The warmth that swelled inside her as she cleaned off the foal reminded her of her own childhood. It seemed so long ago that she had been as truly happy as she was in this moment. She hardly noticed the gritty sand on her tongue and instead focused on continuing her methodical washing of what she soon discovered was her son. When she had finished, she gave him a nudge from behind, eliciting an indignant reaction from her son as he failed to stand on his first try. The tiny noise that had come from him might have been the best sound she’d ever heard, and immediately she wanted him to make it again, so she could know she had not imagined it.

Laurel stood protectively over the tiny black colt as he rested, then stood back as he at last successfully rose to his feet. When he began to make his slow way over to her, her chest seemed fit to burst with pride. She still could not believe that this time everything was going so smoothly, and looked him over several times to be sure that nothing was amiss. No flaws were found. He was perfect, from his whiskery nose to his fluffy tail, and his black coat was hard to miss in this golden landscape.

Another chirp escaped him just before he brushed along her side, and she closed her eyes in bliss. Though Badr had grated on every nerve she had and left all of them without any warning, she owed him for two things: her life, and their son. Feeling him latch on and receive the richness of his first meal, Laurel swung her head around and placed her muzzle briefly on the top of his rump. Already, he smelled to her of the sands around them. It saddened her slightly that he would grow up here, in such a stark setting, rather than in the lush forests of her youth. Yet she knew that one day he would see such things, and perhaps live in a less hostile climate if he wished.

Until then, she would give him a name that hinted at her former home. It was strong, as he was sure to be in both mind and body someday. As thirst overcame her, she took a few steps toward the oasis before turning and calling to him over her shoulder.

”Come, Rowan.”