inka

She heard her before she saw her, which she would reflect later was a good summary of her initial impression of Impazienza. Turning clay-brown eyes toward the voice, Inka watched as a large, friendly-looking mare climbed up to meet her. It took her only a few seconds to notice the spotted blanket draped across the stranger’s hindquarters and for her to realize that Skylar’s description had been apt: you will know her when you see her. Indeed, there was no mistaking Impazienza, but the Friesian mare had not expected to meet her right this moment.

Still aware that she was sweating, Inka nonetheless managed a smile and likewise extended her long, black nose in greeting. She neglected to say anything right away, however: so stunned was she by Impazienza’s presence. Inka was not used to strangers – especially mares – being taller than her; in fact, her sire was the tallest horse she knew, and without a doubt Impazienza rivalled him in height. And her eye... Inka focused on that cloudy, sightless eye for a moment before self-consciously averting her gaze. Nevermind that it made her think of Het Vuur and even her younger brother, Rook – who was also blind in one eye; Inka suddenly felt that she had looked up into this face before, in some distant time and place. But as soon as she grasped for the memory, it was gone.

Her mouth gaped open and closed like a fish. “I – I don’t know. I haven’t really talked to any of the others yet. Um, we can travel down to the stream if you like? If you’d rather talk there, I mean. I wouldn’t mind a drink myself.” She knew precisely what Impazienza meant regarding the climate, for she’d always secretly missed the year-round cold of Tinuvel. That, and I don’t really fancy standing here getting sweatier by the minute.

Inka pointed her body downhill in silent encouragement for the Prime Minister to lead the way. Suddenly aware that she had not introduced herself, she added with another smile, “I’m Inka, by the way.”

thirteen – 17hh – friesian