Orhan
Almost immediately Orhan could see that he had struck a nerve within the mare. Her head drooped low, and he watched her eyes glaze over as if she was recalling things he would never know about. Yet, one thing was evident: what was on her mind was personal, and had nothing to do with him or Koray. Had she too lost a son? Orhan stiffened and held his breath in anticipation.
Just as it looked as if she might break down any moment, the mare suddenly regained her composure, and the moment passed. She met his gaze with the same hard expression she had worn moments before, and confirmed his suspicions: Koray had not passed through this way recently. Orhan flicked an ear back and let out the breath he'd been holding in. He may not have been surprised at this news, but it still dealt a blow to the waning hope that he would ever see his son again. What if something had happened to Koray? What if he was hurt, or worse?
"Thank you anyway," the stallion said finally, his honey-brown eyes dropping to his hooves and hanging there for a few moments. He hesitated, considering something, then finally lifted his gaze back to the mare and raised his head a little. "If you do see him... please tell him that he should come home. He is dearly missed."
The stallion turned to leave, pivoting awkwardly while attempting to avoid putting weight on his lame leg. But there he froze. Eventually he looked back to the mare, his expression open and earnest. "I know it's not any of my business, but I'm sorry for whatever you've gone through. If you need a place to stay, or anything at all, I'd be more than happy to help. Just come to the desert on Salem and ask for Orhan."
He offered her a sad smile, then began to limp away.
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