Chapter 11

Forever As One

"We are like birds of a feather

We are two hearts joined together

We will be forever as one "


Each day the sun was warmer around the wild lands of the West and there was the feeling that the whole world was bursting into life - blade, leaf, flower, animal, insect, and bird. Fresh, bright sensations of Spring was rushing in the hearts and the legs of the mustangs, the strong urge to gallop, prance and enjoy the life to the fullest was raging in most of them. Spirit observed his herd, as every day the yearlings, joyfully bucked, played and wrestled with one another. It was endearing to see them so happy and excited for the seasonal changes. It seemed like the youngsters were growing faster and faster now, becoming more and more independent from their mothers.

Presently, Spirit's golden ears perked forward as he heard the familiar drumming sound in the distance. His nostrils flared as he scented the approach of the everlasting strength nearing his lands. It was as if the ground on which he stood would start shaking and moving soon. The rumbling sounds were growing louder and louder.

While the yearlings and foals, who had never heard such roaring noise before began to tremble and huddle up to their protective dams, the rest of the experienced horses remained untroubled. Rain stretched out her neck, her nose recognizing the familiar smell and her ears recalled the thundering sounds of the migrating bison. Spirit whinnied in excitement when he realized that his acquaintances were back for the Spring and Summer and would be down the river valleys where the Cimarron herd often hung out. This was a great news. This meant that Spring had finally sprung!

Instant flashbacks of the buffalo hunt raced Rain's memories as she remembered how anxious and electrified she felt when Little Creek introduced her to the hunt for the first time. She had done a marvellous job at keeping a swift and strong pace throughout. Little Creek had been honoured and praised highly for taking down a full grown male bison that day all by himself, thanks to Rain's resilience and incredible courage. And while she never really thought about the buffalo beyond the fact that they were her two-legged friends' primary source of survival, now she was beginning to understand that to Spirit, they were so much more. They were his friends and allies.

The bison herd galloped past the mustangs, sending earthquaking vibrations around the territory and down they went to settle at the river valleys for the Summer as Spirit knew they would. Soon the little yearlings and foals began to lighten up once realizing that no real threat was upon them.

As everything became quiet and calm again, Spirit puffed out some air from his chest and spun around to continue his daily duty - watching over the herd. On occasion, he would allow his eyes to shift to where Rain grazed in solitude. She stood quite far from his presence and after that argument they had two days ago, neither one of them saw each other close up. He missed her so much. Their separation had gone long enough. For more than a week now, they did not have a decent interaction. It was too much to bear. He could go over and apologize for acting like a jerk to her but what if she no longer wished to talk with him? What if Spirit had scared her off for good because of his foolish outburst? Spirit snorted in resolution, shaking his long black mane. This uncertainty had gone long enough! It was time to put an end to all this. He would walk over to her and sort everything out.

The confident young stallion strode down from the hilltop to make his way where Rain was positioned, however, before taking further steps towards her, he was stopped by his mother, Esperanza.

"Not so quickly, my son." She started with a wise nicker, nudging him to turn the other way.

Spirit was surprised with his mother's unexpected interference, he raised his brows questionably, his thick forelock covering half of his handsome face.

"One unpleasant interaction was enough, don't you think?" Esperanza said cautiously.

Spirit exhaled in sorrow. "You heard us that day?" He asked, feeling ashamed.

"The whole herd did."

"Mother, don't stop me." Spirit whinnied, his mind was made up. "I must apologize to her and hear her out." He tried to cut across the field to get to the pretty paint, but Esperanza was quick to pull him back with his long mane.

"Before you two get into another heated argument, let me explain few things first." Her gentle brown eyes had a gleam of fierceness to it. Spirit felt compelled to stay back and listen to what his wise mother, who never failed to demonstrate her experience and knowledge, had to say to him.

"I know you feel like Rain doesn't trust you anymore, but that is not true. I spoke to her the other day..." The palomino started softly. "You, out of everyone should understand that these new rules are still unfamiliar to a domesticated mare like Rain. All she wanted was to thank the stallion that saved her, not even caring about the consequences. After all, she doesn't know what these consequences might be." Esperanza took a deep breath and gazed in her son's eyes. "Spirit, she was not abandoning you."

