zaia

The mare wakens all at once, and Zaia steps back to give her room to stand up. She observes the palomino mare curiously as she does so, and when her eyes finally come back to the other mare’s face she is startled by the stark expression she finds there. It vanishes almost before Zaia can see it, and she turns her ears back in momentary confusion. What was that all about? she wonders.

The words that follow prompt her ears to pin entirely, and she backs up another step in case the mare wants to emphasize her irritation with something physical like a bite or a forward kick. Even when the other mare’s tone softens as she continues, Zaia is not convinced she is completely safe. She stands stiffly and lifts her ears a little. “It’s day time,” she says, making up for her retreat with the attitude in her voice. “And I’m lost,” she amends, losing the defensive tone. “What is this place? Is there anyone else here?” Maybe she will have better luck with a different companion, although the Kiger mustang does feel a bit guilty for considering leaving so soon after interrupting the mare’s nap. She decides to stay. Maybe the palomino will lighten up as she wakes more fully.