this. I really need to move past this so i have even the slightest chance of finishing my WD entries.

So this one concludes these twos intro story, i guess it could be thought of as a kind of Origin story but never fear, there will be many more stories with these two in it!

WARNING: Long story is long. I tried to keep it short, but even then i left out a lot of what i planned on doing.

Previously:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sarah’s first feeling was throbbing. Her head felt like it had grown into a pumpkin and she had a stick in her side. She tried to open her eyes but all she could see was a big bright blur and with a moan she hurriedly shut them again. Taking a moment she realized she must have fallen, with her eyes closed she wiggled her toes and fingers. At least everything seemed to be working. Gingerly she rolled flat onto he back, sighing as it eased the pressure on her hip and shoulder, though the stick was still where it shouldn’t be. With slightly less caution she moved her legs, trying to feel any weakness or pain that might indicate a break. She was brought back to the moment as she was testing her arms when something wet and soft encountered her nose and left a slobbery trail up her face. Eyes widening in alarm she sat bolt upright, banging into Hunks head causing him to shy, before doubling over again and clutching her head with a groan.

She felt her stomach lurch and pressing her elbows into her knees she tried to stay still until the nausea passed. Gently she felt her head, noting the large lump behind her ear. She was lucky she hadn’t split her head open and hopefully her skull was in one piece. Gingerly she felt the rest of her face and rolled her shoulders, wincing in pain at the right ones restricted movement. Nothing broken, but she wouldn’t be surprised if her shoulder was badly strained or even had ligament damage. Her main problem as she saw it was her head. Her vision was still blurry and she had the beginnings of a big headache, but the nausea really was the kicker. She had a concussion, out in the bush, at least a day away from the nearest road.

It took her a good while before she could stand, but she made her way carefully over to where her horse stood patiently waiting for her. She gave him a reassuring head rub as she walked to the saddlebags and unbuckled the left one. Reaching in she grabbed her water bottle and the first aid kit, rummaging under her small amount of clothes for the waterproof bag that contained the Sat phone. A wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to clutch onto Hunks mane. The stallion turned his head, ears flickering as he watched her, but he stayed still, not moving more than leaning in to press back against her.

Gently lowering herself to the ground she watched as the stallion stood watching her. She wasn’t sure what had happened after seeing the wild horses, but it appeared he had not left her side since. She unzipped the phone from its bag and dialed her brother’s number. She didn’t want a Rescue chopper coming in to pick her up, but Sarah knew that she wasn’t going to be up to the 3 day trip walking back home. Mark agreed to drive a float up the logging track to pick them up so she could get to a doctor faster. All she had to do was make the long walk to the agreed meeting point. Although her first aid training warned her she probably should call in the chopper, she hated the idea of causing such a fuss. She had been injured worse and survived. It would just be a long afternoon until she could get to her brother and then to a doctor.

Rummaging through the first aid kit with her good arm she pulled out the ace bandage. Not a sling, but she could create a makeshift one to get her shoulder out of the way. Frowning as she pulled the rest of the items out she sighed in relief as she saw the Panadol. Not Asprin thank goodness. That would take the edge off her head until she could get to Mark and a doctor. Shoving the supplies back in the kit she set about treating herself as well as she could, again she found herself thanking her training in the reserves.

Hunk stood quietly watching her and grazing on the grass nearby. The woman had seemed stronger once she had been sitting for a while. When she had first stood he had been concerned she would fall down but as he steadied her she was able to manage. He was concerned that he had injured her when she fell and her stiffness and unsteadiness triggered something in him that kept him close and focused on her.

She stood again after she had finished putting her arm in a sling. The shoulder hurt like mad, but now that it was immobilized it was feeling much better. It might be the painkillers kicking in too, but Sarah knew that was wishful thinking. She had made sure she drank a decent amount of water, but for now she needed to get out of the sun and somewhere that she could sit for a little longer until the edge had gone away. Still unsteady she reached out and held onto a handful of Hunks mane, and then the pair headed into the bush to find a place for her to regain a little strength before their last trek.

~~~

Mark could feel the anxiety building. Sarah had sounded fine, but injuries, in particular head injuries could be unpredictable. He knew she had history in Field First Aid, but every instinct was telling him he should have pushed her harder about getting the Chopper in. Sarah was stubborn though, she could walk and there were no breaks so she could get herself out of there. Still, he shouldn’t have let her do this on her own.

He was peering into the fading light as he drove along the dirt road. The trailer bounced along behind him as he did his best to avoid the worst ruts and bumps. They should be along here somewhere. He said the northern edge of the park, along the Forestry roads that marked the border. If Sarah had been correct about her position she would emerge along the section he was driving. He just hoped she had made it fine and that he would find her soon. If he didn’t see her in the next half hour he was going to call the phone again.

Muttering under his breath about her stubborn willful nature he once again checked his watch. It would be coming onto 4 hours since he had got that first call. The light was beginning to fade fast now, it would be gone entirely within an hour. Another kilometer and then he was calling, even if she would smack him in the head for not believing her judgment.

He rounded the bend and with a gasp of relief he saw a figure on horseback ahead. Slowing the truck he put it in park before jumping out of the cab and walking as fast towards them as he could. Murmuring soothing things to the horse, who pinned his ears at him, he reached for his baby sister’s leg. Sarah offered him a weak smile. She looked exhausted and before she could complain about it he reached up and gently slid her off the horses back and into his arms. The stallion moved with her, seeming reluctant to let her off before continuing to glare at Mark.

“Mark put me down, I’m not a child and this is really hurting my shoulder!” She had the nerve to glare up at him before he sighed and lowered her to her feet. Still careful he was steadying her he took a good look at her. She seemed to have a few bruises and scrapes but she had that stubborn and proud glint in her eyes. Why on earth would she be proud, she was limping and injured and being rescued after who knows what happened. She had been sketchy on the exact details, something he planned on her fixing. Then he realized what he had seen.

“You were riding him!” He looked back to the horse who was still staring at the pair of them, untied and not making any attempt to leave or be aggressive, well at least not towards Sarah. She reached out her good arm, and as if to prove Mark right Hunk stepped forward and nudged her palm with his nose. The Roans ears flickered as she praised him for his efforts. Sarah turned back to her brother.

“It may not have been the camping trip I had planned for, but at least one good thing has come from it. I think he has started to warm up to me.” Using her brother’s support as much as the stallions she walked towards the truck and trailer that would take all of them home.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next:

Anyhow, thanks everyone for all the support with these two and their story. I plan on doing more of these mini stories in future to really get my characters and horses out and about and this has been a great test run for me!

and for anyone who actually read all of the segments!