Sleepy Fox Hollow will you sing for me, even when i'm gone?

he found her first—sundown, glowing gold beneath the sinking sun, her flanks kissed in amber light.
but her gaze wasn’t on him. it was locked ahead.

and then he saw him.
the bachelor.
he chorted.

a rolling, rough sound from deep in his throat as his head lifted and ears twisted forward.
he braced, expecting to shield her, to drive the rogue off—

but stopped. mid-step.
that scent.

the stallion ahead held his ground. not aggressive. not skittish. the wind swirled and struck colosseum full in the chest.
familiar.

his nostrils flared, ears twitching. the shape. the way the stallion moved. something in the posture, the weight in those legs.
wolf!

the name rumbled low and hoarse from his throat. a whisper wrapped in thunder.
colosseum took a step forward. muscles taut with wariness, but no longer laced with fury. a snort steamed from his nostrils as he slowed his gait, moving closer. his eyes locked onto the bachelor’s—his half-brother. kin!

you always did show up when the girls got pretty.
a huff of dry amusement, tail flicking once.

but his body remained poised. protective still. sundown was his now. his herd.