Spirit was silent, his heart began to throb with overwhelming emotion. Of course! If he had opened his mind just a little and listened to Rain, he would've found out the real reason why she had wandered away from the herd. He had been quick to judge...far too quick and far too harsh. Rain was raised by Little Creek, who probably taught her the etiquette the humans had for one another. And because the horses of the two-leggeds mostly lived together in peace and harmony, Rain hardly regarded strange stallions as enemies, especially those who had been kind to her.

And yet...

"I've been terribly mistaken and so wrong." Admitted Spirit, partially relieved and partially guilt-ridden for blowing up on his beloved like that. He paused for a moment. "But what about the fact that she kept avoiding me long before that stranger appeared? She became so cold, so distant... why?"

Esperanza remained quiet, debating in her head if she should tell Spirit everything she knew about the current situation. Wouldn't that further disrupt things in the peaceful herd?

Realizing that his mother was at loss of words, Spirit spoke up with a raise of his chin. "Nevermind. I will ask all these questions to her." With that, he began to shuffle his legs to where the paint mare was.

"Spirit!" Esperanza exclaimed, feeling extremely conflicted. To tell or not to tell? Her son was right - it was Rain who needed to answer his questions...but what if that caused even more disturbance in their band? She settled on a subtle warning.

The young stallion looked back at his mother, stopping halfway. "What's wrong?"

"I know you love her." She nickered quietly, her eyes warmly gazing at him. "But remember, your love can hurt her if you neglect your other duties."

Spirit blinked, knitting his brows in a frown. What did that mean? What was he supposed to make of his mother's indefinite advice? Since when did he ever neglect his duties? Keeping the herd safe was his priority. Why would that hurt Rain? Keeping her unharmed was the proof of his love for her. He couldn't understand his mother.

Esperanza said no more. She hoped Spirit would sooner or later realize what she meant by that warning, and went over to where Willow and her yearling grazed. The stallion watched her go and turned his attention on Rain again. With resolute thoughts, he confidently began to stride towards her but this time, it was Misty who jumped in before him, stopping him in his tracks.

"Spirit, want to race?" She suggested with a playful smirk, and slightly reared on her hind legs, mischief was written all over her

"Not now." He said firmly and meaningfully.

With that, Spirit refused her offer and continued to walk past her. Misty couldn't help but glare in resentment at the quiet Rain, who had her head lowered in the newly grown fresh grass. She would pay for everything soon! Just you wait.

The paint mare was beginning to think that the more time she spent on her own, the more peace and quiet she was bringing to the herd. For two days now, she had occupied this particular part of the enormous fields and avoided interaction with most of the horses. She never imagined that her life in Spirit's wild homeland would become so miserable. She loved the untamed surroundings, the beauty of the coming Spring, the liveliness of the herd members, but she hated the current tense situation she found herself in. She hated the fact that Misty hated her. She hated that she had argued with her beloved stallion, the one who possessed her heart. She wanted to go to him and apologize... but how? He probably despised her now and wanted nothing to do with her any more.

Yet she could no longer stand aside and allow everything to go downhill. She was not raised to be meek and helpless. From early age, she had to be strong and brave for herself and for her owner. And just like Little Creek had taught her, she was not going to give up, especially on love and loyalty. Not now, not ever. Lifting her head in pride and dignity, Rain turned around to seek out Spirit and finally solve all their conflicts.

It was peculiar how these two very different horses, with very different backgrounds, were still so much alike and had so much in common. When it came to one another, they thought the same way, hoped the same way, loved the same way. They were unlike any pair...so incredibly contrasting yet so incredibly connected.

Rain found herself quite surprised and taken aback when, upon rotating her body in determination to speak with Spirit again, she found the young stallion already standing in front of her. This had been so unexpected for her that she almost stumbled back in shock.

Noticing how unforseen his arrival had been for Rain, Spirit gave her few seconds of small interval before saying anything. Once Rain regained her composure and batted her pretty eyes curiously questioning his motives, Spirit began.

"Rain," He let out a soft nicker. "I...I overreacted like crazy and I'm... so sorry." A slight wind stirred and lifted his forelock from his eyes and he closed them gently, hoping that maybe the guilt and pain would wash away with the breeze. "I was wrong to judge you... jealously got the best of me." He admitted quietly and hung his head in shame.

Rain's attention was fully fixed on him as her ears flicked forward, her blue eyes widened, her heart kept racing. The way he spoke, his expressions and caring eyes were exactly what she needed to feel whole again. All of her past fears about Spirit resenting her faded away. Unable to resist, she shifted her body closer to him and pressed her forehead against his. "Oh, Spirit..." She let out a soft sigh. "I missed you so much."

