inka

When the stranger turned her head and locked gazes with her, Inka marvelled at her yellow eyes; they were not unlike the golden wheat of the two foals crowding her. Having grown up in a family known for their unusual eye color, Inka often felt drawn to individuals who likewise had unusual characteristics; indeed, she felt drawn to this strange mare even now, admittedly in part because she seemed so weak and vulnerable. Inka had never given birth to twins and could not begin to imagine the toll such a monumental task would take on a mare’s body, but it was clear just from looking at this stranger that she was spent.

“I’m okay,” the mare said, but her words were hollow and meaningless. Inka took two steps closer, big hooves crunching in the snow, and glanced again at the children, looking over their little bodies to check that they were not as weak as their mother. Then the tobiano mare said something which drew her gaze back up sharply, and made her ears prick forward.

The Peak. So I made it.

She felt a swelling of mixed emotions in her chest – grief, ecstacy, and disbelief – and briefly averted her gaze to compose herself. “I hope to,” she admitted in a quiet voice, and flicked her tail. When she looked back at the tired little mare, her dark face was open and sincere. “My name is Inka. Again, I don’t mean to intrude, but... if you are up to it, it might be an idea to move along... for the little ones’ sake. The smell...” She let her words fade, leaving her meaning unsaid. “I could walk with you. There is a stream nearby; you could rest there maybe.” She spoke gently, hoping that the stranger would take no offense to her suggestion.

thirteen – 17hh – friesian