I don't think I looked at my father once on the trip from our home. The Mountains had seemed vast and unending to me, but every step away from them widened the world until I didn't think I would ever see it all. It made me feel smaller than the few months of life I could claim. I didn't like it.
But oh, the things I was seeing! And feeling! Every step down from the mountain ridge introduced me to the new sensation of heat. Even on the hottest days of summer, maman had said, the mountains were still cool with mist. The heat, I liked. It burned and energized, sending me into a skittering canter around my father. I thought Maman might like it if she tried it.
I missed Maman, but I felt free without her watchful eye. I knew she loved me, but she was so protective! Father seemed like he might be more fun. Still, I had never been very far from her before and I cast a wistful glance behind me.
My distraction is momentary. A deep thrumming catches my ears and I look around, startled. It takes a moment to discover the source. I know I must look amusing, with my tail high and my nose pressed against the ground, but I am very serious.
"Is the ground… beating?" I ask suddenly, my eyes wide with excitement. "What makes it do that, father"
I am a little afraid of the answer but also filled with the eager confidence of a child. I know that father's job is to watch me. He won't let anyone harm me, even if the ground beneath our feet does seem unstable.
"It's so different! It's hotter and busier than home! How come there are so many horses here, but only maman and me and you at home?"
After all, I like company and I think father does too. I wouldn't mind another foal to play with. Grownups are okay, but not nearly as adventurous as I would like.
daughter of Gryffen and Minette