For some time, Mouse and Osprey kept to themselves and didn’t bother to seek out any other company besides that of Skylar. The roaned filly often stayed with them, save for brief periods, and the three of them had spent a week or two basking in the early summer warmth. By this time, the painted grulla filly was larger and capable of speech. Her personality was also beginning to bloom, and though she was quite capable of remaining as silent as her mother, Osprey chose to act otherwise. Presently, she was running circles around Mouse, occasionally bucking. Most days the grulla mare tolerated such behavior, but there was the occasional need to reprimand her daughter. Today’s play simply amused her, though she was careful to be sure that the rambunctious foal did not disturb her half-sister.

Their peaceful morning was interrupted by a ringing call, one that was vaguely familiar to Mouse but that she heard very little. She suspected it was Anath, summoning the entire herd. After all, there was a new prime minister in the Peak that would likely be eager to announce her title. Mouse was happy for her friend, to be sure, but she wondered if perhaps the new position of power would change things between her and Impa. She couldn’t imagine an attitude change from the spotted mare, but she had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind about how power and the desire for it could change individuals drastically.

Turning finally to Osprey, who was quizzically looking at her with those startlingly amber eyes, Mouse addressed both her companions. “Well, we’d better go, then.” She began to lead the way toward the origin of the call, and Osprey quickly bounded up past her. With a snort, she shook her head. She knew that all too soon her daughter would be doubling back in order to figure out just where they were headed.

Eventually they reached the grassy flat on which Anath had gathered the herd. Glancing back to see if Skylar had followed, she saw no one for the moment. However, it was entirely possible that Mouse had unintentionally picked up her pace without thinking and left her behind. As she and her daughter approached the small assembly, she murmured to her daughter to keep close. It was not that she feared for the filly’s safety, but she knew that whatever Osprey’s actions were would reflect upon her. While playfulness was perfectly acceptable, disobedience was not. And, true to form, rather than listening to her mother, Osprey shot ahead, eager to reach the others first. However, upon seeing everyone else up close, she slowed and waited for her mother not far from the other mare and foal. It did not take long for the little grulla mare to catch up and give her daughter a sharp nip on the rump for her behavior. The two then stepped forward and watched with amusement as Anath rolled on the earth. The filly nearly made to join the pale mare, but a quick glance from Mouse changed her mind. Instead, Osprey stood still while Mouse dipped her head slightly as she greeted the general. “Morning, Anath.” Her voice was soft, but not timid, when she spoke, for she had gained much confidence in her time here. However, as she glanced over at the other mares, she wondered how their addition would affect her social anxiety, and more importantly her memories.