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Chapter 30

Child Of The West-Wind (II)

"Here I Am, this is me,

I come into this world so wild and free"

– Bryan Adams

"Well, the Medicine Man said that your wound is looking a lot better." Long Knife spoke with an easy-going flair in his voice, as he helped his friend wrap a fresh bandage around his shoulder. "It has healed up real nice."

"That's good to know." Little Creek smiled, trying not to wince at the pain that the folded material produced on his injury. "I was growing bored all alone in this teepee."

Long Knife shook his head, chuckling heartily. "You're crazy, you know that? It hasn't even been a day and you're already thinking of gallivanting about."

Little Creek let out a small sigh. "I don't like being cooped up in one spot. Besides, I feel a lot better now, thanks to a fine nurse." He winked with a teasing grin and shoved Long Knife, nudging him on his shoulder.

"Hey! Careful, or I'll push you right back." His friend laughed. There was a short moment of silence, as the two Lakota warriors became solemn. "I miss our old pal, Singing Eagle." Admitted Long Knife, after the pause. The memories of the brutal cavalry attack surfaced both of their minds. It had been a terribly frightening day...so many people had been lost, so many horses. It was a tragedy.

Little Creek was surprised to hear such sentiments from his usually grumpy and stoic friend. "Me too."

"So then, what the hell were you thinking?" Long Knife demanded, anger suddenly taking hold of him. "I lost one friend already, I can't lose another. Even if he tends to be quite annoying at times."

Little Creek couldn't stop himself from grinning. "I'm sorry, Long Knife. I just had to find the Tatanka Ska...I had failed the tribe–"

"Forget about that buffalo!" Interrupted his friend in displeasure. "Get over it. It's not the end of the world and our village can do without it just fine."

"You don't understand." Little Creek muttered his response. "It's not just about the tribe. It's about me...I had these strange, dream-like visions–"

"I know you feel like you're disgracing your father's legacy, but that's all in your head." Cut in the frustrated owner of Great Conquest yet again. "No one expects you to be like him. You are you. Your path is different from that of your father's. We understand that and we don't hold that against you...at least not me." He added the last few words quietly. "Please, stop risking your life so pointlessly. Who knows? Someday, the tribe may need you and because of your foolish undertakings, you may not be here to guide us."

Little Creek lowered his eyes, a feeling of guilt and shame washed over him. "I know...I'm sorry."

"And that pale-faced man?" Long Knife asked. "What business did he have with you? Is he with the cavalry?"

"No, I met him when I was riding back to our village." Little Creek explained. "I had failed to find the bison and so, I was coming home when I spotted those men. They had captured my dear Rain too."

"I swear, if I see them lurking around our village again, I'll kill them." Long Knife's eyes flashed with fury. "Can't believe they shot you over a horse."

"You know how those white men are."

"Indeed."

The two friends fell silent once more, both seemed to be lost in their own thoughts, when Long Knife broke the stillness. "So, how did you escape from him? Who or what saved you?"

Before Little Creek could open his mouth and respond to the question, an echoing neigh of a thunderous stallion snapped the two friends from their gloomy state. "Spirit-Who-Could-Not-Be-Broken!" Cried the young warrior in recognition as he stormed out of his teepee tent.

There he was! His beautiful and glorious Mustang friend, with dark flowing mane and body of gold. His head was held as a king's should be, and his gaze was fierce and so very bold. Little Creek's face lit up and his eyes instantly brightened. "My friend, you've come to me!" He stretched his hand out to him. "You saved my life yet again."

Spirit let his human friend stroke his muzzle for a minute, very glad to see him alive and healthy. But then anxiousness and over-excitement got the best of him. He half reared, squealing and whinnying, pawing up the ground restlessly as he poked Little Creek softly, motioning him with his head to follow him.

"What's wrong?" Wondered the confused Long Knife.

"I think it's Rain!" It suddenly dawned on the young Lakota boy. "She's close to her due date. Okay, Spirit...okay." He nodded at him, scratching his withers. "Come, show me your girl." And he jogged after the cantering stallion as they both hastily made their way towards the apple trees.

