As the sun cooked my hide and the staunch scent of dust filled my pink nose, I couldn't help but feel content. I didn't need to make eye contact to know that the Egyptian lady was there. I could feel her very essence, it was as strong to me as this desert. I dunked my head below the water once more and bring up a new mouthful, blue eyes fixing on her lithe form.

I took that moment to fully analyze her. Not only was she unlike any other mare (or horse for that matter) I had ever lain eyes on, but I could already tell she was better suited for this terrain than anyone else here – though myself and that spotted bitchmare made a content living among the sands. I had no idea how Olaf managed, he was heavier than all of us.

I knew she was watching me (I was a stranger to her, after all) but now was the first time I actually saw her lift her head, and we met eyes. I swallowed my mouthful and decide I've had enough of standing here. Tactically I slosh out of the cooling water and closer proximity to her. I wasn't exactly the most subtle or stealthy of horses but I didn't know how flighty she was, and I had no intentions of chasing the pretty one away.

I greet her in a native tongue. “ Aka'magosh. “I knew the likelihood of her being aware of what I had said to her was slim to none. I knew because many of my own people had sense forgotten the origins of the word. They and their parents alike were pitiful.

But not me. Tradition would always be a presence in my life.

Always.

BLOODMANE

i'll not bow down;

i'll rise through the sun