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Chapter 31

The Distance

"How do you fall in love?
Harder than a bullet could hit ya
How do we fall apart?
Faster than a hairpin trigger"

– River by Bishop Briggs

Clouds gathered together in the night's sky, blanketing over the beauty of the moon and the sparkling stars, hiding them from view. Somewhere near the territory, there would be rain showers, for the thunder was making itself known with a distant grumbling, announcing the arrival of spring and the coming summer. The Cimarron valley however, had managed to stay dry. The wind nevertheless, blew the flowing manes of the magnificent equines that dotted the evergreen fields, a wispy cloudy haze that encompassed the surroundings made it almost impossible not to look up and call out to the breeze. The mustangs threw their heads to the misty sky; the weather reflected the cloudy thoughts and anxious spirits that restlessly raced through the herd members and their leaders.

The palomino lead mare raised her elegant head, her chocolate eyes curiously watching the incoming stallions that were presently cantering towards them. Cloud had been expecting their visit since early afternoon, and relieved that they had finally come to call, he strutted over to meet them. Esperanza and Wildflower remained behind with the two herds, but both of the mares had their ears perked, their eyes were focused on the three stallions as they wondered how this short interview would turn out. After all, the topic was an extremely important matter that concerned all the creatures of the untamed land.

The brown, chivalrous stallion was quickly identified as Flint, one of the most respected and loved leaders around the Wild Western Plains. Next to him trotted the silverly grullo horse – his youngest brother – Azogar.

Cloud greeted the two brothers ceremoniously, as was the custom among the wild stallions. They breathed each other's scent, pawed the ground, sniffed at the flank and then stepping back, let out a wild squeal.

"My noble stallions," Commenced the pale gleaming palomino first. "I'm glad you responded to my message and came without hesitation. As you both are aware, we're going through a rough time. It seems that the ancient curse of the mad wolf has come back to plague our lands." Explained Cloud with heavy words.

"When I first heard it, Cloud...I could scarcely believe it." Admitted Flint. "Even now I can't face the truth. The meadowlark told me that my unfortunate son has been damned with the curse."

"Alas! It is true." Mournfully confirmed Cloud in response. "But you must not lose hope. Currently, the young stallion represents no harm. One of the mares in the Cimarron band found a herb that may heal him."

Flint's worried expression dissolved at that, as the sense of relief washed over him and hope returned to his heart. "What herb is this?"

"Touch of the Teardrop. I've never heard of it."

"Neither have I." Muttered Flint and furrowed his brows.

Obnoxious Azogar suddenly cleared his throat, breaking his silence. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think we're old enough to know that mad wolf's curse is incurable. If my nephew has truly been infected, it means that sooner or later he will grow aggressive and will doom us all. Why get false hopes?" He snorted in displeasure.

"I understand your fears perfectly well." Nodded Cloud at the nervous horse. "I was of the same opinion until I realized that things are different with him. His condition is stable...we managed to apply the remedy while he was in a transitioning period. I think the curse was not yet activated, which means that he may be able to heal."

"Where is he?" Flint asked, trying to look unaffected and cool from the outside, but inside, the father's heart was sinking in utter devastation. Bolder was his first born from his favorite mare, Beauty. He had been such an unusual little colt from the day he entered the world and even now, as he grew older, there was something unique about him. Flint wouldn't dare to say it out loud, but he treasured the Lone Stallion of all his offspring. It was silly of him to pick and choose like that and yet, he couldn't help it. Bolder was different and even if his recent decisions weren't exactly what Flint approved of, he still admired and loved his son greatly.

"He is unconscious by the bank of the river. One of the mares is keeping a close watch." Cloud informed him. "As I said, let's not be too alarmed about him. He has a chance to get better."

"Bullshit!" Azogar scoffed, refusing to accept Cloud's rational reasonings. "Forgive my language, but what you just said is a big dump of complete nonsense!"

"Azogar! Watch your tongue please." Flint cut in, glaring at him in disapproval. "Excuse my impertinent brother, Cloud." He turned to the pale stallion apologetically. "He's been keeping his herd with mine for couple of months now, and it seems like he has forgotten the ethical rules, since I tend to be so forgiving of him." He shot a meaningful glower at grullo horse once more.