The sudden touch of her warm skin against his was enough to send all the shivers of lightening up and down his body. How long had it been since last time they were this close? It felt so right. Spirit moved his nose to her with a gentle rub, softly breathing into her nostrils. "I missed you."

Rain's sparkling blue eyes settled on his deep brown ones, as she gazed at him. "You have no reason to be jealous." She explained, her voice airy and sweet. "Have you no trust in me? I love you and only you." She said the last sentence with a slightly melancholy tone to it.

"Then why did you avoid me for so long?" Desperately inquired Spirit, his eyes never leaving hers. "I was wrong to think that you were abandoning me for someone else...but what about the distance you placed between us? It confused me, it confuses me still."

Spirit genuinely wanted to know the reason why his beloved would avoid him so. What had caused the gradual coldness and distance between them? This question had been tormenting and haunting him for almost more than a week now.

Something changed in Rain. Her body stiffened and tensed, unconsciously she moved away from his touch. Her ocean-like eyes were now facing the ground. This was so hard. She didn't wish to remain secretive with her stallion - her soul mate, however, how could she tell him what Misty had done? It was too risky, too dangerous. She didn't wish to cause further conflict within his herd.

Spirit sensed Rain's sudden nervousness, he noticed her tense form and how sheepish and timid she had become. The eye contact between them was no more, as she avoided his penetrating gaze. He didn't know what to make of it. But one thing was clear- he hated seeing her like this.

Before the young stallion could comfort and encourage her to not shy away and be truthful with him, his alert hearing and sharp nostrils detected hoofbeats nearing and a strange scent carried by the wind around his lands. He swung round, protectively shoving Rain behind him when he recognized the scent of a strange stallion heading in their direction. But it seemed like he was not alone. Other unfamiliar scents also circled his territory. Esperanza, as the lead mare, instantly hustled about, driving the rest of the herd further to the nearby forest, away from the coming trouble, but close enough to observe their lead stallion. Spirit stayed back at the edge, waiting for the stranger to arrive and show himself.

Rain, throughout all this quick act of precaution, remained rooted behind her beloved stallion and did not follow the herd some distance away from him. She couldn't bring herself to be ripped away from his presence. Sensing that she was still lingering there behind him, Spirit turned around to face her, his intelligent brown eyes staring deeply into her sparkling blue ones. "Go to my mother and stay there." He nickered gently but urgently.

"No, I won't leave you." She shook her head with an insisting neigh.

"Rain, I'll be alright." The young stallion assured and sweetly reached out to caress her cheek. It warmed his heart to know that she cared about him so much. But he loved and cared about her too and would never risk endangering her. "Please, get back into the forest." He gently attempted to usher her towards the rest of the herd, even though Rain was still reluctant and refused to comply.

Just then, the Bold Eagle of the sky let out a high pitched squeal as he flew over his horse companion. "All is well! Peace! Peace!" He encouraged.

Spirit snapped his head back from Rain only to find a very pale palomino stallion trotting down from the other side of the blue mountains, three horses closely trailing behind him. As they got closer, both Spirit and Rain realized that there was only one strange stallion and others were mares.

"I come in peace, the son of Strider." Began the stallion as he stopped in the large meadow, some distance away from him, but was still close enough for Spirit to get a good look at him. His coat, mane and tail were very light and very pale. Although palomino, he appeared to be white more.

Spirit took few cautious steps toward him and with an arch of his regal neck, he commenced posturing as was expected from a proud and courageous stallion like him.

He came up to the light palomino and the two greeted each other in a typical stallion-like manner, exchanging breath, picking up scent from their flank. Spirit realized that this was an older stallion, someone who could've easily been the exact same age as his sire, if he were alive.

"I am Cloud, the stallion of the North Western Plains." Began the pale colored horse politely yet with much pride and dignity. "Are you Spirit-Who-Could-Not-Be-Broken?" He inquired curiously, even though the answer was quite clear.

"I am." The young stallion confirmed, quite surprised that this stranger happened to know him.

As soon as Cloud received this confirmation from him, a huge grin of excitement broke out on his muzzle. "I'm so pleased to have found you. You won't believe how much I've heard about you!" He exclaimed, dancing in one place with joy. "The birds of the sky, the animals of the forests, the whispers through the trees, the waves on the water - everyone, absolutely everyone and everything talks of your incredible deeds!"

