I Do Believe

The autumn insects could be a real pain. However, the glowing stallion found respite in the form of long soaks in the stream. There was a particular spot he favored—deep enough to submerge himself if he laid flat out on his side with his great, horned head resting on the shore.

Luckily, as winter would draw nearer, the insects would die out or go dormant, their offspring carefully laid to continue the cycle when the seasons warmed again. But for the winter, when his coat grew shaggy enough to mistake him for an overlarge pony, he wouldn’t have to soak. But during the summer and early autumn, he relished the escape and the sensation of the water flowing past him.

He was aware of the mare—he’d kept his distance, watching to see if she was alone or part of a herd he could integrate into and perhaps gather into his latest harem until he wandered and left them under the care of a new stallion or by some feat had them stolen from his care. It depended on the lead mare, as well, whether she desired top stay with him or someone else. He’d never begrudged the choice.

However, during one of his nightly ambles, he’d found the scene of her encounter with the cat. There was blood, and he suspected she could be more vulnerable and in need of a guardian. And, to be fair, he was longing for companionship of his own kind that wasn’t the mundane horses that wandered through the plains. He wasn’t sure what made the difference between mundane and his own. It was as if some decided that they were more than dumb prey animals. Or were, perhaps, born smarter. Or… maybe they just spoke a different language and were as smart as any.

Sloshing, he rolled to his feet, shaking out the water from his thickening coat and mane. He could see her off in the distance, but waited until he was at least presentably dry before moving off, whinnying a sonorous, respectful greeting. She’d be nervous after the cat, and he figured calling out well before he was close enough for his hoof-beats to reach her would be a better approach. Plus, it might give her time to watch him approach and… yes, his stallion ego did come into play… admire him.

Far from the facts of his physical glow and the horn, which he accepted as part of his appearance, he was as proud as any stallion at the rest of his build, given to prance slightly in the presence of a Lady of his own kind.

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think