"How is this even a conversation?!" Fiercely argued Azogar, not backing down, ignoring all of his brother's statements. "Do you realize the severity of the situation? You are keeping a cursed animal in our midst, and trusting unproven words of a simple-minded mare!" He cried angrily, as he went on to continue his speech. "The ancient curse of the mad wolf has wiped out many of our ancestors and other species in the past. Why are we risking so many lives for just one foolish colt, who BY THE WAY, could've avoided it, if he had stopped roaming alone like a solitary big cat!"

"He is my son, Azogar!" Exclaimed Flint, frustration and confliction overwhelming him all at once.

"And he is my nephew!" Azogar stared at his brother sternly. "But he was very irresponsible and now he is paying for it. A lone horse will only meet his demise. Certainly, this is a tragedy and he will definitely be missed. But please, let us not forget what's important here: Safety of everyone else. We can't be damned because of his stupid choices!" Spat the furious grullo horse, making his words clear and unmistakable. "I say we get rid of him...the sooner the better."

"I forbid you to speak like that about my firstborn son!" Flint hissed through his teeth, still managing to subdue his wrath and stay composed.

"You and Beauty can make other sons." The younger brother rolled his eyes. "It's not the end of the world. With that being said though, do you know what will be the end of all species? If we continue to believe in the 'healing' crap that some mare made up!"

"My noble stallions!" Cloud interposed, unable to hold his peace much longer. "I beg you, let's not get overly emotional. It will only blind us and turn us against each other." He spoke tactfully, attempting to secure the calm atmosphere before things got out of control. "We have a much more crucial and frightening problem to solve. You see, I don't want to spread panic, but-"

"The source." Flint said knowingly, comprehending what Cloud was referring to right away. "The cursed predator that's transmitting the malediction is still out there."

"Yes, exactly right."

"Well, that's ironic!" Blurted the dissatisfied Azogar, digging his hooves firmly in the ground. "You two make no sense. You're concerned about this maddened predator and yet, continue to keep a cursed animal under our very own noses! We have to deal with this issue one by one!"

"The Lone Stallion is not dangerous." Cloud insisted. "He was in the transitioning period...we reacted quickly in an early stage. However, the predator who bit him has already activated the aggression, which is why I think it's so important to focus on that, rather than on the horse that has a chance to heal. If this plant proves effective, we may not be as doomed as we originally believed. It's worth finding out." He explained in a calm manner.

"The beast that's inside him can awaken at any moment!" Insisted the head-strong Azogar, unwilling to accept Cloud's words. "And once he does, we will ALL be quite literally screwed!"

"So what do you suggest we do?!" Burst the enraged Flint, all of a sudden. "You want me to kill my own son?! Is that it?!"

"He's dying an agonizing death as it is! Might as well put him out of his misery!"

"Please, let us remain civil!" Cloud implored desperately. "We cannot lose our heads, and there will be no more talk of ending his life. I don't care how rational your logic is." His eyes shifted on the grullo stallion. "As I mentioned before, I want to test out that herb and its effectiveness. For the moment, Bolder does not represent any danger to us and if we want to rid ourselves from this curse, we will have to find out who the carrier of the source is. If anyone should have some idea about it, it's your nephew. So at this point, it's in our best interest for him to get better or else, you will prove absolutely right. With no remedy and no knowledge of who the vicious predator is...we will ALL be screwed! Is that what you want, Azogar?"

"Forgive my intrusion." A feminine nicker made the three stallions terminate their heated argument and jerk their heads towards the approaching golden, creamy mare. "As the sole representative and leader of the Cimarron herd, I believe it's my duty to inform you all that the young stallion was found on our territory. So automatically that means that his fate lies in the hooves of Cimarron herd members. I, as the lead mare, have decided to keep him under our protection. In fact, one of my band mares was the first to suggest to heal him. We will not allow you to end his life and that's final." Esperanza finished her confident announcement and bowed politely to both Flint and Azogar. She had overhead what their discussion was about and found it necessary to cut in and clarify her position.