Spirit's eyes were wide in shock. To say that he was taken aback from this revelation would be a total understatement. The young stallion awkwardly glanced at Rain, feeling utterly embarrassed and confused as Cloud continued to praise him loudly with a boisterous neigh. Spirit did not know what to make of this unexpected visit and of admiration he had received. He didn't even realize he was such a talk of the lands up until now. Rain was quite surprised too, maybe not as shocked as the young stallion, but nevertheless, very astonished.

Esperanza had recognized their visitor and knowing that he posed no threat whatsoever, she and the rest of the herd members emerged from the thickets of trees and neared the pale palomino stallion. "Why, Cloud!" Cried Esperanza in happiness. "How long has it been? I've missed you so!" She whinnied, almost rearing in joy and nosed the elder stallion in a greeting, while Spirit watched this display in stunned silence.

"Esperanza! How have you been?"

"Wait, you two know each other?" Interjected Spirit, his eyes shifting from Cloud to his mother.

"Spirit, this is Cloud, he has been your sire's close friend ever since they were foals." Esperanza cleared it up, still beaming happily at the sight of her beloved's old friend.

"How come I never knew him?" Asked the young stallion in confusion.

"Well, once Strider and I both got our own herds and settled down, we hardly saw one another and then the tragedy struck..." Cloud explained, his voice suddenly dropping in sadness at the memory of his friend's loss. "But my admiration for your sire and his favourite mare never faded away, mind you. In fact, I saw you once or twice when you were just a little colt. So mischievous and trouble-making." He remarked, wrinkling his nose and chuckling lightly. Esperanza couldn't help but giggle as well. "You did a fine job raising such a brave stallion." He turned to the creamy mare and smiled. "Strider must be proud."

"Thank you." Esperanza nickered softly, very touched as small tears filled up her brown eyes. Spirit moved to her and sweetly comforted his mother with a warm nuzzle.

"Last Summer I heard some rumors about you being captured by the two-leggeds, but I was never sure if they were true or not." Continued Cloud, as he shared things from his perspective. "I tried to seek out your herd but I could not find them."

"We were forced to hide." Admitted Esperanza, as the unpleasant memories of her son being taken away rushed back to her mind. "We had no leader and we did not wish to be forcefully led by some rogue stallion."

"You've kept the entire herd safe, that's for sure." Cloud stated, as his eyes travelled towards the horses of the Cimarron band, stationed behind the young lead stallion and his dam. His gaze suddenly settled on the pretty paint filly, who was standing in the middle with the unusual markings on her delicate, lithe body.

"And this must be the lovely newcomer everyone speaks of." He said courteously and acknowledged Rain with a slight bow.

Spirit glanced at the young paint as a soft wind lifted her flaxen forelock from her sapphire eyes, he caught her gaze and a smile danced on his muzzle, he then turned back to Cloud. "Yes, that's Rain."

The former Lakota mare felt slightly uncomfortable when she heard that everyone spoke of her, uneasiness could be detected in her beautiful expression and politely nodding at the order stallion, she averted her blue pools from him.

"Is it true that you stole her from the two-legged settlement?" Cloud asked, desperate to know all the details.

"I didn't steal her." Spirit said simply, hoping that the older stallion would drop the subject for now. Something told him that the friendship he and Rain shared with the human Little Creek, would appear odd and bizarre to other wild horses.

Cloud was intrigued, he would've pressed him on with more of the overwhelming questions if it weren't for the thoughtful Esperanza, who came to her son's rescue.

"What brings you here, Cloud? Is your herd alright?" She nickered graciously.

"Oh yes, they're quite well." He responded, his previous curiosity faded and now something else was occupying his mind. "I've come here to see your legendary son, whose incredible stories can be heard throughout the West."

Spirit felt very embarrassed as the unsettling sensation set within him. Why had he become so famous? He had done nothing heroic at all. He just fought for his freedom and tried everything in his power to get back home. See? Nothing incredible. Any wild horse in his place would've done the same.

"I count myself very fortunate to have known your sire." Cloud declared with a loud neigh of a stallion. "You have become much greater than he and that brings me joy, Spirit." With a smile he quickly added. "I'm sure Strider rejoices in that too."

Spirit didn't know what he did to deserve so many praises and compliments from an older, wiser and experienced stallion like Cloud. Not knowing what to say, all he could do was just nod gratefully.

