Meadow

Staring out across the waves, Silka’s bright eyes held nothing but wonder as the restlessness of youth gnawed at her insides. What was out there, on those distant lands? The red filly often thought of wild stories to tell herself, to entertain her young mind as she raced the shore, kicking up her heels with playful squeals. But today was different; she could feel it in her bones. Her body had changed, growing stronger as the new season arrived to mark her second year of life. She felt ready to strike out against the waves, to finally see what lay beyond the edge of Luthien. But nerves also accompanied her excitement, making her dance from hoof to hoof as her tail flagged behind her. If only she had someone to go with her, it would make this all the easier for her first time!


But Silka could wait no longer, and with a shaky snort, the young mare bunched up her muscles and leapt into the salty sea. She crashed into the water with a loud splash, able to touch the bottom only a few strides before it fell away, and she kicked and struck almost uncordially. After floundering a few minutes, the red filly finally got the hang of it, able to propel herself through the water with learning grace and a smile at her triumph. She was finally going to see what lay beyond!


The swim to the Crossing ended up being a bigger chore for Silka than she had thought. Her legs burned with the strain, and a few times she was sure she wouldn’t make it. But the filly kept trying, until finally she was able to pull herself up onto the shore. At first she just stood there, unsure that this was really happening, and if she was going to collapse or not. But as she peered off into the vegetation that lay beyond the sand, her exhaustion quickly began to melt away. Adrenaline paired her excitement, and she found the strength to move forward. Forgetting to even shake off the water from her red body.


As she came to the open meadow, Silka paused to let her gaze sweep across the grassland. Although she had always lived in the prairie, this somehow was different. It brought a smile to her face, especially seeing so many horses dot the area. A giggle escaped her lips, before she found herself tossing her head and moving off into a gallop. Though she had felt like she could never have energy again while swimming here, Silka forgot all about that as she frolicked like a young filly, laughter filling the air as she felt happy for finally making it here. She hoped that instead of seeing her as crazy, that someone might even join her on her fun!