Although the mare was not in the health to travel, and her child not strong enough to take to the salty water, Melisma had not lingered a moment longer in the Lagoon than she had too. As soon as her stallion had bellowed his triumphant cry, the midnight mare had ushered her red filly towards the borders and to the Falls. It was there she found refuge, clinging to the shadows she had haunted most of her life. She didn’t dare to let Phoebe wander despite her eagerness to explore her new surroundings. Unlike her mother, Phoebe was brave, taking on her father’s characteristics instead. Melisma loved that about her daughter, but for now, she would have to guard her away.
Just like the night they had met, Melisma finally ventured out of hiding beneath the silver wash of a full moon. Like a nervous deer, she stops every few strides and surveys her surroundings. Drawing in deep breaths of the crisp night air, making sure no danger lurked nearby. Only when she is sure that it is safe does she turn her head, giving a soft nicker to the awaiting filly. Copying her mother, Phoebe steps into the light upon cautious hooves, pausing to drink in the air and make sure no one else was around. When she was sure that her mother was right, and that it was safe, she bounded the rest of the strides left lingering to her dam’s flank.
Giving a happy little squeal, Phoebe gave a few bucks as she circled around Melisma who seemed more interested in grazing now, than entertaining her daughter. The red girl did not seem pleased by that, rearing up to place her knees against her mother’s black shoulder, but to no avail. Tossing her flashy white face, Phoebe pranced a few strides away before stopping. Her little tail stuck straight up in the air and her two different colored eyes again looked to their surroundings. The small opening among the trees that her mother had taken them too was void of life aside from the vegetation. Providing no entertainment for the young filly. So, with another snort and a squeal, Phoebe raced a quick circle around the clearing. Dashing along the treeline before making her way back to her mother’s side who seemed a bit startled by her antics. Good! She deserved it for ignoring her!
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