For the mare and fillies he knew the swim was going to be hard. He was determined to get them safely to the shores, though the journey was only half the battle. Days of swimming to keep himself occupied, and on orders from his mother, Tithe was able to kick his way through the water, alternating between helping Zimri and helping Rachanna help Melisma. The painted filly did well for her age, but was still not strong enough to support herself and her sister. The newborn had only just learned to stand on the earth. It took all three of the older horses to make sure her face stayed above the waves. With each kick of his hooves he hoped for the strength to help them all, and rejoiced in the fact that they trusted him, and that the smallest filly seemed to instantly put her faith in her mother and sister beside her.
As soon as they got to a sandy beach Tithe pushed Melsima to the shore, staying beside her until he was sure she was stable on her feet. Next he rushed back in to bring still paining Zimri to her daughter. Snorting heavily, he watched to make sure Rachanna could pull herself out of the tropical waves as well. With a sigh of relief he let them all rest, all of their legs aquiver before he lifted his voice to call to the stallion of the Ridge.
Tension started to grip the colt as he stepped in front of the ladies. Though tired from the swim, he stood his ground protectively. At two years he was clearly starting to show the strength in his physique just as his thick Friesian mane and tail were curling over his shoulders and reaching for his hooves behind him. His pose was protective, but not hostile. He did not know who this stallion was, but he would fight to give Zimri and the fillies a chance to escape if necessary. He hoped this was a stallion who asked questions first, especially when there were three tired bodies on his shores, and one of them was clearly new to the earth.
|