He knew where she was. Siobhan was just on the other side of an invisible line that smelled potantly of other stallions. Ailill’s soft pale nose flared at the scent. She could have been miles away and still he swore he could smell her, feel her presence close and within his body. He longed to be beside her again, to see their child just as he had seen his newborn son.

As he stepped through the trails, he figured Ysabel would be hot on his heels. Still he was nervous about the task at hand. He had vowed to come for Siobhan, and he would. Bjorn had not answered his call, and none had freed her from her capture. Ailill knew what this could start, and still he refused to break his promise to the woman who truly captured his heart. Whether it was nerves or excitement, the golden knight sped up his pace, feeling his heartbeat faster, as if there was a beckoning. He did not know where exactly he would enter the Inlet, but moved towards the shore, at least so he would know what the terrain was when they needed to leave the Inlet.

Voices laughed above the crashing waves. Alarmed, the stallion paused for a second before pressing forward even faster. This was the season of very young foals, and the chimes that echoed through the air were the pitch of those who were still new to the world. His experience told him surely a mare would be nearby, and just as surely there was a chance the youth were trying their hardest to be mischievous. As he approached he saw two gold figures huddled together for a moment before they dived back into the salty water. His mind could barely comprehend that these two could possibly be from him, it was simply not possible that he would have stumbled upon his family. It was not until his eyes landed on Siobhan’s red form that all ability to process thought left him.

He raced along the shoreline, his hooves flying as fast as they could move, heedless of stones and water beneath them. His heart pounded harder and faster with every step. He dared not call, fearing his voice would be heard by Bjorn or Nyimara even over the wind and waves. He slowed only as he approached the mother and fillies, wishing not to scare the newborns even as he was overwhelmed with desire to press himself against them. But when he looked up and Siobhan filled his gaze, he felt himself spill over with adoration. Siobhan. he breathed, his nose reaching out to her, as if he could not believe she was there. He glanced down at the foals, at last the gravity of the situation hitting him, but without time to take it in. Two was going to be harder to support through the waves than one. He would do what he needed to do.

Let’s go home. He sighed, pressing his head against Siobhan again, relieved he could at least see her, feel her. We can rest on Crossing, by the Falls if they cannot make it.