Chapter 4: Nurse mare
Edin and Riko walked to the Ruk, after bathing and putting Sorren away. “Who’s Minara’s sire?” Riko asked, as they walked as they passed a group of kids.
“We’re not sure… one day we just noticed Sirie was pregnant, but we think she got loose and ran into one of the stallions.” Edin said. After a few more minutes, they reached the Fifth Clan’s Ruk.
The Kihlari nickered to them as they walked past them to Minara’s stall. Edin hoped her mother hadn’t moved Minara to another stall, because it would take them a while to find her. Luckily, they reached her stall, and there, curled up on a pile of straw, was Minara, with her long, black and white legs all tangled up.
Riko gasped. “She’s so pretty,” He said.
“I know! But wait till she wakes up, her eyes are the brightest blue.” Edin responded. Then Kali walked up to them. “What did Astra need last night?” She asked Edin.
“She found a new star in the sky, and needed my help charting it’s position.” Edin said casually.
“Hmmm,” Kali said thoughtfully. “Has she noticed that there is a star similar to the sun yet?”
“Yes, it’s the same one we spent all night charting.” Edin said. “She’s never seen anything like it before. It’s really strange.”
“Hmm, that is really odd. I’m sure she’ll figure it out.” Kali said. “Anyways, I’m going to see if Lissna will take Minara and nurse her.”
“Can I help?” Edin asked eagerly. “Sure,” Kali said. “Would you like to help, Riko?”
“Yes!” Riko said excitedly.
Kali chuckled. “Ok. You two get Lissna, and put her in the stall next to Minara’s. We’ll let her sniff Minara and get to know here, and if it seems she won’t harm her, we can put them in a paddock together. We don’t want them in an enclosed space yet, until we’re sure she won’t hurt Minara.”
“Ok,” Edin said. She and Riko walked off to Lissna’s stall, and Edin got Lissna’s halter. It was Spring Green, the exact same color as her feathers. The sunlight reflected off of her bright chestnut coat, which shone in good health. But her intelligent black eyes were hollow, and it was clear she mourned over her still-born foal.
“Hey Lissna, pretty girl.” Edin cooed. Lissna nickered, and lowered her head, allowing Edin to slip her halter on. She buckled the straps secure, then grabbed the lead rope and led Lissna out of the stall. Riko went ahead of them and opened the door to the stall next to Minara’s. She led Lissna into the new stall, and quickly exited, shutting the door behind her, not knowing how Lissna would react to Minara’s scent.
The tiny filly smelled Lissna, and shakily stood up, her long black and white legs splayed out. She tried shaking the wood shaving from her coat, but ended up falling over. She bleated in surprise, and got up again. She walked over to the wall separating her stall and Lissna’s. Lissna snorted, and jerked her head, smelling her. Slowly she moved her head towards Minara, flaring her nostrils and drinking in the filly’s scent. She squealed and stamped her hoof, confused by this filly, but then softened. She walked closer to Minara, and started sniffing her, and nuzzled her.
Everyone held their breath as Lissna accepted Minara as her own foal. “Should we put them in the same stall, now?” Edin asked, breaking the silence.
“Let’s put them together in a paddock, first, just to be safe.” Kali said. “But I think it’s safe to say that Lissna has accepted Minara as her own foal."