He’s riding on a bit of a high. His little herd in the Mountains continues to grow - blossoming from two mares, to suddenly five mares and two young sons. Considering where he’d been just over a year ago, who would have thought that he’d be having so much success now?

Not to mention his successes in other areas. His pathetic waste of a mother is finally dead, dispatched by his delightful little apprentice. He’d been very fortunate to run across the boy on that day in the playground - Siberian has proven to be a very useful tool, and he has no doubt the child will continue to do so. And with the upcoming war, doubly so.

But, Siberian is not his concern for the moment. He’s returned to the field, emboldened by his recent success. He quite likes Kodaline and Nixie (both prizes for quite different reasons), and he’s eager to add yet another to his little family.

He’s rather chipper as he trots into the field, an uncharacteristic bounce colouring his step. His red eyes scan the field hopefully, but for the moment he cannot see any unaccompanied females and his mind wanders. What would his father think, if he could see Zayn now? Would he be proud of his son for getting rid of Fiasko and for his efforts in propagating the family line? He hopes so, but there’s no way for him to ever know. Gryffen’s disappearance is most certainly the greatest area of frustration in his life.

And then his eyes snag upon a bay mare, splashing about in the nearby lake. He pauses mid thought, red eyes narrowing in. She’s a fetching thing, though certainly not more spectacular that the vibrant pink Nixie back home. But she is alone, young, and pretty enough for him to find her attractive.

He sidles up to her with a charming smile plastered on his face. “What’s a beautiful mare like you doing here all by yourself?”

ZAYN

I'm an ugly mess