The light palomino stallion, whose fur indeed had the color that the clouds in the sky possessed, stepped aside, nickering at the three horses he had brought that throughout this exchange, had remained standing quiet and very still behind him. The three lovely looking fillies came forward. All of them beautiful and young, sharing the same rare, pale gleam that Cloud's coat possessed. It wasn't hard to tell that they were his most good-looking offspring.

"My daughters have grown up and are ready to leave their family band." Proudly began Cloud as he looked at the silent Spirit. "I can think of no better young stallion around the West more deserving of this honor than you. Please, accept them as a gift from me. May your herd become as bountiful and fruitful as mine."

Spirit stared at Cloud in complete surprise. Out of everything the older stallion had showered him with that day, this proved to be the most unexpected one. Blinking in puzzlement he turned his attention on the fillies before him. They were certainly pretty and so young... possibly younger than Rain. He could tell that they were lively and spirited too at times, although at the moment, they neither looked excited or upset. Just very quiet and he guessed they were indifferent.

Rain felt sick to her stomach, cringing inwardly, she could not hide the disgusted expression on her face, even though she tried. How ridiculously outrageous! And was this Cloud seriously referring to his own daughters as 'gifts'? Showing them off as if they were nothing more than a piece of flesh for him to pass around. What of their feelings? Did they even want to be with Spirit? And besides, how inconsiderate and ignorant was Cloud being in front of her, knowing that Rain was Spirit's mate yet thrusting all three of his fillies to him. Or did he regard her as nothing more than a pretty prize - an editional trophy in the young stallion's harem? She felt humiliated. Not even the two-leggeds, not even her Little Creek considered her as a prize of some sort. The humans had always treated their horses with respect as if they were family, and to think that her own kind would be the one to degrade her like that. She couldn't stand to remain there and watch all this. With a low snort, Rain rolled her eyes and plodded some distance away, silently detaching herself from the group. She had absolutely no desire to witness this outrage any longer.

As she was quietly walking away from them, Misty couldn't help but notice it. She grinned maliciously and cocked her head to the side and whispered to Scarlet, who stood beside her. Ever since their little conversation, the two mares had become inseparable. "I don't think we'll need to use our plan, she'll leave the herd on her own accord."

"I suppose we have Cloud to thank for that." Scarlet remarked with a low nicker and Misty giggled in agreement.

Spirit eyed the good-looking three fillies for a minute or two and then with a sharp exhale turned to their sire. "Cloud, I thank you for bestowing such..." He paused, searching for the right words. Somehow calling the lovely young mares 'gifts' didn't seem appropriate to him. "...honor on me." he continued, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "I'm truly humbled by your extremely generous offer. But I do hope you won't take it as an offence if I politely declined it."

"What?" Esperanza let out a stunned gasp, but Spirit shot her a sharp look and she immediately quieted down.

"Do they displease you?" Cloud inquired in shock. "I've chosen the prettiest and healthiest of my offspr-"

"I assure you, that's not the slightest reason of my refusal." Spirit cut in instantly and shifted his brown gaze on the beautiful fillies. "You're all very lovely and deserve someone who'll cherish you more than I ever will." He told them sweetly, earning disappointed frowns from the three daughters. It seemed like they did want to join his herd, after all.

"Thank you for everything, Cloud." He said with courteous smile and nodded at him in respect.

If Cloud thought of the young stallion to be slightly different from others due to his bravery and daring deeds, now he was hundred percent sure that Spirit was nothing like the rest of the stallions... Quite unlike any horse he had ever seen or heard about before.


The evening slowly began to set in across the plains as the departing sun illuminated everything around the untamed lands with a strangely beautiful reddish and orange gleam. Rain watched the slow approach of the first warm Spring night, her sparkling sapphire eyes drawn to the incredibly glorious sky. She let out a soft sigh, taking in the steering breeze that swayed her flowing mane and tail. The orangy tones appeared so soothing in the quietness of the meadow.

"Well, that was an interesting visit, don't you think?" She heard a playful and familiar nicker of Spirit and tilted her head towards him. The young stallion caught her eyes and grinned brightly, taking his place beside her. Both of them were standing at the edge of their homeland. "You know, this is usually a lead stallion's spot to watch out for threats." He joked with a teasing wink. "Last time I checked you were still a mare...quite stunning too."

