Isla raced ahead of her mother like some wild little woman, her foal coat already shed for something much brighter and closer to her adult shade. She was fearless, and while she did not fully leave her mother behind, nor did she look back from her. She simply trusted that Grier would be behind her to keep her safe, as she always did.

The girl's mismatched hoofs threw tiny tufts of sea-soaked sand into the air behind her as she flew along, darting nimbly around the few palm trees that littered Paradise's beaches. Somewhere behind, and not at all thrilled for it, trotted her mother. Why did I let the wee lass grow so independent, again? The pony mare was sweat-soaked, although it was not from wearing a coat too thick for the weather. No, she had well and truly adjusted to the climate of the jungle, even if a part of her yearned for Tinuvel's mystery.

No, this time it was simple exertion that had her panting and cross, tiny ears pinned into the unkempt mess of blonde hair that framed her face.

One of you is enough, she thought sourly. She loved her daughter, with all of her heart, but there were these times when she thought better of her hasty decision to let Liland atop her last season. The girl was wild, as stubborn as her sire, although Grier was doing all that she could to curtail the wee beastie's temper. In truth, Pidgeon's sweetness had done most of that work, and when Grier's temper ran short, her dearest friend was always there to provide some relief for both of them.

As if in response to their thoughts, the two of them heard Pidgeon's call and the small filly about-faced with a small buck and raced back to her dam's side. "Mum! Mummie! Did you hear her? Did you?"

The girl was breathless as she nearly flung herself into her dam's side, dark eyes wide with excitement. Despite her annoyance, Grier chuckled and nodded. "Aye, lass. Go on then love, I'll be right there."

Again the filly took off, this time with purpose and charged ahead to join at Pidgeon's side. She skittered to an awkward halt, leaving twin furrows for her hinds through the went sand before regaining her balance and prancing to join the spotted mare. "Auntie Pidge!"

"Did you see me running? I think I'm getting even faster." The girl then extends her pale muzzle to her friend's side before her attention wavers back to her mother as she approached.

I dinnae think I'll ever tire o' seeing the two of them together. The roan mare thought fondly as she slowed her pace on approach in an effort to catch some of her breath. Although I cannae wait until the little shite is old enough to stop running around like a wind devil. A grin forms on Grier's lips as she approaches and she reaches out with fond familiarity to the spotted mare to exchange breaths.

"Mo chridhe, settle now, lass." She says gently to her daughter and the girl tosses her head in response but visibly settles, no longer threatening to explode in spontaneous combustion. "How are you, love?"

The words are fond and she settles herself near Pidgeon's side, thankful for the cool ocean breeze to cool the heat of her skin. Combined with the restlessness of the season, Grier was plenty uncomfortable, although she reckoned she could probably make it through this season without caving to another. The big silver stallion had had the sense to stay away, and Grier had purposefully not sought out Gnome for the same reason.

After all that had happened with Liland, she was in no rush to entangle herself again.