"What's going on?" Dancing Cloud drew near, glancing at Long Knife in puzzlement.

"I think our Little Creek can talk to horses." Was the reply he received from the equally perplexed Long Knife.

Rain knew that something was wrong.

Something was definitely not right with her foal. True, she was a maiden mare; she was inexperienced, and this was her first time giving birth, but that did not signify that she was incapable of telling the difference between a smooth delivery and a complicated one. The painful contractions around her swollen belly were agonizingly torturous and no matter how hard she pushed, there was no progress and no sign of her little foal. The fact that Spirit had swiftly raced to get Little Creek's help, added to her worry. If everything was alright, why did he go to acquire the assistance of their human friend? Her labour had dragged on for far too long. It seemed to her that she had been lying in the same position for hours and hours...even the sun was slowly sinking back to the earth. She could hear the buzzing sounds of the hysterical and frantic Great Conquest, could hear Aranda and Silver Moon's comforting nickers too, but their encouragement was all in vain. What she longed for was for Spirit to return quickly with Little Creek and for her foal to arrive safely into the world.

Squeezing her blue eyes shut, she groaned as the harsh, stinging ache throbbed her stomach once again. It was too unbearable! She didn't know how much longer she'd be able to last. The foal was probably stuck and couldn't slip out on its own without extra assistance. She had seen mares foal in the village and almost always, in the time of crisis, a Lakota woman would aid in the birth. Part of her felt relieved that she was not in the wild anymore...she wouldn't be able to handle her first delivery without the help of her dear human. It was becoming so obvious that she wasn't cut out for the mustang way of life, no matter how hard Spirit tried to assure her otherwise. From not fitting into their social dynamics, to not being strong enough to give birth without the help of the two-leggeds, Rain came to a sad conclusion that she was not meant for Spirit's untamed life.

Galloping sound of hoofbeats and running sound of footsteps, made Rain open her crystal pools. She sighed in relief when she spotted desperate Little Creek and Spirit rushing up to her side. Oh, she was so glad to have them both with her in such a difficult time! They were the two of the most important individuals in her life. In that moment, she couldn't help but think that with these two significant males supporting her, there was nothing she wouldn't be able to do. Even if things seemed hopeless, she felt that somehow it would all be alright. Everything would fall into place. Everything was going to be okay, because both Spirit and Little Creek were there for her.

"Easy girl...easy." The young Lakota's soothing tone made the agitated mare relax as he kneeled down and rubbed her huge belly. He felt her stomach and moved to her hind end, examining her quietly for few minutes, while Spirit gave the struggling mare a tender nuzzle.

"You're doing great, Rain." He told her lovingly. "It's gonna be okay, I promise." Despite the inner anxiety and extreme sense of restless concern, Spirit somehow managed to reign in his emotions and remain composed for Rain's sake. Besides, he really trusted Little Creek with his life and was absolutely sure that the kind human would do everything in his power to help their foal.

"Alright, Rain..." Little Creek confidently stood up as though he knew exactly what he was going to do, gently pressuring the young mare to rise as well. "Come on girl, let's get you in the paddock where we'll deliver the foal."

Spirit nudged her with a soft touch, encouraging her further to get up. "You can do it, Rain... come on, my love."

With both Spirit and Little Creek heartening and motivating her physically as well as emotionally, Rain forced herself up, rising to her feet with a strong effort. She stood splay-legged in order to balance her overweight body. Panting and sweating hard, she slowly followed after Little Creek as he led her towards the round pen, with Spirit bracing her shaky physique.

"You got it, girl." Little Creek smiled at her. "It'll be okay."

"Great job, Rain...you're doing amazing." Spirit added with a gentle whinny.

Rain attempted to not focus on the pain so much and busied herself with regulating her breathing, as she heaved her exhausted self to the fenced enclosure.

Little Creek urgently called for Long Knife and White Doe, asking them to bring fresh towels and guided Rain inside the pen, helping her to get down on her legs once more. "There you go. Easy...shhh...lie down now."

