Sleepy Fox Hollow rhyolite

The sorrel bowed her head, insisting that Selenia continue her ministrations. After what they had gone through, the mare’s closeness was welcome. She moved forward to begin rubbing her muzzle in small circles beneath the mare’s thick mane, where the skin was warm and damp. 

She flicked an ear back, listening. A puff of breath lifted a section of Selenia’s mane at the mention of following a deer’s advice. She was skeptical of the skittish creatures, and their advice caused her to hold her breath for a moment.

The desert. 

She exhaled softly as Selenia continued. It was something she truly believed- Selenia only ever spoke up with advice if she believed with her heart that it was the right thing to do. Fancy, pessimistic, found it difficult to dissuade her, but felt it was necessary nonetheless to make sure they both knew what they’d be getting themselves, as well as Silverbirch, into.

I been in deserts before, She said. Not much food, not much water…We’d always be on the move lookin’ for fodder, and watchin’ over our shoulders because wolves live in deserts too. Smaller ones, but wolves all the same. She said. 

She groaned as Selenia untangled her mane and pulled free the burrs that had been bothering her. Her next confession caused the mare to smile softly. Good. ‘Cause you’re starting to show, to the trained eye, She said, dipping her muzzle to gently bump the mare’s belly. So am I, She said with a whisk of her tail.