The pair heard the call. From his place on the rocks, Tithe flailed around, his limbs tangled and confused as he jumped to his hooves. At first he was scared by this strange sound, and then the strange scent that came to them, but the colt swallowed that fear and dashed to his mother’s side. He stood tall, his head high, pride overriding his fear. Nephilim stepped further on to the beach and Tithe leapt forward, his small ears pinned back. This stranger was not going to hurt him or his mom.

Before the colt could attack the stallion, Amaranthe stepped forward and placed her nose on her son’t chest. She did not push him back, away from his young challenge, but merely held him back from a foolish decision. His bravery touched her, she wanted to know what it would grow in to. She was torn between letting it develop, and making it develop. They stepped forward, Tithe’s ears still flicking to and fro uncertainly.

“Who is this?” The colt asked, eyeing the stallion uncertainly.

“This is Nephilim.” Amaranthe started to explain, running her nose over his neck. “He is the lead stallion of the Bay, which is where we are. He is…” She looked over the spotted stallion, questioning how to classify him to Tithe’s young mind. “...he is a friend. You can trust him.” Her voice changed with her words, a challenge and a threat hanging in them, mingled with questioning hope. He had been absent, and seemingly understanding during her obvious pregnancy. Or he had merely not asked or commented. Either way, he had not shown aggression towards the circumstance.

“Nephilim, this is Tithe.” Once he had been told he could trust, the colt stepped forward with his nose extended towards the older male. “He is my son, obviously.” She hesitated a moment. Where she came from a colt born into the family from outside could be considered a bastard, impure, detestable. Strength would be tested immediately, or mare and child would be chased away.

“I ask that you extend the same courtesies to him that you have shown me. Two seasons, now, or until he is mature should I stay.”

AMARANTHE

MARE :: FRIESIAN :: 15.3hh :: BLACK