Despite always trying to be positive, Wren’s life had not always been the best. She had faced many hard ships but not one had brought her fear like this one did. Since Sabela’s death, the pale sabino had been engulfed in nothing but all consuming terror. She had not slept because every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was the lifeless form of the mare and the child so pathetically left behind. She should be helping. Wren knew she had plenty of milk to give and that supporting two foals would he hard on Talien. But she just couldn’t bring herself to return to the herd. Her mind too distraught with the need to flee from her fears.


But everywhere she went across the Bay, her fears followed.


When the first contractions of pain started, Wren thought it was the foal being obnoxious. The kicks and movement becoming a normal occurrence. But as it continued and the strength of it grew, the mare finally knew what was happening. No matter how badly she had wanted to escape it, she had to birth this foal. Already alone, she did not have to seek the quiet away from the herd like most mares would. Rather, she began to pace anxiously around the pines that stood over her. Several times she laid down, the pain almost like a colic as she tried to relieve it, but standing up and pacing some more.


Finally, when her body was fully ready, Wren eased down onto the soft pine needles and earth. She did what came naturally but the pain was shocking and almost unbearable. But instinct gave her the strength to bare it and she delivered a healthy colt with no troubles. Exhaustion was nearly all consuming though and her entire body was covered in a heavy sweat. It caused her mane and forelock to cling to her skin as she raised up, reaching around to break the sack and clean the colt.


Although she is not ready to stand just yet, Liland’s call that breaks the gentle silence startles the new mother up to stand. Her head raises, ears turned towards where he called from, but she does not call back. Instead she turns to the colt and continues to clean him, giving soft nudges to encourage him to stand as well. The soft wuffle noises that leave her are new. Not once had Wren ever made them before. But instinct alone was driving the mare and she was not ready to share this moment with the father.