Ryolette’s birth had taken more from her than Harlequin cared to admit. The labor had been long and arduous but in the end, the small filly was worth it. Harlequin had been almost sure that the strain would result in a colt with equal stubbornness to its black and white sire but Ryolette had surprised her.
Cain knew Harlequin well enough to not search her out as her time drew near to birth their foal. He was a doting sire, and though Harlequin still was not sure that she could tell herself or anyone else that she loved him, she did feel a sense of comradery and loyalty towards the stallion that had at one time been her captor. Their meeting had not been one of like minds, instead, both stubborn and hard-headed had resulted in many hours of argument and displeasure. However, what had once been disdain, had morphed into something more akin to friendship and perhaps even a form of love.
Ryolette took her time in coming, and Harlequin was pleasantly surprised with the small chestnut filly that unlike her dam, had been quick to rise and eager to explore the lands around them. Even in the weeks after birth, Harlequin still moved with stiff steps, teeth clenched behind her jaws as her slender hoof stumbled over an upturned rock. ”Come on moooommmm!” Ryolette whined, eager to finally be given the opportunity to meet her sire and the rest of the herd that she had seen so much of from a distance. Today was the day or so Harlequin had promised her.
Dark ears fall back amid the tangle of her black and white mane as Harlequin gives her daughter a stiff glare. ”They are not going anywhere Ryo. Calm yourself.” she chides reaching out to nip the girl’s red flank playfully in passing. Harlequin led the bouncing filly towards the towering palms where most of the herd gathered in loose groups. The closer they got to the others, the nearer the red filly kept to her side. ”Dont start acting all shy now.” Harlequin teased her daughter playfully. She was looking forward to a long drink from the slow moving river when the agitated form of Cain caught her attention. Small ears perk forward amid the wind knotted tangle of her mane as Harlequin redirected her steps towards the black and white stallion.What has you all in a tissy.” she teased pushing her way through the yellow-green grasses. She pauses just beyond his reach, her dark gaze shifting behind her to beckon the chestnut filly forward. ”Your daughter, Ryolette.” she beams, flicking her tail affectionately at the small girl as she bounces forward with bright eyes round with wonder. ”Daddy?” she fumbles, her tones excited and hopeful.