Hello readers! It's been a little while but here is chapter 4 finally! I'm getting a little bit longer now so that's a plus for those of you who want more per chapter! I don't know, do you like the length of my chapters already or do you want it longer? Get back to me and let me know!

Disclaimer: I do not own Spirit, just my Ocs and this story idea.
Now here you go! Adventure here we come!

On one late fall afternoon, Breeze was grazing by herself between a group of berry bushes. She preferred to be alone most of the time, considering the other mares all thought she was nothing but a kill joy. Aside from their remarks being rude and sometimes hurtful, even if they were true, Breeze enjoyed the solitude. The gentle sound of the wind rattling through the branch leaves, sweeping through the grass, and the cheerful song of birds chirping high in the trees. Yes, this was her haven, her safe place, deep in this thicket of berry bushes and trees she was free to be who she was. Feeling giddy with energy she suddenly lifted her head from her munching on the grass and trotted off further into the thicket, wanting to stretch her legs. She tossed her mane and snorted, enjoying herself when up ahead, a horse came from the shadows. Breeze halted instantly, staring ahead. The horse was staring back at her and, with one sniff into the air, Breeze knew it was a stallion. But how aggressive was he? Breeze had heard very intimidating things of other, far more harsh stallions then Strider or Spirit, taking over a herd then driving out the foals of the last leader, cutting of the past sire's line cruelly by driving them away to starve or perish by mountain lions. This could very well be a male just like that. Nothing was for certain...

The stallion blew through his nose, lifting it high in attempt to better catch the mare's scent. Breeze was silent and stayed perfectly still, too uncertain of what to do, though thoughts raced through her mind as she stood unmoving. What if this stallion could take over leadership of the herd? Then Esperanza would finally be able to relax and focus only on the tasks of a lead mare, but best of all, the rest of the herd could feel safe knowing they had a protector back. But then, the stallion turned away, swishing his tail and walking from her further into the bushes. Snapping into action, Breeze loosed a friendly, curious whinny his way. The stallion stopped to look back over at her but not for long. As he continued to walk away, Breeze became desperate. What stallion would turn down the opportunity to meet a mare as pretty as herself? (at least she thought herself very pretty). Breeze nickered once more, breaking into a brisk trot after him, only to stop after a few yards and neigh again. She pawed the ground excitedly, eager to get his attention. The stallion this time turned fully around two watch her with a rather confused expression. No doubt he was thinking she was acting pretty strange.

Breeze looked on happily his direction and swished her tail again, prancing forward a few paces, encouraging him to come closer. The stallion was slow but he did begin taking tentative steps forward. She tossed her mane attractively and blew through her nose, showing off her bright and bold spirit. She then spun on her heels and bobbed her head the direction of the open field not far away. The stallion pricked his ears, looking curiously at her then to the field. Surely he must be compelled to understand her now! But Breeze's attempt was to no avail. The stallion snorted and turned his head, trotting away through the woods without any sign of further interest. Well... that was just rude. Breeze thumped her lips together agitatedly, and then snorted in offense. How could a stallion be so indifferent? Didn't he care that she was calling to him? Well one thing was for sure, she was offended now that he had turned his nose up to her so coldly, and she wouldn't tolerate it. Lifting her own head high she strut forward through the bushes, following him with a haughty, high stepping attitude. She'd show him who he'd snubbed!

If that stallion thought he could reject her so easily, he'd need to think again. Breeze always fancied herself as being quite the looker among the colts and she greatly reveled in the attention they had showered her with occasionally. To have this stallion treat her like she was no more than a miner nuisance was a great insult to her pride. She caught up to him and before he had a chance to react, she delivered a quick but motivating bite to his rump. He squealed in outrage, lashing a back hoof to kick her direction, but Breeze believed he intentionally meant to miss. She had succeeded in capturing his full attention and he whirled around to face her, giving another warning squeal. Breeze nickered more softly, a gentle suck up apology to avoid his full wrath, and stuck out her nose to greet him optimistically. The stallion hesitated, his ears still flat, but after a moment he extended his neck to touch her nose and exchange scents. Breeze found his smell warm and familiar, and then she recognized him. He'd been one of the growing colts Spirit had had to banish from the herd a while ago. It was tradition for the main stallion to kick the young ones out of the safety of the herd, so they could learn to go out and start a herd of their own. It had been a year since this particular colt had left and apparently he hadn't had any luck in settling down.

He was called Wander, and he had been named so for his habit of having always been wandering off and frightening his mother when he was but a tiny colt. As his age had progressed, this tendency had not lessened. He had never been a fighter, but had been the one mostly bullied by the other colts, which would explain as to why he preferred being by himself, even now, rather than grouping with a bachelor herd. It was odd though, considering the younger stallion was not of weak build, but instead of a good strong one. His muscles were well conditioned and he was tall. His coat was a dark grey with black and white speckles, a rare color on the range. Wander seemed to recognize Breeze too after a good long sniff and his ears slowly tilted forward, his aggressive behavior softening. Breeze backed away to give him some more space and pawed the ground expressively, throwing her head with enthusiasm. Now that they had properly met, perhaps he would follow her to the herd. She turned her body, pivoting on one hoof and starting to trot off with a miniature rear of joy. Wander blinked, watching her and perking up. It seemed he was finally catching on to her charm and was caring to show some attraction as he trotted after her at a lazy pace.

They had now broken out into a gallop across the clear green field, Breeze checking behind her once and a while to make sure Wander was still following. He kept up well, his hoofbeats thundering behind her. Breeze slowed her gallop when they made their way up a small hill. The herd was grazing just below, and Breeze whinnied to Wander eagerly for him to come look. He slowed, trotting up and coming to a stop by her side to cast a careful glance below. Breeze watched him, waiting for some sort of pleased reaction, but instead, Wander's ears went down and he lowered his head backing away to spin on his heels and take off. Breeze panicked! He must have thought Spirit was still around and would drive him off again if he returned! Breeze spun to follow after him, not wanting him to get too far ahead. But he wasn't stopping, he kept running, back into the thick forest where he could escape from possible punishment. Breeze slowed once again to a halt, watching him. She was so undecided... she couldn't just leave the herd, following this stallion to who knew where and for who knew how long till she convinced him to return with her! But if she let him get away, it was possible he would be the last stallion for a long time she would run across that could assume leadership of the herd during the winter season! What should she do...?

Hope that was good enough for yall! More will be coming soon! PLEASE don't forget to comment! I really want to know what you think!

-Stokin D Embers