Underneath the quiet canopy of the tree sat a silver dappled mare, silent in her wistful brooking. Not a single grunt or sigh gave away her condition, for she was in the company of her most beloved, which gave her the strength to carry on. She had been through this once before, so it came as no surprise to her at all at what the situation would entail.
...Her newest set of offspring would be seeing the light of day for the first time. It was quite an enduring wait, though not one filled with ennui; the simple prospect of seeing her loved ones livened the mare, and filled her with excited energy, even. She turned to Dyre, her soft eyes dancing with delight as a warm smile displayed itself on her face. But then a small noise came from the baskets that the two-leggeds were so kind to provide for her family, and Maize's expression became a mixture of surprise and anticipation.
Her wings tightened beside her as she sensed one of her children tapping the top of the basket, and she motioned for Dyre's attention. "Dyre," she breathed out.
The day's warmth was surely comforting and especially perfect for the occasion, though it would soon go back into the chilly night; she would definitely keep her children close with her until they slept soundly tonight, and the rest of the days to come. Darkness settled in earlier than usual, which spoke of the cold days of winter to come. But the family would be well enough when they stick through it together.
