Cicero was quite unhappy that the time had come to be weaned but the truth was it was hard on the golden mother as well. He was growing too quickly, seeking independence and defiant against being told what to do. What happened to the sweet days where he was glued to her side, curious and exploring the world with her guidance and obedient to any request. He was testing her today, threatening to run away if he couldn’t get his milk and she wanted to give it to him, wanted to satisfy his needs and feel that closeness but she was drying up. She was pleading with him to understand when the sound of Jedi’s call reached them through the mist and roar of the falls. The little palomino’s crown shot up in the direction, ears perked and eyes wide and scheming. With a scowl towards his beseeching mother he took off towards his father. His long limbs working gracefully in harmony, each footfall landing with forceful calculation providing support and stability for the next stride. With a sigh, Ashara followed. She had long lost the baby weight but she wasn’t as fit as she was a year ago and her hips ached in the cold and when she moved a certain way ever since the attack. But when she saw that the painted comrade wasn’t alone she quickened her pace to head off the little rascal so he wouldn’t do anything rude or get himself hurt. The brindled roan was a fellow resident but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t lash out and teach an obnoxious child a lesson. The honey-hued vixen would have been nervous if it was any acquaintance but the other warrior with her snarky temperament made her especially nervous. With pinned ears on a snaked nape she successfully guided the colt to arrive between Ashara and Jedi, with Raxa on the mare’s other side. With an exasperated sigh and quickly catching her breath she greeted the grown-ups. “Hey guys, how’s it going?” Very informal, even for her but it’s hard to keep a child in check and keep up with social cues. Once she is satisfied Cicero isn’t going to embarrass her does her mind wonder why Raxa is here.

She could tell the other mare wasn’t pleased, that was expected. For whatever reason Raxa didn’t seem to like Ash much despite her warm interactions and friendly attempts. She was determined to be kind regardless, hoping eventually it would ware down the prickly mare. The others words, however, were crossing a line. It was true the boy was a handful, perhaps genetics from his biological father, but he was her responsibility, regardless if the brindled roan was correct. She was relieved that the overo stallion spoke up, her words would not have held such tact. Her own expression was still that of exasperated emotional exhaustion and embarrassment. It was heartbreaking to love someone with every fiber of her being and determine boundaries. She wanted to give him his every desire and protect him from harm, but also raise a son who was loyal, respectful and kind. It was a fine line to tread between love and tough love. The few times she had to nip him for extreme disobedience it killed her inside. Other mares made it look so easy, raising a foal. Luckily she didn’t have to do it alone, and Jedi’s soft easy-going tone helped the golden vixen relax slightly too. “To be honest, I’m exhausted, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cicero has been very busy, feeling quite confident on his legs now he was climbing rocks at the base of the waterfall just this morning. He’s going to give me a heart attack.” She shook her head to express her displeasure but the love in her eyes was undeniable no matter what he put her through. “And you Jedi? And Raxa, how are you? With all the alliances being formed does that keep you more or less busy?” With the young palomino colt keeping her busy and her fear of leaving the kingdom she had been sheltered from much of the goings on in and outside of the kingdom.