This is a sequel to my story Loyalty and Love.

Plot overview: Spirit returns to the Cimarron herd along with his beloved mare, Rain. The wild life of free-roaming Mustangs, proves challenging for the domesticated Lakota mare, as she tries to balance her new duties as the mate of the lead stallion. Spirit however, is convinced that Rain is a natural born leader, destined to soar freely by his side. Will Rain adapt to the wild Mustang life and become the lead mare Spirit believes she is destined to be? Or will she choose to return to the comfort of her trusty human, Little Creek?

Chapter 1

"Return To Homeland"

"I hear the wind call my name, the sound that leads me home again."

The pounding sounds of hoofbeats echoed across the desert prairie, the excited whinnies, the tossing of their beautiful forelocks, the wind blew in their mane and tails. Oh yes, the freedom...the freedom that the golden, spirited stallion longed for all these months was near. In fact, he was already as wild and free as lightening that strikes through the black night. And was making his way back to his homeland...back to where he truly belonged. The stallion's face was lit in happiness and joy, his eyes were like light that pierces the dark sky at dawning. There was no denying the thrill and delight that passed through him whenever he glanced at the pretty, paint mare galloping alongside him. Spirit never felt so content in his entire life. There was nothing more he could wish for than to have his precious mare next to him, as he led the way back to his homeland. He was ready to start his life with the lovely Rain and to share everything he loved and admired with her. Home... his mind drifted to his herd again. How long had it been since he last saw them? Oh, how he had missed his caring and warm mother. Reunion was no longer far away.

The mare next to him was equally excited to join her esteemed stallion and settle in the wild herd of Cimarron. Her heart wouldn't stop racing, as she matched the stride of the very joyful Spirit. She imagined what his homeland would look like; rolling hills, blue mountains, deep valleys, glorious waterfalls and a large herd to share it all with. The crystal-eyed Rain really hoped that they would accept her as if they had known her forever and of course, Spirit assured that they would indeed. This was certainly going to be a new and adventurous experience for the paint Lakota mare, who had spent all her life with humans. She was ready for it all...there was no nervousness in her. Only pure thrill of excitement and happiness whenever she looked at the extremely cheerful countenance of her golden stallion.

The two horses raced swiftly; they ran like the river, following the sun, and even resembling the flying eagles of the sky to get to where they belonged. The stallion and his mare galloped alongside each other, endless miles stretching out before them, only stopping to eat and get some rest and even then, their hearts couldn't wait to continue on with the journey. After three days of traveling through the deep west, the two beautiful horses were greeted by the Bold Eagle, Spirit's friend and companion. The Eagle let out cry of joy as he recognized the fiery, young stallion. Spirit responded with an excited nicker, jumping up and down while the Eagle circled the couple, flapping his majestic wings in utmost happiness. Flying over them, the symbol of freedom led the way up the high rolling hill as Spirit and Rain galloped up, finally arriving at the Cimarron homeland. It was absolutely gorgeous as Rain's sparkling eyes widened; it was truly everything she imagined and hoped for... if not more.

The stallion and the mare stopped, gazing down at the large herd of melancholy mares, colts and fillies, who had obviously given up the hope on the return of their much revered leader. Spirit beamed in absolute delight, neighing as loudly and clearly as thunder over the land enough to shake everything around him. Their ears perked upwards excitedly, they had heard that strong, distinguished voice before. Looking up, the eyes of every herd member at last met their long-awaited leader; the son of the noble Strider was back in all his glory and happiness. Spirit ran down the hill to reunite with his herd and the beautiful Rain, whose heart still soared like no other, followed his suit. The overjoyed horses surrounded the couple and circled them at every angle, the smiles on their faces growing wider, the exchange of warm greetings and loud neighs of utmost enthusiasm could be heard all over the territory.

While no one could beat the excitement and sense of belonging that the stallion Spirit felt in that moment, Rain was certainly close. All of her past unsure thoughts were washed away as soon as she found herself in the midst of so many welcoming and happy faces. She grinned brightly at the twin foals, who ran up to Spirit as he playfully nuzzled them. The yearling colts pranced here and there upon realizing that their leader and protector was back, while the mares nickered and whinnied in relief. It was the perfect picture of a beautiful reunion.

In that moment, the voices quieted down as everyone stopped. There, in the middle of the herd, a lovely palomino mare was making her way towards the newly arrived couple. The respect every herd member gave her was a clear indication that she was the lead mare. Spirit's eyes softened as he gazed at the approaching palomino in tenderness. Almost instantly Rain realized that the creamy horse was her cherished stallion's mother, Esperanza. The beautiful palomino trotted up to her dear son and nuzzled him affectionately, her warm, brown eyes filling with tears of joy. "My son, my Spirit." She murmured lovingly and nibbled on his forelock, just like she did when her Spirit used to be a little colt.

Then her kind eyes shifted on the young, paint mare that politely stood behind her son. Esperanza nodded her head at Rain, who returned the gesture, delighted to finally meet her and be graced with her presence.

There was exultation in the entire herd of Cimarron. Their lead stallion was back and they had a new addition in the form of the paint mare! It was an exciting time for sure!

Rain glanced at Spirit, whose eyes blazed in pure bliss of happiness. There was joy in his heart that couldn't be hidden even if he tried to and that made Rain smile even more. And she too was indeed very content, delightfully looking forward to getting to know every single member of the Cimarron herd. Spirit reared up and neighed in triumph, loudly declaring his return to the wind and sky. His fiery gaze, wild with fire, lit up his Homeland with exactly the amount of light it needed. Esperanza followed her son's suit, as she stood on her hind legs and whinnied, ecstatic that her faith in Spirit's return proved unwavering and true. Rain was the next to rear in jubilation, her heart soared as she felt safe and welcomed in her beloved stallion's Homeland.

And then, they all ran with Spirit leading the way. The hoofbeats were many, but their hearts in that very moment... were one. They all galloped throughout the green valleys, far off spaces, the outstretched meadows, the proud mountains of Cimarron. It was perfect.

Spirit took the leader's place up at the large hill that overlooked his entire Homeland and invited Rain to join him. The wind gently danced around them; their long, flowing manes swaying in the soft, clear breeze. They nuzzled lovingly as Spirit spoke to his beloved mare quietly. "Listen..."

Rain perked her ears and felt the wind whisper to them both. "It's to here you will always, always return."

I hope you all liked the first chapter of this story. Stay tuned for more updates and please share your thoughts.