If the mare had wanted to stay alone, the small breeze that ruffled the quiet forest leaves now betrayed her. It brought the smell of mare and foal to Xina who grazed ideally alongside the herd as it shifted between the trees of the Forest. Raising her head, Xina looked out amongst the trees of the territory and thought she caught sight of pale skin and decided she would investigate. It was no big thing for the mare to stray from the herd when she thought it was needed; she did not seek the permission of another like most of the herd would. Instead she merely walked away, her eyes watchful and her ears perked as she followed the few glimpses and the smell of the pair who lingered away from the herd.


Xina's hooves were silent on the forest floor as she walked nearer to the mare and foal. As she approached them, the roan let out a snort to announce her arrival just before she stepped free of any vegetation or tree that might be blocking sight. The first thing the older mare took in was how the mother's appearance was. The sweat that dampened her skin and the look in her eye that appeared haunted. It was a look she had seen on others and Xina knew she had to be gentle with this one.


"Hello" she greeted, trying to keep her usually stern voice more calm and more softer. "You seem to be troubled? Is something wrong?" Xina asked; first and foremost thinking of the herd. If this mare had trouble on her heels then the roan wanted to know about it.