"Mother? When do you think we will head for your family's estate?" Ebony asked hesitantly. Eyes averted and ears slightly back, she waited for Morningstar's reaction.
It had been a month since she last brought up the question. At that time, Morningstar had nipped her in annoyance. True, she had been pestering the mare about the topic incessantly for three weeks prior since her birth. Still, she felt the topic to be rather important.
After a few seconds, Ebony noticed a lack of response. Risking a glance at her mother, she caught the palomino staring across the fence of their enclosure at the stallions being exercised on the other side. Ah, and there was the other problem. Fortunately, the royalists kept the males in their own area, but there was plenty of interest to be had between both parties. Ebony felt a bit jealous, of course, but not overly so. After all, she knew from experience the draw of a stallion in heat.
"Mother!"
Morningstar jumped and turned to her. "What? What is it, dear?"
Ebony repeated her question with a snort. To her relief, Morningstar did not seem angry this time but answered softly. "Be patient, little one. You are much too young to travel. At the very least, you must be weaned first. And mind you, I do not want to see you rushing it and putting your health at risk. Do you understand?"
Grudgingly, Ebony consented to waiting longer. Thankfully, this place seemed safe enough, and she appreciated the care of the royalists. One day, when she regained her rightful place, she would have to find a way to reward them.
So, more days passed, and life settled into a comfortable pattern. Suddenly, that pattern was broken when...