Olaf had lost a lot and gained a lot in his life and it was for this reason that he could truly appreciate everything he has now. He was beginning to care less about making his father proud, confident he had probably already done that, and cared more about making himself and his herd proud. He saw no point in dwelling in the past if it meant sacrificing the future. The forest herd may be small, but they were happy and healthy – that was the main thing.

Olaf trotted after Chianti, slowing to a brisk walk as he neared her. She turned to face him, but when he reached out for her, she expertly kept just out of his grasp. His ears leaned forward at her words, ”Then we are agreed.” he said, reaching for her again. This time she allowed it, but only so that she could nip him and take off into the underbrush.

The smoky stallion rose up into a half rear and then took off after her with a whinny. Braches scraped at his sides while the leafy undergrowth crunched under his wide hooves but nothing slowed his pursuit until the trees parted until Chianti slowed to a stop. ”Come out, come out, wherever you are.” he chimed in good spirits. While he had not been far behind, and he could easily spy the flashes of red and white behind the leaves of his forest, he moved off in the opposite direction, craning his head round a tree trunk as if looking for her.