"I am grateful for the compassion and kindness you are showing my son, fair lead mare of Cimarron." Flint nodded at her in reverence. "But it cannot be made without the consent of the band stallion. Where is your offspring? The lead stallion of Cimarron? Where is Spirit? Does he approve of this decision?"

"Of course, he would NEVER approve of this!" Azogar interjected rudely. "He hates your disgraceful son! Bolder tried to steal his mare on many occasions and let's just say Spirit was not too thrilled about that."

"Spirit is absent for the time being" Esperanza spoke up with a courteous smile tucking her lips. "But I'm sure that despite their differences, my son would never agree to killing your son so ruthlessly. I know Spirit like no other, and he would be of my opinion as well. I have no doubts about it." She assured the concerned Flint.

The nearing trotting sound of hoofbeats, interrupted the small group from their conversation yet again. They turned to see a black mare with white socks on all four of her legs, jogging purposefully towards them.

"Misty? Is everything alright?" Esperanza whinnied softly, once recognizing who had come to them.

"He is awake!" The black beauty cried happily, alerting the three stallions and one mare with the exciting news. "He stood up! The herb worked!"

"What?" Gasped Cloud in shock. "That fast?"

Nothing could be heard afterwards. All of them were rushing behind the eager Misty to see the miracle for themselves. Flint was the first one to break into an urgent gallop, feeling of joy and relief spreading through his entire body. His Bolder was safe!

Spirit did not remember the last time he slept so deeply and so peacefully lying down... probably when he was still a tiny colt, snuggled up to his loving mother's flank without a single care in the world, up until now. Having Rain by his side and their sweet little foal, made him forget all the complications in his life. He was focused on the beautiful present...oh so very perfect present. For a limited time, he felt as though he was in a sublime dream where he believed that everything wonderful could be possible. His beloved Rain was next to him along with their newborn and his heart was finally at ease. His broken, shattered heart seemed to piece itself together. This felt so right, so perfect ...it couldn't be wrong.

With a blissful sigh, the golden stallion rotated on his left side as he stretched his strong legs underneath him and it was then he realized that he was reclined on the grassy ground all alone. Fluttering his eyelids open, Spirit was greeted by the morning, spring sunshine that brightly peeked at his brown pools. Softly he lifted his head from the soft grass and concentrating his blurry vision, glanced around. Rain and the colt were no longer lying next to him, but rather stood in the centre of the round pen already indulged in their delicious breakfast. The colt was eagerly drinking milk from his mother, while Rain tranquilly nibbled on the emerald colored greenery.

A delighted smile spread across his lips upon seeing his little family. They were just so perfect and so beautiful...it made his heart soar in utmost happiness. The stallion pushed his legs up, rising from his restful position and shook the slumber away from him.

"Why didn't you wake me?" He asked Rain, as soon as her glowing gaze settled on him.

"Now, why would I wanna do that?" The mare smirked at him with a mischievous gleam in her twinkling eyes. That same expression that stole his heart in the first place. "You looked so peaceful and innocent...you needed to get some rest."

Spirit chuckled lightly. "I could've helped you."

"With what?" Laughed Rain, shaking her head. "Guiding our son to suckle? I think he does that quite well on his own." She grinned teasingly and peered at the hungry baby, who was not planning to finish up just yet. "He has a good appetite, that's for sure."

"Well, that's great to hear." Spirit beamed in satisfaction. "He will grow up strong." He walked forward as he neared Rain and extended his nose gently to her, but the young mare did not nuzzle him affectionately like she had done the day before. She quickly moved away from his touch and dropped her head to graze. "You...um,... should eat."

