Fell dutifully takes Khoshekh and Una from their mother when Kohelet slips away from the herd. He knows it is time. He wants to follow after her, but he knows that after two previous births, Kohelet is no stranger to labor. She will be fine without him while he keeps a watchful eye on the level-headed Khoshekh and the spirited Úna –

Úna is already gone.

Fell swears, silently, and needs not tell Khoshekh what is wrong, even if he could speak. The two of them share an exasperated glance before searching nearby for the filly, though neither of them really believes she will be anywhere but at her mother’s side. After their brief search proves fruitless, father and son follow the trail of Kohelet, mingled with the scent of Úna, into the woods.

Fell slows when he hears soft voices through the trees ahead. He listens, heart thumping steadily in his chest, but it seems everyone in the clearing beyond is fine. He pushes through the brambles that protect this little place, and halts on the outskirts, a silent whicker coming from fluttering nostrils. His ears splay apologetically to either side as he gestures toward Úna, but he cannot bring himself to scold the yearling for her curiosity.

Much as he had when Úna was born, Fell steps cautiously forward and checks Kohelet thoroughly for any injuries. When he is sure she does not hurt, he turns his gaze to the colt next to her, and lowers his dark muzzle to breathe in the child’s scent.

FELL

stallion. 16hh. black. marwari x. Rougaru x visurix.