I named her Catori… after Darshan’s spirit.

Zevulun’s soft eyes softened even more. He was briefly speechless, filled both with his own emotions toward the matter and his emotions toward Larka, too. He knew he could only understand a little of what it must mean to Larka to give their daughter a name after Darshan, but he still felt that was enough. In her absence, there were beautiful spirits here in the Prairie to carry on in her honor and keep a piece of her alive.

...is that okay?

He sighed and smiled, nodding. “Yes, it’s more than okay Larka, it’s…” His voice trailed off briefly as he glanced back down at their daughter, now thinking of her name as he did. His smile grew wider. “It’s perfect.”

As Larka moved from Catori, the filly took note of him at last. Zevulun’s eyes widened at her surprise, concern crossing his face as she toppled over. Foals toppled over often before they adjusted to their ridiculously long legs, but Zevulun was always worried anyways. He watched as she pulled herself upright again and slowly lifted his head, turning it toward Larka to offer her a soft, affectionate touch in return. Zevulun let his heart fill with this moment, one of the golden memories he’d clutch desperately tight to in moments he needed strength, and a warm, small smile curved over his mouth.

Catori was closer now and he watched her move, his brow pulling just briefly… Was there something off with her step? Maybe she was still getting used to using her legs. He dismissed the worry as Catori’s little face neared closer to him and he watched her sniff and test his scent. She takes after you already. Larka’s soft tease brought his eyes back to her. “Hopefully not too much,” his voice was low and warm, as though he didn’t want to speak too loudly and break the soft hum of loving peace the trio was awash in. Still, there was humor in his tone.

Zevulun looked back toward their daughter, stretching his muzzle out closer to hers as he huffed soft Prairie-grass breaths over her face and took in her sweet baby scent. “Hello, sweetheart,” he greeted her in the same hushed voice, not wanting to startle her, “Welcome to the world.”