Spirit decided to ignore her action, but it definitely did not go unnoticed. Nodding, he slowly lowered his head to the sweet smelling grass. He had not eaten properly for almost four days in a row now and hunger was taking hold of his stomach. In spite of it though, Spirit lazily munched on the greenery, most of his attention was on the quiet Rain as he wondered what was going on in her pretty head. She was such a mystery to him sometimes. He grazed toward her, so that their noses brushed and this time, she did not shy away from him. Spirit found himself thinking far more of her than of the grass. Her skin was so soft, it shimmered in the lovely morning. And in the gorgeous sun, he could not stop himself from gazing and admiring her sparkling eyes. They were so vibrant and everlasting, with her flaxen mane dancing in the air as though the wind was its partner.

"I'm going to keep my promise and tell you all about the Medicine Hat horse belief that tribe has." Rain spoke up, lifting her head from the lush greenery. Spirit averted his eyes right away, hoping she did not catch him staring at her for so long.

"I'm all ears." He nickered his reply, his eyes looking down as he pretended that he had been engaged in eating all this time.

"Our son has a golden patch around his poll and forehead area, while his face and neck are all white and he also happens to have blue eyes. These unique markings make him the sacred Medicine Hat horse. The Medicine Hat, also known as War Bonnet horses are said to have magical abilities that no other horse can possess." Rain went on to explain to him with so much enthusiasm, that it made Spirit want to chuckle in amusement. "Little Creek told me that Medicine Hat horses saved their riders from arrows and bullets that were directed at them in battle. They have kind of like a sixth sense where they understand things that no other creature can comprehend or see. And they are a mystical force to be reckoned with. Moreover some say that the Creator speaks through them."

"Interesting..." Said Spirit, sounding quite entertained at what he had heard from her. "Although, I fail to see the 'supernatural' aspect of it."

"I just told you about their otherworldly capabilities." Rain blinked her long lashes in confusion. "Weren't you listening?"

"Charging in battle and protecting a rider is not supernatural, Rain. Every loyal friend will do that. You've done it as well. And who is to know what kind of sense they have? I think we are all different in that regard. I believe the Creator sometimes speaks through the Eagle, not just the Medicine Hat horses or whatever they're called." Spirit shrugged, as he shared his own opinion on the matter.

"So you don't believe in the legend?" The paint mare pursed her lips.

"I don't know." The stallion eyed her playfully. "Do you?"

"I think there's some truth in every legend."

"I suppose you are right on that one." Spirit agreed with a gentle nod, his tender gaze meeting her blue eyes. "Hear that son? You may have magical powers." He glanced at their colt with an amused grin on his face.

"Speaking of legends," Began Rain, as she turned to see what her little foal was doing. He had finally ended his breakfast and was now currently soaking up the warm sunshine by peacefully lying on the soft grass in front of his parents, while the protective Spirit and Rain towered over him. "there's this strange tale going around the pale-faced humans about you and your father."

"Oh?" Spirit's dark forelock draped over his brown pools.

"You know the obsessed man that captured Little Creek and I? He actually believes you and your father to be one and the same stallion."

"What?" Spirit snickered at the ridiculous notion. "How is that possible?"

"Well, apparently, " Rain carried on, her blue gaze fixed on the restful, little darling as she nuzzled him sweetly. "he thinks your father is you and that you faked your suicide or have returned from the dead... something like that. And he calls you the Ghost horse. I heard it all from his gelding." Rain giggled. "Isn't it funny?"

Spirit gawked at her, quite stunned at everything she had told him. So this is why that man had become so fixated on snaring him! He thought he was capturing a fabled legend! What a fool! "Wow...just when I thought the two-leggeds couldn't get more stupider." He snorted and shook his head.

Rain smiled in response, unable to stop herself from grinning at his snarky comment. Spirit gazed at her; when she smiled, her sapphire eyes seemed to smile with her, exploding into an impossible beauty. Perhaps, he should tell her again how he felt? What if now was the time to at last put the past behind them and start over? Spirit's heart quickened in nervousness... what if she refused him? His stomach dropped in sadness at that thought. What if she had been truthful that day when she had looked into his eyes and proclaimed that no longer had feelings for him? Least he could do was try again...he couldn't bring himself to give up, especially now that they shared the tiny bundle of joy together.

"Rain," He started calmly, trying hard to retain his racing, wild emotions at bay. Here goes everything. He thought to himself. Oh, why did this little mare have so much power over him? She seemed to be holding all of his spirit...it was crazy!

