The forest had been far too quiet for too long, with the yearling realising they would be leaving soon, so the sound of Chianti’s laugh was like music to the skull-faced stallion’s ears. It was a familiar but all too rare sound and he promised himself in that moment that he would hear it more often. The forest would soon be alive with chatter and laughter, just as it was always meant to be.

He exhaled a sharp breath at her words and let go of the remaining strands of her mane, “It is not very fair.” He huffed, feigning hurt feelings though the glint in his caramel eyes gave away the humour that hid below the surface, ”I could get very upset”. Before he could make any kind of movement toward her, she sprang forward and then away.

He hadn’t expected her to take off and he’d barely turned to follow when her words filled his ears. Following Chianti was not difficult, though he appreciated that she at least thought of the herd. He knew that Bjorn and Xina would be alert to any danger, however, and would signal if they needed him. It would not hurt them to be left alone for a little while- in fact; it would be good practise before his trip to the main land.

“Do not tell me you are going to hide again.” he almost chuckled as he reached the painted mare. “I will not let you get far again.” he teased, reaching for her.