Months had passed since War had come to these woods that they wandered. As with all things, time slowly healed their grieving hearts – Guadalupe had not been the only loss during that dark time, just the first. Rowena had lost a dear friend, and Dances felt for her, felt her pain as if it were his own. And he sought to pour his love into the crack formed in Rowena’s heart, to help it in its healing. There was still no sign of Echo or her black and white boy, but Dances firmly clung to the hope somehow they’d managed to get away from the chaos, and were waiting somewhere, waiting for Dances and Rowena to come and find them.
Dances With Wolves had hardly left Rowena’s side, drawing ever closer to her through their shared concerns and mirrored mourning. The birth of their son was a light to Dances, and he spent as much time as he could with the boy, murmuring stories to him late into the night. It was with mixed emotions that the bay and white stallion watched how quickly the colt grew – he felt it was a futile fight against time and fate, but still, he was greedy, and wished to keep his son close for as long as he could. Because, while Walker remained with him and Rowena, Dances could be sure of his safety. He knew though, that the day would come when he’d have to let Walker go, but for now, he’d be thankful, grateful for all he had been blessed with.
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The tobiano stallion meandered through the trees, keeping a watchful eye on his son nearby. Dances picked his way carefully to Rowena’s side, mindful of the twisting roots and slick leaf-litter that had caught him unexpectedly too many times to count. With a gentle snort, he reached to lip affectionate at the black and white mare’s long forelock and nuzzle her cheek. “Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke,” he murmured softly, his words heavy with an unspoken sentiment. I hope I didn’t worry you. Dances took a moment to stand beside his mate, breathing in her scent, pressing his shoulder to hers, so that he’d carry her perfume with him anew, and be marked by it as Belonging with her and to her.
Shortly, he’d explain his absence, but for now, he wanted to relish their moment of togetherness. A smile unfurled across his lips as he looked to their son, nickered to him, calling him over. “Did you sleep alright, my son?” he asked, his tone bleeding concern. Perhaps it was unneeded, but Dances was a sensitive soul, and there was nothing that mattered more to him than his beloved Family.
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