Falls

In the days just before giving birth, Mae had drifted down from the steep cliffs of the Peak and into the gentler land of the Falls. She still clung to the edges of the Peak’s territory. Hiding in the safety of it’s shadows, hoping to never see the dark demon that had caged her before. Hoping that he remain too busy to cast a wandering eye in hopes of finding her again. Kaeja was her only joy in that period of her life, and she was glad to have gotten her away from her sire, even if it had cost her something precious in consequence.


Mae hoped not to pay that price a second time.


When the sharp feeling of contractions started, her fear only grew stronger. What if this one too, was lifeless as it left her body? What if it never took a single breath? Still, despite wanting to keep it safely in her womb, Mae laid in the soft grasses and gave into instinct. Letting herself get swept away in the feeling of birth until it finally came to an end. Lifting her head, she fearfully looked back, but was delighted to see movement from the foal. This one had survived.


Days had already passed since the filly, Hiyori, had been born. The girl proved to be strong, and independent. Already she was straying from her mother’s side. Curious to the world, wanting to explore on her own. Because as of yet, she had found nothing bad. Mae spent most of her time chasing down the pale filly, using nap time to graze and take a nap herself. It was during one of these naps that the mare heard someone talking. Lifting her head, she peered out of the shadows at the stallion and gangly newborn foal. It was a startling appearance, and it made Mae’s heart race. Did she approach them? It had been different, making her offer to Rafe. A stallion she already knew, and nothing to protect.


Glancing to her sleeping filly, Mae knew she would want someone to take care of her if she couldn’t.


With a deep breath, the nearly snow white mare stepped out of her hiding place among the vegetation to approach the pair. “I’m sorry….. but I couldn’t help but overhear what you were saying….” she started, her voice soft and gentle as was her nature. Mae only hoped that Hiyori remained asleep for the time being, safely hidden away until Mae knew it was okay for her to come out.