^the stallion jumps as she touches him, startled at such caresses. he briefly touches his muzzle to her cheek, then addresses her daughter with a soft voice^ My dear, how would you feel if you went away for a while, and when you returned, your home was under the leadership of someone else? They had filled your shoes and befriended your family and your friends. Changed your home until it was no longer your home. What would you do if your own son was angry with you for wanting everything back? If those that were inhabitants of your once-home were now equines that harbored hate and disgust for you? How would you feel? ^his last words are spoken even more quietly, the deep timbre of his voice dropped to a near-whisper. his obsidian stare takes hold of the flicka, his dark colors so unlike her fiery hues^
