Falls

Inka

Inka fell into step beside the little mare in silent agreement. She strolled as slowly as she would have done with a foal, matching every two strides of Evaline's with one of her own so that she would not out-pace the mare. Her head hung at a casual angle, and her dark eyes roamed the wall of trees that loomed before them. She reflected that it was nice to finally walk on level ground after going so long without leaving the Peak. All those cliffs and irregular surfaces had once been little more than a mild challenge to travel across, what with her great height, but now that she was getting older they were becoming more and more difficult to manage. She could feel her joints thanking her for this pleasant break.

When Evaline questioned her about her home, Inka side-eyed the mare curiously. She was not sure she understood what her companion found so confusing about the Peak, but she made no comment. "It's big," she said with a smile, "and quiet. There aren't many of us anymore, and we mostly keep to the lower slopes. It's nice to travel to the top every so often, but I'm getting to be an old lady now and don't do it much anymore." She chuckled and shook her mane. "We're a tight-knit family there, though. I wouldn't trade it for the world."

They stopped just before a thicket of trees and shrubs. The rumble of the falls was close, and Inka lifted her head to inhale deeply. The scent of fresh, cold water hung in the air, promising rest and refreshment. She looked at Evaline, a smile spreading on her face, and was about to make a comment when the little mare spoke first. Inka's expression slackened in surprise, and she looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't think so. I don't get out of the Peak much, so I remember just about every face I see. I suppose perhaps you've seen a family member of mine, though. You could say my father got around a bit." She chuckled.