Olaf wandered along the perimeter of the forest, his thoughts drifting back over the past few seasons. It had been very strange, both Xina and Chianti disappearing into the trees with their respective children. While he was not always permitted too close to the foals right away and in the past, he was yet to see the mares and foals withdraw from the herd entirely. Xina and Chianti each had their quirks though and while their reclusiveness put him on edge, he did not force either to integrate before they were ready. He did, however, keep an eye on both mares and their foals; even if it was just from afar.

As the smoky stallion began to follow the curve of the stream that would lead him back to where the herd was loosely scattered, an excited squeal caused his ears to flick forward curiously before flicking back momentarily at the cry that followed splashing. Olaf couldn’t blame the boy, leaping into the stream at this time of year was not advisable. A small smile flickered over his dark lips, disappearing as the sight of Chianti and their son came into view on the opposite side of the stream (as he passed through the trees).

The stallion’s ears swivel to catch the boy’s words as he stutters to his mother. ”And it will only get colder.” he answered the colt, gauging Chianti’s reaction before he would decide to cross the shallow water or keep his distance.