She could not remember a time in her life when she was so… hairy. Not that it was a bad thing or anything that she actually cared about (Abigail had never fussed over appearances); but, having grown up and lived her life in the humid tropics, she’d never needed any thick, winter coat to grow over in order to keep her warm. The winter in the Inlet had tested her, but Abigail had prevailed. She learned from those who’d called this place home for longer than she just how she was meant to survive. Once the icy winds of blizzards finally cleared and spring came, Abigail dreamed of what new adventures she could seek in this strange new place she and Braylen called home.
However, Abigail’s traveling days were momentarily put on hold. Her sides swelled large as the winter progressed and, by spring the little medicine-hat mare looked just about ready to pop. She’d wandered off one evening, the pull of nature asking her to seek lonely sanctuary where she was to writhe in unimaginable, unfathomable pain for a very, very special reward. Lucky Abigail, she received two rewards.
It was with marvel their mother looked upon them, these two white splattered sons, one coat a rich red and the other a beautiful gold. A wide smile commanded her mouth and she found it couldn’t leave, even as she licked away the birth and nudged them to her wither where they could dip their head underneath and suckle milk.
She stayed with her sons (sons! Two!) for just a little while longer, making certain they were well settled on their shaky, new limbs and had full bellies and clean coats before she was ready to show them their home. “Come on, my beautiful sons.” She whispered softly to them, reaching to nudge them both with such affection, and then turned to lead them from their secluded little place and out into the open of the Inlet. It was them she was absorbed by, watching them as they learned from the world, everything so new and bright. She’d never been around children before and never thought to imagine what happiness she might feel if she were to have them.
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