Spirit was left outside of the paddock, while Long Knife and White Doe hurriedly hustled inside to assist Little Creek with whatever he required and handed him fresh cloths. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait here, my friend." The Lakota boy petted the wild stallion on the nose. "We'll take it from here. It's gonna be okay, I promise."

Spirit felt his heart sink when he understood what was happening, but he knew it was for the best. There was truly nothing else he could do anymore. He needed to trust Little Creek and let him handle the life of his and Rain's tiny foal.

"I'll take care of your family." Little Creek vowed to him and turned to concentrate on Rain, as Spirit nodded and reluctantly walked to the open field, where Great Conquest, Aranda, Nova, Silver Moon and the rest of the tribe horses stood waiting. He knew he could've remained close to the fence of the pen, but figured it was better if Little Creek and the other humans didn't have any distractions. In spite of the small distance between them, Spirit's eyes were glued on the round yard as he hoped and prayed for the safety of both Rain and their foal.

Soft silvery clouds blanketed the evening sky. Seasonal changes of spring weather brought the raindrops once more as it beat the earth in hushed cadence, softly singing the world its maternal lullaby. Sudden peaceful tranquility fell over the lush territory of the Lakota settlement. It was that same sort of calm reassurance one gets when it is still quite early in the morning, before the bright sun rises. However, this was not the morning. It was as though nature was whispering a greeting to a sweet, new life that was about to be born very soon. The meadows, high in the hills of the Lakota country were a stunning jade colour in the damp evening. On the outer skirts of the serene camp-side, the emerald fields were occupied by the group of excited equines. Their crests were high, their ears were perked forward, focusing hard on the round pen that was located on the right side of the settlement. It was rather secluded from the general bustling, active camp, which was exactly what the individuals inside it needed: Some peace and quiet. The pelts of these eager creatures, that stood awaiting for the wonderful news, shone with all the glossy radiance of good health. Their manes of varying hues hung limp against their powerful necks, dripping with rain. But though their admirable bodies stood drenched, their eyes leapt with merriment and frivolity.

This was a happy, but nevertheless, anxious group. They were waiting for something important. Some couldn't contain their excitement, some pawed up the ground impatiently, some paced back and forth in restlessness and some were too overwhelmed to do anything but stand and wait. Among them was a grand stallion – handsome and proud. His dun-skin coat had a metallic sheen to it in the wet weather. His frame was impressive, his posture was noble. By instant appearance he looked to be made of wind, not earth. So finely tuned were his tendons and chords that they seemed liquid gold sliding in and among the other horses. His chocolate eyes danced and a smile tipped his dark-strained maw. He strutted back and forth, sometimes moving in with the other horses, sometimes trotting closer to the paddock, his neck arched with pride. He was proud. Why wouldn't he? He was to be a father for the very first time! And it wasn't just any mare that was delivering his foal...but rather his one and only love – the one that was actually named after the mysterious element that is rain. Despite his collected and easy-going exterior, the young stallion's heart was soaring like the eagle in the limitless sky. His black mane was soaked in the pouring liquids and his eyes were strained, as he tried to fix his gaze on the round yard where the most exciting event was taking place.

Spirit...Rain...born of the wind...born of the rain... Thunder rumbled restlessly over the village, and the rain increased. Three lightening sheets illuminated the clouds for a brief moment. The young stallion, who stood slightly distanced from the other awaiting group of horses, would soon receive the grandest new of his existence, and mother nature could do nothing but send ominous warnings.

"What's taking so long?" Fussed the grey warrior as he stomped and paced in front of the Lakota herd members. He glanced over at the detached golden stallion – the soon to be father – and wondered how on earth did he manage to stay so composed.

"Great Conquest, please," Chimed the elderly mare, Aranda. "We must keep our nerves. I'm sure Rain's doing great and the humans are helping her."

"I...I don't think I can take this suspense." Whinnied the grey stallion, causing the beautiful, wild filly to laugh out loud.

"If you're reacting like this to Spirit and Rain's foal," Nova started cheekily. "how will you be able to handle the birth of your own foal someday?"

