Ailill’s young heart sang with the pleasure of being able to run with a child and he embraced the feelings it sparked within him. Though he had adopted the responsibility of protecting his home and his herd he dared not give up the dreams and fantasies his youth and that of those around him could still inspire within him. As he ran, he brayed his joy to the forest and the rain that were always around them.

His laughter and glee only seemed to send the filly into more of her playful flight. The stallion grinned and picked up his own pace to meet her’s finally starting to keep pace with her. The trails by the river were narrow and slick, he dared not make a move that would put either of them at a risk of slipping. Swift as the river and wind they both burst out onto the beach with the crashing waves before them.

Her words did indeed spur him forward. His hooves pounded into the beach, sending fireworks of shells and sand into the air. With his own burst of speed he rushed past her into the surf. Lowering his head and flattening his ears he dived head first into the oncomming waves. The salty water washed over his already wet body. It was cooler and less oppressive than the rain and moisture around them in the thicker jungle. He spun in the shallows to face his young friend, a wicked and reckless grin on his face and his laughter lighting up his eyes.