"Hmm?" She locked eyes with him.

Spirit did not have a chance to go further with his attempt, when suddenly the little colt leaped back up on his feet and trotting in-between his parents' long legs, started to zoom around them friskily.

"Aww, look at him go!" Marvelled Rain as she followed after her lively colt. "Settle down, sweetheart." She laughed, while the colt threw up his heels with energetic little bucks, speedily running away from his dam and galloped into tight circles.

"Attaboy!" Spirit chuckled, snapping into an easy lope, and caught up to the rambunctious foal, gently snaking him back to his mother. "Don't hurt yourself, son." He nestled his muzzle on the colt's cute face, who in turn gave him a high-pitched baby whinny.

It was then, Little Creek came to them, opening up the gate of the enclosure with a brightest grin on his face.

"Oh perfect!" Rain exclaimed happily, once she saw her human. "We are allowed to go in the fields and meet the herd."

"Come my friends!" Little Creek called them excitedly, as he stood by the entrance.

Rain tossed her flaxen mane and led her antsy colt out of the pen with a high-stepping gait. Spirit and Little Creek both watched the mare and the foal in stillness for a second, taking in their elegance and beauty. The colt was so perfectly formed, his frame was strong, but so lovely and good-looking. He would grow up to be a handsome horse for sure. Rain turned back to Spirit, tilting her head to him with an inquiring gaze. "Are you coming?"

"Y-yes." Spirit was jolted from his contemplations and he eagerly strutted after them, glowing with pride.

Groaning because of the uncomfortable pain that pounded his head, the grey stallion rolled over, finally managing to open his eyes. "Am I...in paradise?" He mumbled, the first sight he caught was the graceful features of the wild mare, Nova, whose silver mane was brilliantly shining in the morning sun.

"No, you're still alive." She responded, smirking at his dumbfounded countenance.

He slowly hoisted himself up on his shaky legs, a bit disoriented from being passed out for almost an entire night. "I thought angels only existed in the after-life." He told her with a smile.

That remark caused Nova to blush crimson and she avoided eye contact with him. "Finally! I thought you had died or something!" Red joined in, as the rest of the Lakota horses drew nearer.

"How long was I out?" Great Conquest asked his friends, still looking very confused.

"The whole night." Blaze snorted and shook his head. "What's the last thing you remember?"

"Uh...let me think..." Wondered the grey stallion, muttering things to himself. "Oh!" His gaze widened in excitement, as the latest memories rushed to his mind. "I BECAME AN UNCLE!" He instantly reared with an exuberant neigh. "Rain gave birth to a colt!"

"And he's back to normal, ladies and gents." River turned to the other horses in amusement.

There was an animated whinny of approaching horses as the herd turned and found themselves staring at the trotting Rain and her little colt, accompanied by the joyful Little Creek. Spirit was lingering after the three individuals, his jog had eased down to a simple walk. It seemed as though the entire village had gathered to meet and greet the newborn colt – Their Medicine Hat Horse. Be it a four-legged or a two-legged, all creatures were praising and marvelling the stunning, but tiny foal that was so unique and loveable. Rain proudly showed off her son, the young mother's heart soaring with pleasure, as the Lakota horses came one by one to sniff at the adorable newborn. The villagers also crowded the fields, every last one of them congratulating Little Creek for being the owner of the sacred Medicine Hat horse. It was such an honour to possess a colt that was so revered and appraised by many tribes. Little Creek's cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much, as the warriors and tribal elders studied the foal and came to a conclusion that indeed, he had all the qualities to make him such a stand-out in their village.

"We have luck." Announced the chief. "Our tribe has been blessed with a supernatural animal. Little Creek," He acknowledged the young Lakota with a respectful nod. "you have the responsibility of raising a great war horse. A horse with powers given to him by the Creator himself."

"I will not disappoint." Little Creek responded, trying hard to remain collected and dignified, even though all he wanted to do was leap and whoop from happiness.

