With the soft roar of the ocean tide at her back, Avangeline climbed the sand of the dune, pressing into the hot granules and throwing her weight forward as she moved. Her ability to navigate the terrain had grown tremendously each day and she was privately proud of herself for what should be a very simple accomplishment. She’d taken Gabbar’s advice to heart in the beginning in what times to explore the Dunes in full and what times to rest, as well as began to learn how to listen to her own body to be certain she didn’t suffer exhaustion.
Reaching the top of the dune, Avangeline looked out as far as her sight could reach, knowing the higher ground would offer some advantage in seeing farther. At times when she walked between the swells of sand she worried there would be something waiting on the other side and often paused to listen just to be safe.
For instance at the bottom of this dune Avangeline became acutely aware of another horse. With chin dipped to chest and gold, sooty buckskin skin gleaming, she took a careful look of the horse before she gave up her high ground and approached. Very quickly she knew realized the horse was not any of her dunes herd mates, nor did they fit the description of the bachelors who’d attacked Valve. In fact, as Avangeline began her way down the swell of the dune, she noted the horse looked something like she must have a couple years ago.
Was this the young mare Valve had been speaking with? If so, Avangeline was happy she appeared unharmed.
“Hello,” Avangeline said as she came to the bottom of the dune, catching her breath and studying the young mare. The only way to know for certain was to ask and so, without hesitation, Avangeline decided to do just that. “Are you the mare Valve was speaking with?” Her ears pointed forward, brown eyes warm and watchful.
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