Draped across the night sky the cedar branches formed a shelter for all those beneath them, protecting them from the elements and from prying eyes. It was a place well known to those who has reason to know, but tonight only one figure rested there, a mare with twins.

The moonlight cast intricate designs unto the mare and her children through the boughs, highlighting the black colts and keeping them from dissapearing entirely into the shadows. The larger one stirred from his sleep, blinking, and his dam pressed a soothing muzzle against his crest.

"Hush, Kiat," she said in a voice almost a whisper. "Quiet now, my Kiat, we must sleep tonight."

Hearing the familiar voice of his mother the colt buried his muzzle against her side and soon his breathing became calm, regular. The mare remained awake, peering nervously into the forest around her for the remainder of the cold night.