she can feel the earth waiting to crack open and spill warmth and green once more as winter wanes… she knows this season brings much new life and excitement across every territory, not just here. bjorn seems to be waiting for it, ready to rush into its embrace. dahlia is unsure about how she feels regarding such passage of time… her heart is confused, glad to be free of the prairie and it’s doldrums but lonesome for her sister, her mother and father… she is still petrified of slipping back into the sea and being beaten down by the waves.. it has been weeks now, months nearly since she has even ventured close to the beach… each time she thinks of the dark water her very soul shudders.

for now though she makes herself content, glad to be in bjorn’s company. he speaks just enough to make her comfortable and not enough to overwhelm her. his quietness and gentleness sets her more at ease… her mind has warned her to be cautious, but her heart sees only the evidence of his kindness.

when the smokey grullo stallion steps closer to her she doesn’t shift away. her delicate nostrils flare as the breeze rushes his scent toward her, earth and musk. it attracts her in a way she has never experienced before. she finds it easy to open up a little then, letting her musings tumble forth in a soft quiet voice. i wonder, what is on your mind… i saw trouble there, if only briefly… and i wonder if i will ever be brave enough to face the waves again to continue my quest…

when he pulls away she closes the gap between them without fanfare. their proximity feels natural to her. she reaches up her own velvety muzzle to his shoulder, gently reciprocating his touch. her golden coat gleams with renewed health and vigor that she has gained from resting here and she feels physically strong. she thinks upon her last statement… wondering as she stands beside bjorn, if perhaps it is more than her fear of the waves that keeps her here…