Concern shadowed over the mare when he mentioned wolves. A lone canine would not be an issue to her, any more than that could prove a challenge for a single horse. It seemed as though Tinuvel was an island where being in a herd was your only chance of survival. In the harsh environments being alone could easily bring about an early death. Her interest in this place she had found herself deepened at what this meant for those who would live here, grow up here, and be raised to survive in this environment. She thought about the foal that was growing in her. For a moment determined pride flickered in her heart. Her foal would be raised to survive this environment.


She had to think for a moment about his question. ‘When did you first fight?’ was not a concept she could readily grasp. “The tests and teasing began at foal-hood.” She began. “As we grew the older foals and yearlings started to push harder in their play, nip faster, and test us. If we showed that we knew how to fight back we went into training. I’ve heard of some herds who trained using drills. We just ‘played’ to survive. When we went up in rank our strength was assumed. I stopped fighting within my herd when I was six but defended them until I came here.” She eyed him thoughtfully. His flesh was unmarked, that she could see. He seemed neither wary nor eager to challenge the stallion across the border. Her curiosity prodded her forward. ”Why do you ask? Have you had to fight?” With his youth he had time to decide what kind of leader he would be and how to create a working herd. The life she had lived was all she knew, she did not think she would be able to live in a time of peace. In fact, she knew she could not. Her boredom would take over and at this time her need for revenge will simmered in her veins. However, it did not erase the memories of her friends who fell in battle, or the foals who were maimed for being pushed too far. Never would she say the way she was raised was right, but that did not stop it from being a way of life.

AMARANTHE

MARE :: FRIESIAN :: 15.3hh :: BLACK