Shararat’s joy energized the young stallion, who tossed his head and pawed at the watery ground between them. She was truly a light in his eyes. The spirit that possessed her was akin to that which drove his sister to spring into her own fantasies, and bring him along. As he looked at the dark filly he knew there was nothing that would quench that fire. One day it would burn across the islands, bringing light to the world.If there was anything that would have completed his soul it would be to fuel that beautiful fire.

Her words came out in a rush that reminded him of the waves they had just played in. His chuckle was low as he moved to keep pace with her, sure to keep himself close enough to be able to hear everything she said, his attention hanging on every word. Still, his heart began to sink. He would not allow his growing concern to show on his face, though his steps were not as high and showy as they ran. Never would he have called her to stay here, there was too much in the world for her. But he longed to ask her to stay, to ask the little lady if she would continue to be the sunshine on his monsoon enveloped island. He wished beyond dreams that he could somehow protect her on her fantastic travels. As she surged ahead of him he hesitated a moment, glancing in the direction she mentioned. His heart pounded in his chest. The mares of the Peak. The fierce warriors could possibly protect her. He wondered if the name of his mother and sister were enough for him to request their help. A smile grew on his soft lips, growing into a grin as he raced ahead to meet the filly.

As their growing tradition, he plowed into the water with a large splash and looked back at her.Before you are as big as me, we can go to Crossing, a big island with much to see. He said as he moved to the shallower water, where it would come up to the filly’s shoulders. There is a mountain there, larger than the cliffs here. There are many great women there, strong and fierce, but often kind. After all, the ‘red mare’ she referenced was also strong and fierce, but he dared not cross Shararat’s mother. The mountain is so high it is almost as if you are amongst the stars. You can watch them shine and race them as they fall.

In the water he slowly moved deeper, carefully taking steps so Shararat would instinctively begin to kick out with her hooves. He knew it would start as a struggle, as it was for any creature not built for swimming. Protective, he stood between her and the deeper water, refusing to allow anything bad to happen while he tried to help teach her. Be sure to keep your mouth and nose above the water so you may breath. Air in your lungs and stomach will help keep you afloat. Seeing as how hooves and spindle legs would not. While he watched her his mind continued to race through his conflicting thoughts. Here he was, wishing he could convince her to stay while giving her the tools to leave.