Two months after Bluebell was born, one year old Lea frisked in the crisp leaf-fall air. Leave blew all around her, swishing in the breeze. FeatherHerd was on it's way to the HerdGather, one quarter moon spent living with the other Herds. Lea knew she shouldn't be frisking. She was now one year old. Old enough to pick a mate. The thought of picking a mate terrified her, but that's how the Herd life was.
Finally FeatherHerd got to the HerdGather. Lea looked down at her hooves so she didn't see Talon watching her as she walked past. Lea left the Herd to go get a drink at the lake. Talon followed her. He cornered her, asking: "Why do you ignore me? I go out of my way to see you, yet you walk away without a word! Do you not understand that we have to pick a mate this HerdGather?" Lea sighed. Deep down, she liked Talon, but she refused to hear Gypsi's voice telling her they were meant to be together. Don't ignore me Lea. The stars have chosen your mate. Lea opened her mouth to answer, knowing life would never be the same for her again.