While the humans were excitedly chattering amongst themselves and felicitating Little Creek upon the wonderful news, their four-legged companions in the meantime, were being introduced to the newest member of their society. Each of the horses of the Lakota herd cautiously came forward to breathe in the youngster's scent. The colt was extremely curious and bouncy of the new surroundings and so many new visitors. He confidently wobbled back and forth, raising his little tail as though comprehending that he was the talk of the village and soaked in the praises. Rain stuck very close to him, following after the zooming foal as clockwork.

"He is so beautiful." Aranda commented, her heart melting at the sight of the tiny bundle of legs.

"Look at those blue eyes and golden-dipped poll." Silver Moon remarked in awe.

"Rain! He is amazing!" Great Conquest exclaimed, his eyes never ripping from the proud, little colt. "I can't believe it! He will make an excellent war stallion! I will teach my little nephew EVERYTHING there is to know! And by the way, to those who thought it would be a filly..." He smirked teasingly. "...You owe us apples."

Everyone laughed at that last statement; some playfully protested, some agreed. But in the end, they were all thrilled and utterly ecstatic for having such a glorious little one join their village.

"I can't believe we have our very own Medicine Hat horse!" River declared joyously.

"What a warrior he will be!" Blaze added, observing the beautiful colt with admiration. "The pride of our tribe for sure!"

"Hear! Hear!" Came similar acclamations of tribute from the rest of the herd.

Spirit stood few feet apart from the commotion, feeling completely out of place and unwanted. With the two-leggeds congratulating Little Creek and the Lakota horses proclaiming their joy upon the birth of the great 'war horse', Spirit realized that he was undesirable and unwelcome in their midst. Obviously most of them would never confess it out loud, but it was clear that to the Lakota members he was probably the one to be wary of. After all, he may try and steal their precious Medicine Hat foal from their village and take him back to the wild. His heart sank as he came to a devastating conclusion that Rain was not planning on going back with him. She was so happy here! Her smile was vivid and so picturesque as she reveled among the excited horses, along with the lively colt, who seemed just as happy as his dam to be in the village. Perhaps, this was where they truly belonged? Melancholy took over the young stallion; his previous hopes, dreams and elation dissolving like snow in the spring sunshine. The only one who noted Spirit's sudden distress was the quiet Nova, positioned on the opposite side of the meadow. She fathomed the source of his angst, but she did not know how to help him. The only solution that she could think of was for them both to return back to the wild, where they belonged and let the domesticated horses have their own life with the humans.

"Mustang," Arrogant Red moved in on the withdrawn Spirit. "I think you overstayed your welcome."

"What's it to you?" The golden stallion's eyes shifted from the lively horses in the field and on to grumpy Red.

"It's time to beat it. Can't you see that you aren't welcome here, pretty boy? Wild mustangs don't belong with us." He spoke to him harshly, rubbing salt in Spirit's already wounded heart.

Spirit stared down at the ground in sorrow. What could he possibly say? Red was absolutely right and it hurt him so much to admit that.

"You are unwished for, unwanted, unwelcome and I think it'll be better if you left. And take your little toy with you!" He snapped at him, baring his teeth in hostility.

Before Spirit could find emotional strength to reply to the ever so irritating stallion, a familiar voice chimed that he did not expect to hear in that second.

"You are forgetting yourself, Red!" Rain walked forward, the little colt pressed against her flanks, wobbling beside her. "You have no rights to refer to the father of my foal that way."

"I was just–" The stallion attempted to justify himself, but was immediately cut off.

"Not only is he the sire of our tribe's sacred Medicine Hat colt, but he's also the one that saved many of us on numerous occasions. Our tribe owes him so much. He will always be the heart of this village and he doesn't require invitations from you to get here!" She spat angrily, narrowing her eyes and pinning her ears at him with a fierce expression. "Don't you ever say that he is unwelcome, or I'll show you who really is unwelcome."

Spirit's jaw almost hung open as he stared at the vexed Rain in puzzlement, quite shocked that she had come to his defence, while Red seemed to be taking his words back in nervousness.

