Precious’ head turned at the sound of hooves. It had seemed like the herd was small. She’d only ever really talked to Dogun, but she’d seen a chestnut boy running around. He however, was always chasing two fillies that she assumed were his back to a palomino mare. That was the most she had observed at least. She suspected there were more, but they kept themselves busy with their own lives. And that was fine by her.

Her solitude was broken however as the similarly coated colt bounded up to her. Precious locked eyes wide blue eyes, first with the colt and then it’s lighter mother and she dropped her head, white forelock falling over her features. Her hooves backpedaled, increasing the distance between them.

It wasn’t that the two were aggressive, Precious reassured herself. Dogun had been nice. He hadn’t mentioned her hair. The boy had only been offering a greeting. But he’d retreated quickly. Whether it was Precious’ own response or he simply thought better than to charge at someone. She gulped and looked up at the mare. She also had extended her nose in the traditional greeting.

Be brave, she told herself. New life. New chances. It was her mautra. And she hoped if she told herself it enough times, she would come to believe it. She took a step forward and reached out her own head to exchange breaths. She retreated again, unable to do much more. The mare and colt asked the same question.

“Uh… yes…” Precious managed. “I… I also live here.” She dropped her head and eyes as if it was a shameful thing. Which it wasn’t. “D… Dogun invited me here.” She hoped that was enough to alleviate any potential conflict. She had the blessing of the lead, whatever that meant.