It had been a struggle. Autumn waters were far more treacherous than those of a summer seasons. Weather shifts caused currents to be rougher, licking at their hooves while they kicked and propelled themselves forward through the waves. Zimri’s only focus was on the foal by her side, not allowing herself to be distracted by the actions of the stallion that led them, or to question his motivations for those actions. With single focus she swam in the wake of Sandman.

She stayed slightly behind and to the side of Remus, supporting him whenever he fell weak and pushing him along at any times he stopped kicking to rest. All the way she whispered encouragement into his ear. Every word she spoke she murmured how strong and brave he was. Something as silly as vast open waters should not stop him, and that he would be warm and dry soon. Her voice cooed to him over the sounds of the waves of the night, assuring him that she would be there for him in the dark.

Once the sight of the forested island broke the horizon, the blue mare felt her body relax in the relief at being close to their destination. Hooves touched the sandy ocean floor and she pushed the small colt into the shallows and onto the shore, making sure he had his feet under him, before she pulled herself out of the waves. The child’s body trembled against her and the mare took a deep steadying breath to keep her own from also shaking. Remus, she figured, was shaking from tired muscles and fatigue. It was more of a struggle to keep her body from shaking in fear than it had been to swim to the island. So she stood solidly beside him to support him on his feet, or watch over him if he decided to rest in the sands.

Stormy grey eyes looked up at Sandman when he spoke and back down at the silent colt before glancing to the east.

I don’t think he can move much more. Her singsong voice was soft with a chime of her weariness. The sun is nearly up. Chances are the herd will find us before we can find them. Memories whispered softly in her mind and the young mare looked over at the interesting stallion who had risked so much to help someone so defenseless. She knew what could happen if strangers ventured too far into the wrong worlds. Besides, if you go too far a stallion may not take our presence as kindly. A fact she knew all too well.

Z i m r i