Jökulrós stood amongst the trees, her eyes closed and her breaths slow and deliberate as she hummed a song she’d herd the birds singing. She pictured herself as one of those tiny birds with delicate wings, perched on the highest branches of the pine trees. She pictured herself, feathered chest puffed out and standing tall – her song radiating out to bring joy to all the forest creatures around her. Only, Jökulrós was not a bird. She was a horse that no matter how gracefully and softly she stepped, would never be as dainty and delicate as a birds. No matter how beautiful her song, it would never be as ethereal as the birds within the trees.

She sucked in a deep breath, falling silent as she let it out again and opened her blue eyes to look upon the beauty of the forest that surrounded her. Everything was so vibrant and glistening with life and the sun beat down through the branches with a welcome heat. Winter had been harsh and unforgiving. Summer would be soft and embracing, like a mother nurturing a child. Jökulrós would enjoy any and all seasons regardless; each one bringing something completely new and different for her to admire.

Stepping away from the trees, she moved into the stream. She followed the it as it wound round the landscape of the forest, carefully trailing her hooves through the water so as not to make too much noise. As the stream curved sharply and the banks widened, she noticed a slate grey figure lying in the water. He looked peaceful.

“They say if you listen closely and stay very still, the water sprites will come and tell you what your future holds.” She informed the bald faced boy as she approached. ”Have you heard anything yet? I hear they are very shy creatures.” She dipped her head down to his level, though her gaze drifted to the ripples that radiated outward in their wakes – perhaps examining them for some sign on the water sprite. ”Do you think it would be wise to listen to what they have to say? Do you think we could change our futures if we didn’t like what we heard?”