"Oh, I don't even want to think about it." Confessed the over-excited war horse. "I mean, I did sire couple of foals for other tribes, but that's different...I never really knew the mares and probably will never know my offspring. But I know Rain! I care about Rain! And I've been mentoring her since late autumn...ugh, this is sure to drive me crazy!"

Nova pursed her lips as she furrowed her brows. She did not say anything in response, but was unable to stop herself from thinking if this Great Conquest harboured deep feelings for the paint mare. Was he in love with her too?

"She's like a sister to me." Great Conquest told her, as though reading her thoughts.

"I see." Sadness emitted the voice of the young mare. Involuntarily, her mind drifted back to her killed brother...Onyx. She shifted her lovely gaze back on the handsome, golden stallion and smiled softly. She was happy for him, but she wished they could return to the wild herd soon. She was growing so very homesick. With her contemplations and her eyes steadfastly fixed on Spirit, she failed to notice that Great Conquest was now gazing at her in admiration. She looked back at him and the grey stallion quickly averted his eyes, not wanting to be caught staring. But for a brief second, his inner anxiousness had faded away and was replaced by thoughts that had nothing to do with Rain or her foal. And if Nova were to find out of what he was pondering about, she'd be very surprised.

While for the most part, Spirit had prevailed over his restlessness and had remained collected and distanced from the round yard, as soon as his eyes suddenly caught the sight of Little Creek pulling the tiny legs out, he snapped into a canter to get a closer look, happiness and worry hitting him all at once.

"Come on, girl..." Little Creek spoke, his hands holding the foal's legs, as he gently but firmly tugged on it. "One more push, Rain...one last push." He grunted.

"She's doing so great." Long Knife commented, his gaze eagerly fixated on the paint mare.

"This is so exciting. Good girl, Rain." Interjected White Doe. "Come on, Little Creek, you've got it." The two friends supported, as they held on to Rain's head, trying to keep her calm and relaxed.

Spirit let out an ecstatic whinny, unable to contain his happiness any longer as he trotted up to the fence, tossing his noble neck in the falling rain.

"She's almost there, boy. Almost there." White Doe told him sweetly.

The struggling Rain pushed the hardest she could master and Little Creek took a deep exhale, as he pulled strongly on the tiny creature. One last push and pull! The young mare gasped as the foal finally slid from her body, and landed softly upon the dew-sprinkled grass. Little Creek sighed in relief. At last the shoulder of the tiny creature had dislodged itself from behind her hipbone, allowing it to enter the world apart from any more complications. For a few moments, Rain lay completely still, wet in the downpour and utterly exhausted from the entire day's events, until a strong instinct made her stand upon her quivering legs. Breathing heavily, she turned to see the first glimpse of her newborn, as Little Creek and his two friends slowly backed up, giving her the chance to bond with the little one without further interference.

Spirit reared on his hind legs and neighed, overjoyed with exhilarated happiness. Rain smiled beside her weariness, as she lowered her nose to the foal and nuzzled its damp hide, busying herself with cleaning it up, whilst Spirit, Little Creek, Long Knife and White Doe peered at the two with elevated contentment. The downpour had thankfully ceased.

"It's a...

it's a... colt!" Cried Little Creek happily, jumping up and down with joy as he embraced the equally excited Spirit. "Great job, bud! You have a son!"

As the new mother continued to lick against the fur of the tiny creature, the little colt was encouraged to breathe and his coat coloration was becoming much more visible. He was a buckskin with pinto patterns, displaying the hide of his golden sire and the white markings of his sorrel dam. To Rain's surprise, the splashy design upon his pelt resembled wings, much like those belonging to the Bald Eagle. And there was also a very peculiar thing about his features, that took the three humans and Rain by great surprise...something that a wild horse like Spirit wouldn't be able to detect or understand its meaning. The colt's chest and legs were golden as well as the markings on his flank, but his face and half of his neck were entirely white with only his poll at the top dipped in gold as though a crown was placed upon his head. But in every other way, he was the perfect representation of both of his parents.

"The medicine hat horse! He is the medicine hat horse!" Long Knife and White Doe raved in disbelief and eager excitement.

