Orhan

The rumble of thunder drew Koray's attention away from Taika, changing his hard expression into one of open alarm. He did not reply to the filly immediately, though he turned an ear to indicate that he had heard her. Once he had eyed the impending storm clouds for long enough, he turned away from her, making to leave. "You do that," he said bluntly. "I'm going to stay dry."

Rain was all well and good, but he did not like storms.

Meanwhile, Orhan's chin was tucked to his chest and his eyes were staring at the sand. Taytim's words about his mother were well-meaning, but they cut like a knife, opening wounds that had still not fully healed. Nonetheless, he nodded gratefully to acknowledge her, knowing that she was just trying to be kind.

Koray's departure was a welcome distraction. The stallion glanced behind him to see the tall colt turning his back on Taika and walking away. Any other day he might have caught up with his son and scolded him for being rude, but he did not have the heart to do that now. While Taytim talked about her son, Orhan tried to catch Taika's eye and offer her an apologetic smile.

"Your son?" Taytim enquired, and Orhan finally returned his attention to her, a little more collected than before. "The same," he replied, allowing an audible edge to his voice now that Koray was out of earshot. "Maybe he could meet yours. He needs to get out of Salem; I feel as though he is stagnating here."

He let his solemn eyes drift once more past the dark little mare. The dark clouds were not upon them yet, but the air was thick with humidity and the breeze was picking up. "How long will you be staying on Salem?" he finally continued, changing topic. "You're welcome to stay until this storm passes. It would make your swim back a bit safer."

And we could talk more about my mother, he thought to himself.