"I wasn't trying to be rude, I was..." He paused for a moment, glaring at Spirit with a devious smirk. Hah! He would get him this time! "You see," He cleared his throat. "I was merely suggesting him to get going, considering he has another foal on the way. That's what Conquest said anyway, so if he doesn't want to miss the birth of his other offspring, he should think about leaving now." Red finished with a prevailed, triumphant smile and left their presence.

Spirit and Rain looked at each other in silence, both of them realizing how true Red's words were. "He can be such a jerk sometimes," The paint mare snorted, rolling her eyes. "...but he is not wrong, Spirit. If my memory serves me right, Misty's due date is near."

Spirit nodded at her in sadness. "I know." He said quietly.

"With all things considered, perhaps, you really should go...if you don't want to miss the birth of your next foal, that is."

"Yeah...I should." He answered hesitantly, his eyes traveling to their cute, little son that he had to leave behind.

Spirit and Rain strolled further from the bustling activity of the camp, and made their way to the edge of the Lakota territory, as they had done many times when they were tied together in the village. The day old colt was bouncing by his mother's side, his energy level finally dropping low as exhaustion from the exciting morning slowly ruled over him.

"We should think about what to call our son on your next visit." Cheerful tone emitted Rain's light voice. "Little Creek will most likely give him a Lakota name to suit him in battle, but I was thinking we could give him another calling too."

Unlike Rain however, Spirit was not as merry and happy as before. Something had changed in his demeanour and the paint mare couldn't figure out what it was exactly. "War horse..." The stallion mumbled, observing his innocent offspring with saddened eyes.

"What's wrong?" Rain frowned. "Please, don't pay heed to Red's cruel remarks. He is just a jerk." She instantly added.

"It's not that, Rain." Spirit dismissed right away.

"Then, what is it?"

The stallion took a deep breath, sighing heavily. "I wish you both were coming with me."

"Look Spirit–" Rain started uncomfortably, trying to search for the right words to explain herself without hurting him too much, but Spirit interrupted her.

"I know what you'll say..." The stallion met her lovely blue eyes. "That you belong here and our son was meant to be a warrior, but that's not his destiny or yours for that matter. Being a war horse is not something to be proud of."

Rain's soft expressions hardened at that, as she attempted to pull herself together and not take Spirit's blunt assertion very personally. "How would you know?" She blurted with a cold glare.

"That being a war horse is not something to be proud of?"

"Yes!" She tensed, narrowing her gaze at him. "And let me guess, being a wild horse is better in your ignorant opinion?"

Spirit released a sharp air from his lungs, becoming frustrated. "I don't want our son to pointlessly charge into battle and get killed. And for what? Because some two-leggeds couldn't solve their problems amicably. Battlefield is not our place. No horse should fall victim to war. It only concerns handful of humans and I think it's wrong to drag innocent souls into it. Certainly not my son!"

Oh, great! Here we go again! Rain rolled her eyes in disbelief. "It is an honour for us to fight and yes, even DIE for our friends and homeland. That's loyalty and bravery, Spirit. It's also partnership between horse and rider. Something you know nothing about."

"I know what it's like to fight for my family and friends, Rain!" Spirit exclaimed, bit too firmly as his voice rose in anger. "But it's one thing to be loyal to your loved ones, and another to dedicate your entire life to warfare that doesn't even concern our kind in the first place. How can you support that? Didn't your sire–"

"Don't!" Rain snapped at him. "Don't you bring my father into this!" She cautioned, getting very irritated and emotional, as she tried to keep herself collected.

The stallion instantly regretted their heated exchange. "I'm sorry." Spirit shut his eyes for a second, realizing that this sensitive subject would only make everything even worse between the two of them. And the last thing he desired was to argue with Rain in front of their newborn foal.

"We should abandon this topic before we both lose it and regret what we say to one another." The young mare suggested, this time her tone was calm and no longer as agitated. It seemed like she too was of the same opinion as Spirit.

"Yeah, you're right." The golden-dun stallion agreed.

"So I suppose we'll see you in a week or two?" Restarted Rain their original conversation in a cordial manner.

