Spring again.

It seemed like spring had only just past and now it was here again. It was certainly a welcome change from the cold frosts that had plagued the forest during the seemingly short winter. Days, seasons and years merged into one and it seemed that nothing ever changed. Olaf could barely remember how long it had been since the herd swapped the harsh, Salem sands for the temperate shade of the Luthien forest. His sire’s herd here had been more bustling and interactive even during its quiet times and Olaf wasn’t sure what that said about him. He’d effectively kept the herd safe from predators and multiple stallions looking to steal one of the mares but at the same time, he’d done little to make the whole herd feel like one big family. They were as scattered and reclusive as ever and at this point, Olaf wasn’t sure what he could do to change that short of forcing them to spend more time closer together.

Olaf sucked in a deep breath as he moved at a leisurely pace toward the stream, wondering if any of the herd were nearby. Jörmungandr had been keeping her distance with her newborn colt, though she was never far from the safety of the himself or one of the other mares should a predator get too close – not that they had bothered lately; something he was always thankful for.