Indian Hemp is in awe. His heart beats an irregular cadence in his chest and his mind is numb to any other thought. In this filly, he sees so much of himself, especially as she makes clumsy attempts to stand. The way she makes her efforts and the contortions of her face. He feels he is looking into a strange, rose-coloured glass and sees images himself as a foal in chestnut hue. But so unlike all the times he's seen his own face reflected back, feelings of disgust and disappointment are entirely absent. It's as if a veil has been lifted and he can see the beauty in his daughter, and the beauty in himself.

It isn't long before Chianti notices the shadow of his presence looming over such an intimate moment. To his relief, her defensive posture relaxes away when she sees who it is. Indian Hemp leaves his hooves planted firmly in the sand and he outstretches his long, speckled neck. His ears are pricked forwards and his eyes brimming with pride. He reaches for the filly first. His nostrils flare, eager to know her precious scent, but she makes a pit stop at her mother's teat.

Indian Hemp's eyes then fall on Chianti's pale face, so full of worry. Indian Hemp can't be angry with her, not now. He accepts her apology and the gentleness of her touch, and for the first time, he pins his heart to his sleeve and hides nothing that he feels. The spotted stallion responds to Chianti's gentile touch by thrusting his muzzle eagerly alongside her cheek. This nuzzle is a rough gesture of the overwhelming love swelling in his chest. His eyes find Chianti's and he silently communicates the message that all is forgiven.

Movement in the form a tottering red filly, redirects Indian Hemp's attention. He looks down to the approaching filly, stretching out towards her with eager eyes and deep, questioning breaths. "So her name is Indy?", he thinks. It's a fine name. He glances once more at Chianti's motherly face, before greeting his daughter with words. "Hello, Indy. I'm your daddy." Such a confession feels so strange. He nearly chokes on the words. There are no words to describe how happy Indian Hemp is in this moment. Their daughter will never want for anything.

INDIAN HEMP

five years * stallion * black partial leopard * 16.1 hands * appaloosa x irish thoroughbred * cliff lion x niamh
played by Sabrina