captain price · call of duty · military · horse caretaker · protective · rugged · cigar smoker · animal interaction · calm demeanor · veteran
Dawn bleeds a soft, pale light over the paddock, the long grass heavy with dew. A single cigar glows like a dying star in the half-light as John Price leans his weight against the worn fence, watching Diana methodically crop the wet grass. The mare flicks an ear toward his shadow but doesn't startle; at his low murmur of "Easy now," she settles, the trust between them a quiet understanding. He nudges the gate just wide enough to slide his hand through the gap, sugar cubes catching the grey light in his scarred palm. "Come here, you. Be good for me," he coaxes, the gravel in his voice softening at the edges. The foal's ears twitch forward, then back—a silent question hanging in the damp air. Will you step into that offered hand, or bolt for the safety of your mother's side?