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He was often an early riser. Lately, with LittleWind, Zheadeos and Rhydian coming out of their baskets, he was more tired and slept longer. Well as long as he possibly could before the foals got up. They required food and so either he or Riverfaith would get it for them. They would eventually need to start teaching their children how to fend for themselves but for now, they were still young and should enjoy theirselves.

But, as their father, he worried constantly about them. He worried about Aster, Bambi, Lorcan and Cadmium too even though they were all grown-up. Saeran supposed a father would never stop worrying after his children regardless of how old they were. Even when they became parents themselves.

Stretching his tired limbs, he headed down to the nearby stream. It was quiet, the sun was just beginning to come out, so possibly he was the only up this early. But soon the birds would begin chirping and at that moment it would be time to return to his family. Till that time, however, he was going to take a drink when he got to the stream and think. But at the moment he did not know what to think about. Something would come to him when he got to the stream. He was sure of it.

He walked the short distance to the stream and when he finally reached the edge of it, he bowed his head and took a long drink.

He was about to take another drink when his ears pricked at the slighest sounds of someone nearing him. Saeran turned and saw his son, Zheadeos come closer to him. "Awake already?" He asked, a little surprised to see him up.

Zheadeos was the most similar to himself, quiet and contemplative. LittleWind was a chatterbox, very social and kind, and always asking questions. Rhydian seemed like he would be a troublemaker, already trying to trick and get into trouble. But yes, Zheadeos reminded Saeran of himself.

He moved aside to allow his son more room. "Did you have a good sleep?" It had rained last night so Saeran wondered whether it caused a sleepless night for his children. Rhydian and LittleWind were sleeping peacefully near their mother when he left and Zheadeos had appeared as though he had been too. He worried over if his movement had woken him up. Children needed lots of sleep while they were young, Saeran wanted to ensure they all grew up to be strong, well nourished adults.

"I hope I did not wake you." Saeran knew his build was larger than most stallions. He was older though and should have a grasp on his size and how much strength and weight he should put in his movements but sometimes he momentarily forgot and walked noisier than he should.

"Good." He nodded. He noticed Zheadeos moving and looked down as well. "Worm?" He questioned. It was the first thing that came to mind because of the rain. They came out a lot after a good downpour. Saeran never noticed them much, needed to look hard at the ground to see or stoop down.

Feeling the nuzzle, he nosed his son lightly with his head. "It did rain a fair bit last night. I was surprised we all managed to sleep through it under the trees." Saeran was glad he hadn't been noisy rising this morning. "But then I don't recall lightning or much thunder so it wasn't that bad of a storm. Merely a spring shower." He spoke his thoughts out loud, thinking about the weather.

"Really?" Saeran eyed his son thoughtfully. "I did not hear you following behind, you must have came this way minutes after I already left. Meaning you didn't see me....?" He trailed off, waiting to hear what Zheadeos would say.

Saeran nodded along as he listened to his son's explanation. Brilliant how Zheadeos was able to deduce that and so quickly too! Even though the imprints in the grass would clearly indicate where Saeran had went, it was still intelligent of his son to come to the conclusion right away. "Excellent job then, Zheadeos." He smiled warmly, "you found me."

Wasn't he going to get cold? Saeran thought as Zheadeos went a little into the stream. Saeran stayed on the still slightly damp grass, watching Zheadeos. "Be careful now." Saeran didn't want him to slip and hurt himself but nor did he want Zheadeos to freeze. "Yes, I did." He actually only saw a glimpse of it as it passed by Zheadeos but it was rather large. "Almost as big as your head." He let out a chuckle. "Possibly trout."

Saeran took another drink of water and turned to Zheadeos. "Want to help me look for some berries to take home to your mother and siblings? It could be a treat for us all later."

He looked down into the water, thinking about it. "I think there are fish that are as big as my head, even fish who are bigger than that. I doubt you would ever find one in a stream or even a lake, but possibly an ocean. Though I have never seen one that large before but I do think they exist." He answered carefully, thinking about it. Saeran could not see the bottom of the ocean, nor could he ever go far into it but he was sure there were many secrets in it.

"Of course we can eat some, Zheadeos. But not for breakfast." Saeran stretched before turning around. "Come along Zheadeos, let's go and find some." He said over his shoulder, waiting for his son to catch up.

"And what's that, Zheadeos?" He asked. Saeran assumed Zheadeos meant seeing the rest of the world. Saeran would be supportive of his son if that is what he wished to do once he reached adulthood but Saeran also knew it would be a hard and long journey. The world was so large and admittedly Saeran was unable to see it all. But the parts he did see, he enjoyed it immensely.

He raised his eyebrows at Zheadeos' excitement, it was more like LittleWind to do than Zheadeos, he smiled. "I think we can, on the way we can stop." Saeran headed up the hill. "This way now, it's only a little in the forest where they grow. Stay close Zheadeos." He told his son, making sure he was in Saeran's eyesight.

The forest could be dangerous, Saeran had went through it many times before and never encountered anything remotely frightening but he might have missed something. But also, Saeran didn't want Zheadeos to get lost either, although his son didn't seem like the type to wander off.

He eyed his son thoughtfully. "I thought that was what you meant." He murmured softly. "I think there are many who want to travel at one point in their lives. I did as well. There were many amazing experiences and I learned numerous things. But I am sure you know how hard it can be sometimes." Saeran knew it too.

Once they were in the forest, Saeran began to sniff at some of the bushes, licking some of the fruit on one bush. "No, not these. Or these." He moved further into the forest, looking over his shoulder at Zheadeos. "Would you eat any of those, Zheadeos?" He questioned him, nodding at a bush by a large rock.

Saeran paused, turning to stare at Zheadeos. "Of course I will be there, your mother will as well. I like our home and I think we will stay there." He answered before continuing, "if you need me, or if any of your siblings need me, then I will be there for you and for them as well." And he would. He cared for his family and he never wanted to see them any of them get hurt.

He thought of his older children, he saw them as often as he could but Saeran knew it wasn't everyday like it was before. They were out there, living their own lives now, but Saeran couldn't help but think of them often. When LittleWind, Zheadeos and Rhydian grew older, he'd take a visit out there again. They could visit their older siblings too, both from his side and Riverfaith's, if they wanted to.

He smiled. "It's difficult to answer at your age, I'm glad you were able to admit it. When you're older you should be able to begin knowing which foods to avoid and which are safe. Sometimes you just know when a plant, grass or berry is bad for you, but sometimes it can be hard, there are times when I can't tell if a plant is good so I choose to pass it over, rather then eating them to find out. It's always safer to stick with the grass that grows all over than to try new food, especially if you go somewhere new." He explained.

He looked over the berries he had indicated. "But even if you had decided to try them, they're safe." Although Saeran was testing him, he wouldn't dare test his son with a dangerous plant. He broke off some of the branches of the shrub. "You can try a few, if you like." Saeran ate a couple.