"Unbelievable." Muttered Little Creek, his eyes were wide in puzzlement.

Rain moved aside, nudging the colt at the rump to encourage him to stand. The tiny foal at first, seemed more concerned with remaining on the ground, still slightly shocked about the whole situation of being born. But he soon attempted it, and after a few unstable wobbles into the wrong direction, the colt managed to steady himself on all four legs. It was obvious he was a quick learner, and he might indeed be a fast runner like his father as he grew up, but most of all, he was looking very heathy and sturdy. After waiting a few cautious moments on his forelegs, just to make sure there was no sneaky trick about to take place, the colt stepped to one side. Then he stepped back, and then he went to the side and tried a little circle, his confidence building. But then Rain gave him a gentle nip to his fuzzy little quiff of a tail and the curious colt turned to her, flicking the fluff line eagerly. Rain nuzzled him, covering the tiny creature with kisses, but at the same time, taking special care to cradle his furry little face. He nickered as he did so in a high, baby voice and her heart nearly melted with love for her son. Rain couldn't believe that she could produce something so perfect and beautiful and was completely entranced with the tiny bundle of legs.

Spirit stood frozen as he watched the wonderful, heartwarming scene unfold before him. What a beautiful moment this was! So unforgettable! Teary Little Creek was scratching his neck, both of them allowing Rain and the colt to form a bond before anyone else could cut in and meet the young creature. It was crucial and very important, but Spirit couldn't wait to get closer to his son. It was like a dream! Better than a dream!

The colt knew straight away where to go and started to suckle eagerly, as Rain snorted in amusement. He was a hungry little fella!

She smiled, her blue eyes meeting Spirit's tender gaze, who was beaming from head to toe. And for a minute, their eyes locked and everything seemed perfect...so perfect.

"It's a colt!" Neighed Spirit with a thrilling enthusiasm as he galloped back towards the awaiting group of Lakota horses and Nova.

"No way!" Sprang up the zealous Great Conquest. "A colt?! I KNEW IT! I have a nephew!" He screamed, embracing Spirit for a second, before realizing the oddness of it and taking a step back.

Nova, Aranda, Silver Moon and the rest of the equine companions of the two-legged tribe cheered loudly and very happily upon receiving the joyful news.

"Congratulations!" Nova grinned, her face lit with happiness.

"How wonderful!" Aranda exclaimed.

"Looks like you aren't that useless." Red smirked deviously, as River and Blaze rolled their eyes at him.

"I'm...I'm...an uncle." Great Conquest mumbled in a daze, his head suddenly spinning from over-excitement. This was all too much for him. As he said this, the grey stallion tumbled over and dropped unconscious on the ground, unable to handle so much joy.

"Oh, goodness!" Nova became slightly alarmed, but Spirit was so euphoric and rapturous, that he failed to pay any attention to it.

"He's amazing!" He continued to explain, barely managing to stop himself from squealing. "He's so cute and he has this adorable four legs...and a head!"

Nova giggled, very entertained with the stallion's overwhelmed state. "It's a relief to know that he has legs and a head, Spirit."

"Come, you wanna see?" Spirit invited eagerly.

"That's okay, Spirit. We'll let you guys bond with the foal first." Silver Moon spoke up wisely. "We'll meet him tomorrow." It wouldn't be ethical to crowd the poor, little creature at such a late hour. He was probably tired from coming in the world and obviously Rain too needed some peace and quiet, after all the struggle she went through.

"She's right." Nodded Nova. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you!" Said the stallion and swung round, delightfully racing back to his beloved's and his son's side.

Once Spirit had gone forward to the round pen, Nova awkwardly turned to the other horses. "So...who's gonna help him ?" She asked, her eyes focusing on the collapsed grey stallion.

The night had fallen, with clouds finally clearing from the sky and full moon shone brightly around the Lakota lands. Little Creek had immediately called in a meeting of council, to inform them that a sacred Medicine Hat horse was born to the tribe. A Medicine Hat horse was believed to have a magical ability to protect its rider from injury or death in battle, and were thought to have special powers to warn their warriors of danger and to find wild game hiding in forests or canyons. They were considered to bring good luck to whichever tribe possessed them, so much so, that it wasn't uncommon for other tribes to try and steal them from their original owners. They were valued and prized over any other horse...after all, they were said to have supernatural capabilities running in their veins.

