Chapter Ten
Next Spring
All that six month old Lea could think about was her next spring. Next spring she would be expected to choose one of the other two spring old stallions in the valley. All the other fillies had to. It wasn't such a big deal. Right now she could hear the older fillies in her herd talking about how Sparrow was way smaller than any of the others or how strong Fire was compared to Wind.
Lea didn't care who was fast or brave, she just wanted to get away from it all. As she walked over to the stream, she saw another foal who looked like he was her age.
Pretending not to notice, she put her head down to get a drink. The foal came over next to her.
Playing it cool, Lea stepped over to the side, away from the foal. The foal just stepped over next to her again. Lifting her head, she saw this was a colt.
He was a buckskin with white legs and belly and he had a scar above his eye. Lea started to walk away, but the colt had other plans.
"Hi!" He said. "I'm Talon. What's your name?" Lea turned to look at him. "Can't a filly get a drink in peace without a stallion seeing her?" Lea asked coolly.
"I just want to play." The colt said. "I don't mean you any harm. This is my first spring, I'm not looking for a mare just yet."
Lea sighed. I guess I'll have to play with him. she thought. He's not leaving anytime soon. "What's your name?" Talon asked again. "You don't talk much, do you?" "My name is Lea. "I'm the daughter of Feather and King. My half sister and and best friend Gypsi died, so my herd came here."
Lea told him. "It's been rough without Gypsi."
The colt looked startled, then regained his confidence. "Oh, that's a shame." He said. "I've never lost anyone close before."
"It's hard." Lea said. "You never really get used to it. Do you wanna play?"
"I always want to play!" Talon answered. And off they went, bucking and squealing, to play in the little hollow.