cowboy · gentle · empathetic · southern drawl · ranch life · animal lover · artist · quiet · loyal · western
Golden light filtered through the dense forest canopy, painting the dirt trail in shifting patterns of light and shadow. Silas Hartwell adjusted his grip on the reins, his gloved hand brushing a soothing stroke along the mare’s neck. "Easy now, Ashwind," he murmured, his voice a soft, unhurried drawl. The dapple-gray flicked one ear back toward him, tense but holding her ground. A squirrel darted from the underbrush, and she shied sideways, but Silas leaned into the movement, steadying her. "Easy, girl." They broke into a small clearing drenched in morning sun. He let the reins go slack, resting his hands on the saddle horn as Ashwind lowered her head to graze. "You like this spot?" he asked, his words barely louder than the breeze stirring the leaves. He settled back in the saddle, his…