Meanwhile, the tiny colt stood and drank his mother's milk quite blissfully and for longer than expected. Rain was patient and kind, even though completely worn out, she waited for him to finish, before getting some rest. She lifted her head when she noticed that Spirit had slowly entered the enclosure, which Little Creek intentionally left open. Still very overjoyed and excited, he propped to a standstill and just gazed at his beautiful family. Once the colt satisfied his extreme hunger, Rain cautiously led him towards the stallion in order to properly introduce the tiny being to his father. She came forward, guiding her little son, who was pressed against her flanks.

Spirit extended his muzzle to the paint, as her sweet, soft nose touched his. The foal became more and more confident, while he watched his mother nuzzle the great horse. He let out a small nicker, curiously stretching his cute face towards Spirit, who lowered his head to him, breathing in the foal's scent. "Hello, my son." He whispered warmly, brushing his cheek against the small creature, who was currently staring at him with his big blue eyes that had become more prominent only a minute ago. The colt nickered again and pulled on his father's forelock quite boldly, before shying back to his mother as though realizing that he had been a little too confident.

"He has your eyes, Rain." Spirit remarked. "But I fear, he'll be a hoof-full." He shook his head with a slight chuckle.

"Just like his father." Rain stated teasingly. "Thanks for being here." She added, after a minute of stillness.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Thank you for having me." The stallion's gaze intensified, burning into Rain's eyes as she smiled timidly and averted her crystals.

Even though very curious about the new world, the little colt could not fight off the deep exhaustion. Yawning, he nestled his small body next to his protective dam, who lay beside him, draping her lithe neck over the fragile innocence. "Go to sleep, my love." She murmured to her son.

Spirit noticed that the chilly wind that had started up again was making Rain shiver as she tried to keep their foal warm. "You'll freeze like that, Rain." He spoke up with worry, stepping towards her, and got down on the ground with her, pressing his body against the mare as he shifted himself closer to her as possible. "Is that okay?" He inquired hesitantly, not sure of how she would react about them being so near each other.

"Yes, that's fine." Rain nodded with a grateful smile. "Thanks." His hot temperature seemed to melt her cold body and the warmth spread all over her and their foal, since now she was able to keep the tiny bundle of joy warmer too.

Spirit lovingly placed his head on the nape of her neck as Rain allowed her blue pools to close at last. "He is perfect." Spirit whispered to her, his gaze fixed on the sleeping colt. "Thank you."

"He is wonderful, isn't he?" Agreed Rain with a sigh. She couldn't believe her eyes...he was such a special, little darling. Not to mention, his unique pattern on the head made him sacred and a good luck to the entire village, not just to the new, proud parents.

"Tomorrow you'll have to tell me all about the Medicine Hat horse thing that Little Creek and the whole tribe is raving about." Spirit reminded her, sounding very intrigued.

"I will." Mumbled the young mare, unable to resist the extreme fatigue that washed over her as she drifted off to sleep in exhaustion.

"I love you...forever." Spirit breathed into her ear sweetly, even though he knew that she did not hear him in that second. Thus the small family of three, slowly went off to a blissful slumber under the starry sky and the silver beams of the moon.

I had so many people predicting that the foal would be a filly. And the reasonings behind it were actually on point, but unfortunately, that was not the correct answer. I had several people betting on a colt, but the winner of the contest can only be one person: Congrats Danny49! You were the first one to say colt and provide good, supporting details as to why you thought that way. You have the honour of naming the foal or suggesting the names for him...that is, if you want to. :) Please, make sure when you start 'fishing' for names to stick to how I name my equine characters. They have to be close to their personality, should be named after nature's element or something that describes their characteristics. The calling shouldn't be a simple human name like "Bob" or "Jack". Good luck and Thank You to all who participated!

Please share your thoughts!