Chogan had strayed from his mother, yet again. This time though, he was finding it hard to get his bearings in the forest and find his way back to the clearing. He looked at the trees, feeling like he was looking at the same ones over and over again. Sighing, he looked up into the air, wondering where his bat, Ahanu was. Probably sleeping at this time of day. That bat always slept though…even during the night. He continued through the winding pathways of the trees, listening to the chirping of the birds, the roar of the cicadas and the gently giggle of the trees. He wasn’t frightened. It was a beautiful day and the sun was in no danger of going down. He just…wanted to be home again. He longed for the safety of his mother’s shadow and the playful banter of his siblings. Chogan’s unusually small form continued winding through the path, stopping at a creek nearby. He nestled down into the ground and drank from the cool water. Sighing, he decided he’d take a break from wandering for now. He lay back, looking at the canopy of the trees, watching the branches attempt to reach out and touch each other. He smiled in content. Sure he was lost, but at least it wasn’t raining…or anything like that.
His search for her was getting him no where, though he has been scanning the skies almost daily nothing could be seen of his dear friend. A sinking feeling fell upon him as he thought. Why didn't she come to meet him that day? Heavy hoof falls achoed in the silence around him with every step he took. Her was a large stallion even by the terms of a draft and his coat was soft and shaggy. his mane haphazardly fell into his face shielding his eyes from view though still he saw well.
Chogan heard the heavy steps, his ears instantly perking up. He straightened out his neck, looking over in the direction. He saw a massive draft coming his way. He blinked in awe, not bothering to stand up, but when he noticed how small he was in comparison, he bolted to his feet, losing his balance and crashing into the water with a loud splash. He looked about pitifully, knowing the other had to have heard him. He looked over at the large stallion, offering him a crooked, goofy smile, feeling heat raise to his cheeks.
The splash caused him to turn his head hopeing to see the red and black mare he'd been looking for. Instead, all he saw was a small coalt looking rather pittifly embarased. " Are you alright?" He gave a deep rumble of a chuckle as he started to make his way for the poor foal, returning his grinn with his own lopsided goofy grin.
Chogan stared in astonishment at the mountain of a horse (at least in his overly small opinion). “You…are ….big…” he said slowly. He realized his mother would chastise him for not keeping up his manners and then said, “I’m fine…thank you.” After he got his manners out of the way he then said, “You lost too?” He stood up, shaking out his short, brown coat and flicking his small tail, wiggling his butt as he did so. He looked back down to the creek, seeing the reflection of the other stallion and then himself. He wondered if he’d ever get that big one day. His mother said he was the “runt,” whatever that meant, and that it was unlikely he’d ever get as big as his brother, but he still hoped. His mother wasn’t all-knowing…maybe.
Shilo chuckled at the colt's blunt remark. "Aye.. I come from big stock I do.." He shook his head some. " I'm looking for some one..." His voice was like fur, soft warm, deep and an edge of something else. "You lost? Where's your mum?" He looked around half expecting a mare to show up fearing for her foal's life.
Chogan looked around, trying to find whatever the other was looking for. “Big, big stock…” he mumbled, but was sure the other had heard him the moment he thought back on his words. He moved closer to the large stallion. There was just something about him that radiated a sense of comfort and gentleness, not malicious in the least bit. “Who ya lookin’ fer?” His ears perked up as he became curious, but flattened to his head as he remembered his current situation. “Yeah, I got lost…Mommy’s in a clearing with my brother and sister. I do this a lot… She’s not worried. I’m her protector!” He puffed out his chest, yet it probably looked more comical than threatening.
He couldn't help but to let out yet another rumbling laugh. "Ah well mommy's some times need protector.. but a good protector always keeps his charge in eye shot just in case." He smiled down at the foal, shaping his forelock from his face. "I'm looking for a friend.. she's mostly black with red markings and has feathered wings and yellow eyes.... you wouldn't have seen her would you?"