"You never know." Laughed Rain, sassy expression animating her pretty countenance. "Things change..." She added with a mischievious glare.

"Not that much." Spirit remarked and couldn't help but chuckle at that. Searching her striking eyes with his, he began calmly. "Why did you leave so early from Cloud's presence?"

Her momentary liveliness changed and she shifted her blue gaze from Spirit and back to the gorgeous country before her. "He came with too many compliments and far too many 'presents' for my liking." She stated plainly, her voice cold.

Spirit smirked, unable to hide his amusement. She was so cute when she was jealous though, he guessed she would deny it if he called her out. He decided to tease her some more. "Oh yeah, those gifts...quite generous of Cloud."

Rain narrowed her eyes in disbelief. "Did he even give you their names?"

"Why would I want to know their names?" He shrugged simply.

The outraged look on Rain's face made Spirit laugh out loud, as he could no longer keep up with his mischievious game and retain a poker face. The mare stared at him with an expression that clearly questioned his sanity.

The stallion shook his dark mane, casting his masculine scent upon the breeze. Lifting up his tail in pride, he moved closer to the young mare, their shoulders brushing against each other. How had he gotten so lucky? Rain's mane was shinning with a soft beam of the rising moon, her coat gleamed with rich colors, and her eyes couldn't have been more perfect. They were so blue...he could stare into them forever. Letting out a slight breath from his lungs, Spirit gently pulled her neck towards him and nuzzled her sweetly.

"I don't wish to know any other mare's name. Just yours, my Rain. My beauty, my love." He whispered, his lips barely moving. He had his neck tightly wrapped around hers. With gentleness he pulled her even closer, pushing her long slender muzzle into his chest.

Rain allowed herself to relax in his warm embrace. She had missed this so much. More importantly, she had missed him. "I love you, Spirit." She nickered weakly.

The stallion smiled as he slowly let go of his grip, unwrapping his neck from her. Rain brought her head up, her mane tousled round her shoulders. Her blonde forelock concealed her one eye, while her visible eye searched his.

"So does this mean you refused his offering?" Rain asked innocently, her youthfulness showing now more than ever.

"Believe it or not, I did."

The young paint stared at him in silence, unable to find the right words. Somehow she felt that what Spirit had done was unheard of and very strange for anyone who had observed it, not just Cloud.

"Why did you do that?"

"Why? Because I love you!" The stallion exclaimed, surprised that he needed to explain that at all. "Don't you understand? You're the one I need." As he said this, he extended his nose and stroked her soft muzzle.

"I don't know what's been going on between us this past few days, but Rain, " Spirit spoke with a gentle tone, his gaze pleading and intensified "Don't doubt our love. It can withstand the storm, I know it. I believe in us."

"I believe in us too, Spirit." Rain nickered softly, her gaze burned into his deep brown eyes, that were alight and glowing as the stars of the night's sky. "You know that I trust you more than anyone." After his heartfelt declarations, she had become as airy as a feather.

"Then don't avoid me, tell me whatever may be bothering you." Spirit insisted passionately. "You and I are part of one wholeness. You are my heart, Rain. Don't push me away, share everything. Don't keep us apart when we belong together." With that he reached out again and gently caressed her beautiful neck.

"Spirit ...I...I don't know..." She stuttered, her voice soft but confused. "I don't know what to say." She didn't wish to cause any more conflicts. Yes, she trusted and loved him but somehow using this love to drive out another horse from the herd seemed cruel to her. Her mind didn't know what to offer him but her heart did. In fact, his genuine speech was exactly how Rain felt about him. They were like birds of a feather. They belonged together...forever. She could not allow anyone to come between something so special and so pure. And she could not bring herself to let their love be the reason of someone else's misery.

"Some things are better left unsaid." Spirit smiled in understanding, his eyes glittering in the twilight. "Most important thing is for us to stick together, no matter what."

"I will never be parted from you." Rain assured in determination and softly pressed her forehead against his, breathing warmly on one side of his face. Her sweet scent tickled his nostrils and he couldn't help but rub his cheek on hers with another murmur of "I love you."

The two horses remained interwined in each other's embrace all night. Indeed their love, although new-found and still blossoming, was growing stronger. There were many who could not understand this devotional attachment the two young hearts shared and possessed for one another, they could not yet see what Little Creek had recognized even at their first meeting - Spirit and Rain were destined to remain forever as one.