Elowyn’s stomach was swollen, her babes pushing against her lower stomach. She was unsure whether she’d give birth in days or weeks but she was ready. The weight of the foal inside made the mare slow in her stead; purposeful hoof falls that echoed along the mountains edge. The falling water around her was peaceful, a reminder that despite her life having stood still while being pregnant, the outer world went on. It was exhilarating and frustrating all in the same. Of course, she was ecstatic to be having a foal, to be united with Pierce and running the herd in the Smokey Forest, it was all she’d ever wanted but she was tired. Her bones were weary, her stomach heavy, her brain a bit foggy.

Early winter was upon them, a bite in the air that chilled her bones. Soon a fine layer of snow would be covering the ground, a heavy wind that iced the earth.

The mare wandered a few more steps until she found a smattering of leaves left over from fall, untouched by the waters edge. Her weighty belly prompted her forward, eager to take the load off her abdomen. She did a slow, eager trot towards the leaves and when she came close, she lowered her bodice to the ground. It felt good to get some relief, the ground supporting the foal inside her stomach. She didn’t know it now but she’d be having twins, right now though all she knew was that her belly was large and heavy.

”Young foal...” She addressed the growing being inside her, looking fondly upon her growing stomach. ”I hope you grow up healthy and strong, a picture of your father.” It was whispered, a lullaby of sorts that she often spoke to her unborn child. She didn’t mean for anyone to hear her but as she looked up, she saw the form on another approaching. Her ears tapered against her skull; slitted eyes positioned on the stranger.

”Who’s there?”

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ooc; veebee99