He had given her space, but that did not mean he had not been keeping an eye on her. Şahin had followed Xina a couple of times, noting the worn path she had created and wondering what immense life questions she must be pondering each time she stared out across the sea. While the bay roan had not hung around Dia and himself, Şahin had made sure that he and the other mare were always near enough to give the strong-willed mare aid if it was ever required. The stallion did this not only because she kept both Conquistador and Mera near her, as if afraid they might be snatched away at any moment, but also because he had decided a direct confrontation was not the best solution. Not yet, anyway.

His patience was beginning to wear thin, however. Today he had decided to follow the mare once more, leaving Dia to her own devices further inland while he tracked Xina’s steps through the wet wood and cracked shells that littered the beach. He was so invested in his own thoughts as he wandered slowly after her that he was surprised to hear how close her voice was when she called out. Şahin raised his head and saw her standing a fair distance away, one he could cover quickly if he sprinted. Today he decided to conserve his energy, and responded to her beckoning with raised ears as he set out toward her at a trot.

There were so many things the Nez-Perce wanted to say, so many questions crowding his mind as he approached Xina that he had to actively remind himself how well things had gone last time. True, this time it would just be the two of them and hopefully the tension would be much, much less tangible, but Şahin knew the mare was stubborn— more stubborn than anyone he’d ever met. And as he slowed and came to a stop before her, extending his muzzle to blow gently at her nose in greeting, he could see that she did not look like the mare who had crossed his borders several seasons ago. What did he know of the troubles she carried on her back? As Şahin straightened he considered not saying anything at all, but she was a part of his herd and the mother of the dearest horse in his life.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” he said in a quiet voice. Let me in, he thought, and swatted at flies with his tail. Let me help.