Meadow

She was starting to regret leaving home, not that she would admit this to anyone.

Even moreso than in the summer, horses paired up in the common areas, which would be fantastic for finding company if the adults didn't keep running her off before canoodling together. She hated it. Her body felt weird and uncomfortable and she hated the way everything felt wrong. She wanted her mom, but no amount of swimming had uncovered a clear path back home. She didn't know how to go back.

The little splash girl had even considered braving the Commons. The risk of being forced somewhere she didn't want to go was scary, especially considering how bitterly her mother had spoken of her experience. But at least that would be someone. Bokeh had left. Kalayani and Verrat had left. Even Dalia and Hopper had parted ways with her. And each night that she spent huddled alone in the dark made her feel even more lost.

Ivanna was wandering the beaches of the Meadows borders, debating if she should risk it. Her hooves left drag marks in the soft sand as she plodded along, wistful gaze cast out to the rushing waves. She regretted now, abandoning Osiris and Caesius. Their parental presence would not be so easily dismissed now that she felt so alone.

A figure ahead caught her eye and she stared for a moment before it resolved into the shape of a mare - a mother! - and a young colt. They looked utterly exhausted, but what caught her eye was the colt. He was so handsome, clad in a kaleidoscope of color and she caught herself staring for a moment, before the rest of the details trickled in. The mare was pretty as well, with what looked like snow drizzling down her sides. Both of them looked ever so tired. Even as Ivanna watched, the mare managed to lull the colt into rest, which broke her feverish staring.

She itched to run up and say hello, to spend time with someone that might chase away the loneliness inside of her, but she wouldn't risk being chased away again. She needed to bring something, anything to the table.

Recalling a sweet patch of grass that hadn't yet fully succumbed to the drying of the season, Ivanna raced off. Her pale hooves sent sand flying until she reached the grass border. After a hurried rush to said patch of grass, Ivanna tore a huge mouthful of the dark green strands before rushing back, her peace offering trailing blades of grass down her chest.

As she gets close to the pair again, she catches sight of another horse, this time a stallion. A frustrated moan can be heard around her mouthful. Ivanna figured it was only a matter of time before the two of them snuck off to snuggle and left her alone, yet again. She almost gave up then, but then she remembers the colt at the mare's hooves. Maybe he'd wake up and keep her company?

Flicking her thick tail across her haunches, the little Icelandic mix struts forward, mouthful of grass clamped firmly between her lips. She approaches the mare, her head low in submission as she places the grass at her feet and backs up, her gaze darting to the stallion at her side in wariness and then to the sleeping foal at her side.

"Um, hi. I thought maybe you needed something to eat." Her voice is uncharacteristically timid for her, but still friendly. Beneath the frizzy mass of mane her two ears prick forward, eager to hear their replies.