Dawn's Traveller (open)

[byrch]

After Mayrah had spoken to Ballook, Dooloomai turned his head toward the roan mare. He nuzzled her behind the ear, then lowered his head to exchange breaths with her. "Of course, I would still want you to be with me. That leg will heal. I've seen it a few times before, mostly in bachelors that were to full of themselves, battling against seasoned stallions." Closing his eyes, he let the scent of her breath sink in, enjoying the presence of the two mares. He had only ever wanted to be surrounded by loved ones, mares and foals, a peaceful family life.

Opening his eyes, he reached his head over to listen to Mayrah. The gray mares coat now shined in the sun, her forelock falling in a most pleasing way. He was momentarily stunned by her looks, and almost missed what she was telling him. He thought a moment, looking away from her. More bands were making their way to the river now for their morning drink, but no squabbles had broken out. Mayrah said she knew of a few safe spots, but would Ballook be able to hold up the journeys to them? Even if they had to stay in crowded areas, he would fight for these two mares. Raising his head in determination, he thought out plans for the future. But, a nagging feeling rustled in his stomach. What if Mayrah didn't want to stay with him? What if she wanted to travel the high country, and not be tied down with a stallion and lame mare? To not be slowed from life, to not face the dangers with him? He had lowered his head at these thoughts, ears turning outward, eyes downcast.

Deciding it wouldn't hurt to ask the gray mare, "Would you be kind enough, to stay with me and Ballook? At least for the winter? He looked at the mare, with a sad look in his eyes. Before her answer came, he turned his head away in shyness, and nuzzled Ballook again.

[Corowa]

Ballook was not completely convinced her leg would heal itself. Yet here, was a stallion who offered her safety and a place to rest, some place where she might begin to recover from the strain that had plagued her since that fateful day with the stockman atop Mt Terrible.

But, the most important thing now, was whether that silver-white mare Mayrah, would follow too. It seemed the mare did not in fact, belong to Dooloomai, or to any other stallion that ran the surrounding country. Ballook’s heart jolted in her chest at the thought of the gentle white mare leaving them. She shivered though she was not cold. Surely, Mayrah would come.

Dooloomai gently nuzzled her, but Ballook took no notice of the stallion. Instead, all her attention was fixed on the little, silver-white mare. Her nostrils vibrated with an unspoken imploration. She could not give voice to the turmoil of thoughts that flashed through her mind. It seemed suddenly impossible to go on, without Mayrah by her side.

[Tiggs]

Mayrah was not the jealous kind – she had shared stallions easily before – but seeing Dooloomai nuzzle Ballook so tenderly, she was consumed by the desire to feel that same gentle touch. Without saying as much, he had accepted Ballook as his own mare, and Mayrah found that she desperately wanted the same. She was amazed that she actually wanted to stay in one place, a yearning that had only affected her a few times before when she met a stallion that wanted her for his herd.

But the way he looked at her, or rather – didn’t. Was he avoiding her subtle request to join him? Would he rather only have Ballook? She could understand, Ballook would need a great deal of care, perhaps Dooloomai was keen to keep his responsibilities centred. A pit opened in Mayrah’s stomach, and she was sure that when Dooloomai raised his head again, he would be saying good bye. She could feel Ballook’s burning gaze calling her, and he grey mare was desperate for Dooloomai to say anything else.

Mayrah held her breath, and when his words came she released it in a reversed gasp. Nickering, Mayrah stepped forward and pressed her nose to Dooloomai’s where it nuzzled Ballook’s so their muzzles met in a triangle. Ears perked and neck arched, the grey mare nosed the pair of blue roans, her chest filling with elation. “Of course I will join you both, Dooloomai,” she gently lipped his nose, the rest of the sights and sounds and smells of the Bogong eclipsed by the stallion, “You only had to ask,” she whispered.