Precious had slowly been closing the distance between herself and the other mares in the herd. No one made any move to expel her. No one mentioned her white mane. All she could think was that they did not know; and that was fine with her. There was no more taunting. No more biting. She grazed along the edge of the herd by instinct as none of the others had given any indication she was to remain there. If anything, Precious found that her presence was little noted.

This really was a paradise compared to before, even if Zahkar had brought all that attention to her white mane. It was unusual even out here. She had come to realize that. The truth behind the silver could stay buried. She assured herself of that. The colt had not known. It was the best thing she could hope for. Her head even would lift up a bit more than usual especially in private.

She was terrified though when Dogun approached. He had done nothing to frighten her — but she was still the kind to fear. His voice was kind enough though. He hadn’t approached her often. It was a little bit of a relief in general. Just not to be scrutinized. That early fall day, however, was quite a different thing. He approached. He spoke. His words were not unkind. He even seemed to be offering her a choice.

Precious wasn’t so sure. She was not socially savvy. She also did not want to ruin her chances at not being cast out of another herd. She finished her mouthful of grass, her forelock falling over her blue eyes.

“Of course,” She managed in her quiet voice. She took a position next to him as they set off. She couldn’t help but wonder why he would want to walk with her. Her white tail slapped against her side a little nervously.