avalon -----
by masquerade out of pandora
The mare and foal simply stare at each other; the mare is thunderstruck and the filly is trying to get her bearings. Stimulated by her mother’s encouragement, the foal unfolds her stick-like legs and staggers to her tiny hooves. Her previously unused muscles quiver with effort as she sways slightly. The trees surrounding them block most of the wind, but enough of a breeze sneaks through that it almost sends the girl toppling over. She steadies herself and receives a reassuring nicker from her mother as praise.
It’s that moment that Zevulun bursts onto the scene. Avalon startles slightly, having been so focused on her daughter that she hadn’t been paying attention to her surroundings. The moment of guilt is smothered by the foal’s reaction, who is so shocked at seeing another horse appear that her already precarious balance falters and she goes tumbling forward, ending up on her belly with her legs splayed outward.
Avalon stifles a panicked cry, not wanting to alarm her daughter further but needing to make sure the newborn isn’t hurt. The filly is obviously resilient, however, and now that she knows her legs will support her, she pops right back up. Satisfied that the baby is fine, the mare finally turns her attention to her stallion.
She grins, and tears come to her eyes again at the unfiltered happiness on his face. She imagines her expression had been much the same, and she can feel her joy and awe returning.
”Yes,” she agrees hoarsely before releasing a breathy chuckle. ”She’s incredible.” She smiles gently and beckons him over. ”Come on, then…come and meet your daughter.”
seven - grulla sabino - mixed - 16.2hh |