As they began their slow way down the mountainside, Mouse reflected on her encounter with Styrke. It had been short. She had simply wandered to the Meadow last season, mostly to remove herself from the loneliness that the Peak had at first offered her. She had forgotten Impa’s warning about predators, and ignored the musky scent of hormones that pervaded the air. Not long after dipping her head to rip at the grass, he had approached, roughly mounted, and stated his name once finished. Her initial reaction was anger, but before she could lash out, he had gone. Therefore it puzzled her why he would send his daughter to seek her now.

The girl seemed nice enough, proving that at least he had a soft side, or that he was able to raise a foal properly. She could not deny that fact, as the pretty filly eagerly followed her downhill. They traveled quietly for some time, until Skylar piped up with a question that Mouse would have a difficult time responding to. Her time on the mountain had been short, and so far things were peaceful. However, the draft wanted to restore the name of the Peak, whatever it had been.

Mouse slowed her pace, thinking of an answer. She glanced once back at the girl, studying her with a sharp but friendly eye. Though Skylar had a rather sturdy-looking build, there was worry in her face, and the stocky grullo noted that perhaps she seemed a little frail. Shaking her head, she told herself it was just her imagination and that the filly was probably worried about her age more than anything. Finally, she answered in the best way she knew how. ”It is important to remember, Skylar, that there are different kinds of strength. Intelligence is one, and I see it in you. Used properly, it can take the place of and be equally as useful as physical force.” Perhaps she was speaking too philosophically, but her time alone had caused her to look within for more answers, and in any case her words could ring very true and encourage the young filly to stay.

m o u s e
mustang | mare | grulla | 14.2 hh | 6 years | ali