15.3hh - Gypsy Vanner - Lead of the Inlet


Life had once again come back to the chilly tundra of Tinuvel. The flowers blossomed, fighting the still occasional cold snaps in the night. Herds of caribou and elk once again swelled with their young and the wolves retreated back to their dens to care for their own pups and offspring. The winds that blew were no longer frigid and bone shattering, but brought with it the scent of summer. Birds had also returned, greeting the heart of the season with their merry songs. It was truly always a change on the island when the seasons shifted.

Dark eyes stared out at the world around him from the white face. Just as his home swelled with like, Pagan swelled with pride. As the trees grew strong and thick again with leaves and life the stallion felt his own connection to the terrain grow as strong as the roots. It was another year, and he was becoming more and more one with this place.

Weeks before he had watched Abigail leave the safety of their herd and hide herself. The smile that he had worn at the time was understanding and he broadened his perimeter marches, careful not to intrude but also to make sure her seclusion was included in his safety patrol. She had been brought to the Inlet by Braylen and was carrying strong blood in her womb, therefore also fell under Pagan’s strict protection.

He had known when she left the place she had felt safe, but still kept his distance for a time, letting herself and her sons(!) witness the world around them before he chose to approach. At last, his own curiosity get the better of him and he trotted slowly up to the mother and foals. As he neared, he was alert and attentive to the mare, nearing them slowly in case she gave an indication that his attention was unwelcome.

“Merry meet!” He greeted in his low, rumbling voice. The smile on his face was as warm as the sun above them. “I see the spring has given you gifts!” Shaggy head lowered to the foals, offering himself for exploration or torment depending on their dispositions. “Two handsome gifts, indeed.” He smiled again up at Abigail. Thoughts wandered briefly back to the fall and he wondered briefly if the change of seasons had brought others into this land. Tail whisked the air once, brushing away his selfish thoughts, but concern for the mares he had met still lingering. Instead he focused back on the wonders before him.

“What do we call these fine young, spring men?”

PAGAN