the bay mare has been somewhat sulky. twice now she has fought the painted creature who lorded himself over the desert and twice she has lost. there is a vague anger and strong dislike that wells in her soul for the beast cain but she cannot deny that he has the advantage and is not likely to lose it. his size and strength are a considerable obstacle. out of courtesy to his mares, who were soon to foal, she did not issue challenge to him in the spring. she did not want the desert inhabitants to view her as a heartless threat when they were so close to dropping their young. it was a sense of honor that held her back. this season, however, she isn’t sure what stopped her. it seemed perhaps that the land would be better obtained through other means. she just needed patience. and to let things work themselves out. they often did

she is brazen, she knows, wandering so openly into the dunes, but for too long she has straddled the edges of both territories… she lets her curiosity carry her further than she has ventured before, her path through the winding sand hills lit only by the stars. it is peaceful here, she thinks. she cuts into a fresh set of hoof prints, weaving through the sand and, unable to stop herself, she sets to following them. as they have not been blown in by the soft breeze she can only assume she isn’t far behind their maker. when the path opens up into a beautiful oasis, lush and softly lit by the barely rising sun, she sees him. the mysterious figure she had once come across in the desert. so this is where he has been all this time?

the bay mare announces herself quietly, a soft breath and tentative whinny. her ears, curving almost to meet each other atop her poll, flicker forth curiously as she approaches him, extending her muzzle in greeting. though she intrudes, something in her senses.. or just her hopes maybe.. that he won’t see her as a threat..