Water crashed over and around him. Pale mane and tail plastered to his body as well as flew through air with the force of each crash. He let the salt water wash over him, taking away the worries and cares of the world away with the tide. The joy of the play was too strong as he watched the filly dash onto the beach, hot on his heals.

His smile fell when Shararat’s hooves appeared to be taken out from under her. In a panic, Ailill rushed to her side to his his bigger mass to ensure she did not slip further into the ocean. Her nose was dripping wet and she was snorting. Ailill’s own muzzle reached out to her, supporting her shoulder so she would not slip away while she righted herself. His ears flicked back when another wave rushed over both of them but still he blocked her from the force.

At first the stallion smiled and chuckled, lipping lightly at her mane. Yes, learning to swim will help you! It took a moment for the realization of his own words to sink in. Once she learned how to swim she would be well on her way to living a life of happiness and freedom she deserved. No spirit such as her’s would be held down; he would be sickened by any who tried. His joy and laughter fell. The young lady’s time as a filly was slowly but surely coming to a close. There was little doubt in Ailill’s mind that her mother would whisk her away the moment she could truly face the waves of the wide water that surrounded them. The consistent light and joy of his home may soon leave him.

He released a heavy snort, and with it the dark thoughts that dared creep into his light mind. It was her right, and her freedom, it was his duty to ensure she had it. Creating a grin that did not quite meet his eyes he nudged her gently toward the shore. I can help teach you! There is a calmer beach just to the north. With a smile and a flop of his soaking tail he set off in the direction of a small, shetlered cove that would afford them some calmer waters. It was deep enough that even he would struggle to keep his head above the surface in its depths, but would still give her the chance to learn in its shallows.