A Herd By The Sea

Cinnamon Stride

"Hi" I jumped a little at the sudden, unfamiliar voice. I turned around, tilting my head wondering what a mare my age was doing alone.

Her coat was a light brown like powder cinnamon, and her mane like frosting. Her dark brown eyes met mine with a little shimmer of innocence. 

"I'm Cinnamon Stride" she added.

I snickered a bit at her silliness "Wild herds don't talk to other herds"

She hoofed at the daisies littering the luscious grass "well then can I join your herd?" 

The corner of my mouth bent happily into a smile "I don't see why not"

Finally a mare my age

I trotted around in circles with the playful mare who hopped each stride and leapt over patches of dirt.

"Shadow! Don't worry I'm coming!" Thunder yelled from behind. I pictured him in his signature pose on his signature rock. Rolling my eyes in annoyance.

"Thunder! Do I look like I am being attacked?" I spat

His head lowered from it's heroic stance to meet mine "No."

Thunder's hoofsteps faded until I knew he was back at the abbey with the others. "I'm sorry about him, he's really protective."

She gave a quick nod before playfully rearing up over my head, I replied with the tallest, bravest rear I could sum up.

"Shadow!!!" Flex's voice seemed to be three times louder as he galloped down. I rolled my eyes again "Ughhhhh". He trotted down holding his stance tall and threatening.

 "Hi there!" she yelped. Flex brushed my neck with his nose reassuring me I'm not breaking any kind of law.

"She's my age, just a little more playful" 

"I'm Cinnamon Stride!" She announced puffing her chest.

Flex lowered his head and as if talking to a foal said "Well Cinnamon, welcome to Pinta Fort Herd".

 I noticed a twig snap behind us, and the crunch of leaves.

"Thunder!" I said excitedly awaiting his jumping scare.

"Ahh!" Thunder groaned while jumping up and leaning one hoof on my shoulder. I giggled slightly and looked to an unamused Flex standing strong, rolling his eyes.