The call that rings out through the Bay is both familiar and strange. Fell knows right away that it is Parvati, and if not for the grief in her voice, he might assume that she is coming to check on things after her stay here in Kohelet’s absence. He has been grateful for her presence and support, and her help during the hollow days when Koh was held captive, so he feels the urge to rush to the Inlet border where she waits and reassure her that everything is okay.

He pauses, however, for two reasons. Mainly, he is reluctant to leave Kohelet’s side. She hasn’t been out of his sight since her return, and she is so heavily pregnant that Fell suspects the baby will arrive the very second he leaves her alone.

The other reason is simply the nature of Parvati’s call. It sounded so odd to him that even the urgency in her voice had not immediately gotten him moving.

Still, he doesn’t pause for long. He won’t leave Parvati waiting for him if something is truly wrong; she had been there for him during the most difficult seasons of his life, after all. He brushes his muzzle against Kohelet’s cheek in a gentle kiss, and though he hopes she will follow him, he will understand if she decides to remain with the herd. He worries about her either way.

He picks up a trot toward the Inlet, his pace brisk to make up for the time he had spent hesitating. Parvati appears to him through the trees, deeper into the Bay than he had thought, and he slows abruptly. His nostrils flutter with a silent greeting as he approaches, ears forward, yellow-gold eyes searching for any clue as to what could be wrong.

FELL

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