She knows.

As all women knew their bodies. And as this great mother would soon come to know her body in the form of another heartbeat, Tsetseg would be one of the many creatures of the world who knew what it was like to truly live for the sake of living. Surviving as the body demanded, incapable of not obeying the call— the experience had likened changed the mare. A family to protect, a boy who meant so much more than strife or whatever came beforehand. She had done it once and would do it again.

She is far along. Had the kicking turned noticeable? Did mother react sharply?

Examining the udder, hopeful it would not weigh heavy just yet or begin leaking premature fluids. And many inspections to the back end by nose and eyes would be monitored. For now, a brush of the woman’s nose along the mares legs, careful to check for swelling.

A reserved joy, only a whisper: Our herd grows, Batu.