"I'll come as soon as I'll get the chance." Spirit promised her softly. "I only wish the distance wasn't so great. It takes at least three full days to arrive here."

"I know. The distance between us is truly great." Rain nodded in understanding.

"Don't worry, though..." The stallion forced a smile on his face. "The distance won't stop me from seeing you two." His brown eyes wandered towards their sweet colt, who was presently preoccupied with drinking milk from his dam yet again.

"Friends?" The young mare offered, her blue crystals focusing on his warm expression.

Spirit regarded the beautiful paint with a longing gaze for a moment and then shifted his eyes towards the far-away mountains in the distance, the rays of the sun burning into his golden pelt. "Don't take this the wrong way, but...I'll pass on that one. I don't think we can ever be friends."

"W-why not?"

Spirit held her gaze once more. "You know why." He spoke painfully.

Rain watched him in silence, sensation of guilt and sadness tugging at her heart.

"If I accept your offer, that'll only mean that I have given up on us and...I can't seem to let go...not just yet. Truth be told, I don't ever want to." He confessed with a gentle bearing. Despite the heartache, his tone was conveyed in a soothing and tranquil way.

"Can we at least be civil?"

"I am civil. Of course, we can definitely be more than that...just don't expect me to click my heels and dance around you as though nothing happened like–"

"Great Conquest." Rain interjected knowingly.

"Yes, like Great Conquest." Confirmed Spirit, faint smile tucking on the corners of his mouth.

"Well, that's okay...you were never that good with your manners anyway." The flaxen mare winked as a mischievous smirk animated her pretty features.

"I lost my stubborn teacher. So I guess, I forgot everything she taught me." Even though joking, there was true desolation in his honest answer. "They say that old habits die hard."

There was a short interval of uncomfortable still, silence. Rain felt slightly awkward, not knowing how to carry on the conversation.

"Travel safely." The mare told him at last, as the colt ended his lunch for now and wobbled over to his tall sire. He nickered at him with a small whinny, his round blue eyes looking at his magnificent father in amazement.

"Goodbye, my son." Spirit lowered his head to the little one and nuzzled him with great affection. "I love you and miss you already."

Again the colt squealed with a high-pitched baby voice and licked his father's nose. "I'll see you soon, my little warrior." Spirit assured and stared back up at Rain. He wished to tell her that he loved her and would miss her, but figured it was for the best to keep that to himself. It wouldn't change anything, so instead he settled for a plain "Farewell." He was about to turn when...

"Oh! Wait, Spirit!" The young mother called him, suddenly remembering something important.

"Yes?" The stallion halted in his steps.

"If by chance you run into Bolder, can you tell him to stop being so elusive and at least let me know that he's alive."

"Bolder?" Spirit knitted his brows, confusion written all over his countenance. "I thought he led you in the village..."

"No, Great Conquest and the mare from your herd helped me." Rain explained. "The last time I saw him was when those despicable humans chased after him."

"What?" Spirit blinked, becoming even more dumbfounded. "Those men were after me and once I arrived to the scene, Bolder went back to the cabin to find you."

"I didn't see him."

Spirit was silent for a minute, growing rather pensive in his contemplations. Indeed, he had not given any thought to Bolder's fate. What had happened to the unfortunate recluse? Did the smashed fence of the paddock by that hut had something to do with his disappearance? And why on earth was Rain so concerned about him? He couldn't fight the sense of jealousy that surged up to him, but nevertheless he nodded. "If I see him, I'll be sure to pass on the message."

"Thank you."

"And don't forget to invite me to your union ceremony." Spirit muttered under his breath sarcastically and with some bitter edge to it.

Rain could've gotten upset at his unruly, envious comment, but she decided to take a different route. Giggling in amusement, she teased. "I would, but I only invite friends."

Damn, she was good! He had to hand it to her for that witty comeback. "You... got me." The stallion couldn't stop himself from smiling, as he let out a light-hearted chuckle.

"I got you good too." Laughed Rain.

"Yeah, you really did." Spirit begrudgingly accepted his loss, powerless to hold back an entertained grin.