Spring was here. The winter had been a long one, but at last the snow had melted away from Luthien for the last time and with each passing day the temperatures remained a touch higher. It was always a pleasant time of year – languid and comfortable after the year’s harshest season – made even more so by the impending arrival of Valentine’s foals.

All of the mares in the Prairie were about ready to burst, along with a few outside of the Prairie that Valentine had yet to know of, and he was eager to meet the new arrivals. Before that, however, he had something important that he needed to take care of: Shamwari.

It seemed like the best time to make good on his deal with Ceolwulf and the Lagoon. Shamwari had been sheltered for the duration of the winter, but now he could start settling into the Lagoon – ensuring that both he and any impatient bachelors were out of the Prairie while the herd was at its most vulnerable.

And so he had told Shamwari to meet him at the shore around midday, giving him time to say goodbye to his mother and the rest of the herd if he wished. Once the boy arrived, Valentine greeted him as kindly as he could, though it was difficult to be cheery.

Shamwari had been somewhat upset by the idea of leaving, and though he had been given more time now to adjust to the plan, Valentine was not about to turn the whole thing into a party. Even though he wanted the boy gone, he bore him no bad will and he hoped for the best on his behalf.

When they reached the edge of the Lagoon, coats still damp, Valentine led the boy only as far in as they had to go to find a clearing amongst the thick foliage. Even though he had reason to be here, he did not want to offend the men by marching through their territory unannounced, and so he let out a call, sure that there would be someone nearby who would hear it.

VALENTINE
you bleed just to know you’re alive