One would have thought Zevulun had settled happily among the rolling, richly vegetated hills of his home with the swelling number of family he had growing around him… but this season his heart had once again pushed him to wander beyond his home’s borders. The thought of opening his home to more wayward souls was initially the goal he’d set in mind, pretending he didn’t care whether they could be another heart to entwine with his, or even a mare who might give him another child to cherish with the upcoming season.

But, in the end, it was the lovely rich, deep chocolate mare who’d caught his eyes this time… and, unable to help himself… Zevulun tripped head over heels with immediate infatuation. Her story was still somewhat of a mystery to him as their crossing of paths hadn’t been much of a conversation to start. He found his curiosity mounting with every inch they drew closer to the Prairie, excitement growing too. Already he couldn’t wait to show her the safe valleys, the endless stretch of grass as far as the eye could see, or the willow trees by the ponds, and how secluded one could feel tucked up under the drapery of their long leaf-strewn branches.

He was mostly blind to her own inner turmoil, a broad grin on his face as his pale hooves found surface and pushed his muscled figure out from the salt water. It rolled off him in waves, making his speckled coat gleam somewhat beneath the sunlight. Zevulun turned his head so he could watch her take it in, the smile not fading off his lips as he did so. He hoped she would like it as much as he wanted her to…

It is beautiful Zevulun, thank you for bringing me.

Sweet words accompanied by a sweet smile. Zevulun’s own smile softened, but with his eyes gently resting on her lovely green gaze, he noticed something less than bright nestled there. Apprehension crept through his belly and made him feel somewhat worried.

“Of course, Eirena, I’m grateful you chose to come live here with me,” he offered in a warm breath and started to stretch somewhat toward her as though to affectionately kiss her cheek, but kept himself back at the last minute. Even Zevulun wasn’t sure why, given the night they shared he knew he wouldn’t normally be reserved in his affections… but something held him back. Something told him there was more to know of Eirena that he hadn’t yet gotten the opportunity to discover. He noticed her shiver and wondered if she was cold… an ache clenched his chest.

“Come with me, this way,” he offered, gesturing off toward their right where he intended to lead her. “There’s a small valley near here with a river and a pond, some trees - it’ll be a good place to dry and get some fresh water.” Maybe she would appreciate some more time to be alone (or, alone with him, rather…) instead of immediately being ushered to meet the faces of her new family. Maybe she would feel comfortable enough to share with him whatever it was that had birthed that sorrow he’d noticed in her eyes.