Mere moments passed, and a stallion was already approaching with haste. Lorel stayed where he was, watching with interest, and when the other male turned to him, the young Icelandic dipped his head in acknowledgement. ‘Liland,’ the stallion introduced himself, and Lorel was grateful that he was not met with hostility. He knew from experience how possessive some stallions could be over what they considered to be theirs. “It’s nice to meet you Liland, and Sabela. I am called Lorel.” Lorel said, acknowledging the mare as he spoke her name. A sudden wave of emotion roiled within the young male – love and loss. “My mother,” he said softly, the words catching in his throat, leaving his sentence unfinished. Lorel took a moment to compose himself, and then continued. “My mother, too, had no voice of her own. But she was one of the wisest souls I’ve ever known.”

He had not foreseen this – that in a place so far from his homeland, he’d meet one who’d remind him of that which had been most precious to him. Lorel turned slightly, as if to survey the land, hoping that he’d be able to steady himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the affectionate way the two residents of the Bay interacted, and the ghost of a smile replaced the lines of sorrow on his face. Lorel was young still, and had never experienced the kind of love that existed between mates. He liked the idea of family, but given his youth and the turbulence of his upbringing running with his band of brothers, he was in no hurry. If someday it was meant to be, then it would be.

A sudden gust of cold wind drew Lorel’s attention skyward. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he studied the clouds. A frown of concern settled upon his face, and after a moment, he glanced back towards Liland and Sabela. “I was able to read the skies well in my homeland, but I am unfamiliar with your seasons,” he said, his words open and honest. “It would seem that winter will soon be upon us.” It was troubling indeed. Lorel had thought he’d have more time to search for somewhere safe to shelter from the snow and sleet. “I humbly ask permission to stay here until the cold of winter begins to ease.”

Lorel took one small step towards Liland, hopeful. “I am no fighter, but I will help keep watch over your herd.” His ears, half-hidden in his thick mane, turned back slightly as something occurred to him, and he spoke again, hoping he hadn’t come across as pushy or presumptuous. “I understand if you do not wish to take a stranger in among you, and if this is the case, I would be grateful if you could advise me where else I might go.”