The beginnings of fall were under way, Talya’s daughter had been born, Kestrel was looking more grown every day. He had become friends with the Prairie leader, and he could foresee a deeper friendship with the cream stallion as time went on. Things were looking as if they were coming together, and breeding season was under way too, which meant he needed to focus on finding and bringing home some mares to the Forest. He would never force a woman to come back with him, but he would pay particular attention for those who looked as if they needed somewhere to go. A smile crossed his face as he thought about the idea of foals running throughout his land, but of course this wouldn’t be possible without the first step. It was with this in mind that he headed to the shoreline of his land, when he spotted Talya with her children greeting a strange mare with a foal at her side. He looked around to see if there was anyone else around, but not seeing an accompanying stallion he headed toward the group.

Coming up on his own herd, he bumped noses with the children in greeting, ran his muzzle across Taly’s shoulder in a warm hello, then faced the newcomers. He began by acknowledging his own family. “Thank you Talya for your wonderful welcome,” turning his head to the boy, continued, “And to you Kestrel, always so polite and informative, a true help to running these lands.” Rilke was waiting for the colt to grow into an adult before speaking with him about becoming a second, but the boy showed only greatness and he wished to nurture it into fruition, to create another great leader for these lands. But for now, he would enjoy the boy’s companionship; he did not wish for him to leave any time soon. Eyes back on the mare he asked, “Are you okay? What are your names?” He would leave it at that for now, not wanting to overwhelm her with questions. They clearly looked bedraggled both in body and spirit, but he did not wish to pry either. Let her open up to him if she wished, or in her own time, he was never one to turn someone in need away.