From the moment the strange male had stepped out from hiding Melisma had stuck close to her tiny family. Though inexperienced the young innocent could feel their wariness at the colts approach, but that had not stopped her watching the dark one with bright solemn eyes, snorting as his breath travelled over her with just a tiny jerk back. But neither her mother nor sister had withdrawn from his touch so the filly remained still for the most part, minature ears twisting listening to the voices that passed over her head clueless to much of the meanings held within them.

Then the world about them began to change. Shakey limbs gradually learnt to settle into a rhythm where she was not in constant threat of toppling head first to the ground. The colt stayed with them and whilst the newborne remained shoulder to shoulder with Rachanna her golden gaze slipped wonderingly to him, studying her first contact of the outside world as much as the terrain that rolled by about them.

She did not like the sea. That much the little filly decided even before setting a single hoof in it. Beneath her the ground felt different already, the solid earth growing softer and caving away under her tiny hooves in tiny granules. Her steps became high and awkward, disliking the way nothing seemed to stay still, but then she had to face the waters themselves. Small sounds of protest voiced from the little black form as she found herself drenched swiftly, blinking as spray struck her face and lifting her nose as far as she was able from the odd salty scent and taste that refused to leave her alone. And suddenly even the unsteady sands were gone from beneath her and a squeal rose in dismay.

Much of the journey the girl would not remember. Tiredness was not long in creeping into the youngsters body and mind, but each time her efforts slowed she became aware of her sisters presence or the dark colt aiding her on. When finally she next felt the shifting gorund beneath her it was this time with relief, leaning against Tithes strong frame as he urged her out from the waves.

Anxious eyes turned back to the waters even as she stood trembling waiting for her little family to regroup. Head drooping intermittent sneezes and snorts shook through Melisma's bedraggled little body as it fought to dislodge the salty water from her lungs and nose.

Weak limbs wobbled the child closer to her mother the mare emerged, eyes sinking closed as it became apparent they were moving no further right then. They were still uneasy, tense, but the newborne was too tired to worry any longer. Pangs of hunger slipped through her, yet with the comfort of Zimri back beside her her head drooped further, swaying slightly upon her hooves virutally dozing off where she stood.