Leslie ran, crunching the grass, toward Yazhi, who was enjoying a succulent meal of red clover. Knowing what was about to happen, Yazhi’s ears perked recognizing instantly who it was even though the distance was still great. The sense of abandonment and need to forget everything except the rush of wind upon the face, the sight of the endless sky, and the feel of closeness with Leslie grew as the distance steadily decreased.
They were lifelong friends. It was as if they were both born to the same dam. They weren’t, of course; they weren’t even the same species, but that never stopped their mutual love. Both thrilled in the ever awakening of their senses each day, indeed every second, and they always appreciated the gifts it gave them. The touch of an embrace; the taste of pine nuts; the sight of a great prairie with majestic mountains in the background; the sound of their own heartbeat in anticipation of wonderment; and the smells that triggered memories that mixed together, brought happiness to each.
That happiness only magnified to something even greater when they were together. Both appreciated the relationship they had with their worlds. They could feel the hold the Earth had upon them, the place they occupied, never just floating around aimlessly. They knew that the sense of closeness that they felt and even the space they were allowed when needed were there for them always. But together, they had even more.
They talked to each other. They shared their appreciation for all of the goodness in their lives. They comforted each other when there was sorrow. They protected each other when there was danger or even the fear of danger. Love and happiness, life itself, was theirs.
Yazhi had turned slightly away from Leslie in anticipation of what was about to happen, but kept an eye on her friend. Leslie, now only feet away, his shoulder length golden locks trailing, he fixed his pale blue eyes on Yazhi’s beautiful hey colored coat and muscular shoulders and smoothly jumped and slid comfortably on Yazhi’s back, and then hugged and kissed her neck. Grabbing Yazhi’s mane, Leslie sat up and then leaned forward. “Run!” Leslie said without a sound. Yazhi reared up and jumped into a full gallop.
It wasn’t long before eyes closed, Leslie sat up straight, with arms spread wide and pumping, with fists alternating from clenched to open and back. From deep inside his being Leslie started a growl. Yazhi reflexively skidded to a halt as Leslie jumped off and opened his mouth. He danced with abandon while Yazhi reared high on her hindquarters and then moved side to side. Simultaneously Leslie and Yazhi let out loud screams. They fell to the ground and thrashed aggressively; getting dust all over themselves and each other until exhausted from the excitement, they just stared at the clouds.
Getting up, they groomed each other briefly. Leslie reached over and scratched Yazhi on her back near her left hind leg. She let out a soft nicker and Leslie moved closer. Yazhi turned her head toward Leslie and they touched noses and blew gently. After picking off some twigs from Leslie’s hair they nuzzled each other cheek to cheek.
Leslie said, “Can we go visit Harhar? I love the stories she tells.” Yazhi replied, “Of course. My grandmother will be thrilled to see you.” All species had their own languages on these prairies and they were all multilingual. It wasn’t that they could sense what each wanted to say. They talked, sometimes verbally, sometimes telepathically, usually a combination of both.
Leslie jumped on Yazhi’s back, hugged her again and gently held on to her mane. She walked at an easy pace wanting nothing more than to feel the closeness of her friend.
In less than four hours they were entering Harhar’s valley. They walked toward the river and soon spotted Harhar relaxing in her oat field along the river bank with Marty and Luna, Yazhi’s sire and dam. Also there was their friend Horizon. Many hugs, whispers, nuzzles, knickers, squawks, and clicks were exchanged.
“I am so glad to see you Horizon.” Leslie said. “If you would do me a favor and fly over to my mother’s house and let her know that I am here visiting Harhar’s valley and that I won’t be back for a day or two, I would appreciate it very much.” Yazhi then said to Horizon, “Please also fly to my valley and let my mate Billion know that I am with Leslie and my grandmother for the night. Come back though and join us. We want to visit with you too.”
Horizon took off with ease calling back , “I won’t be long.”
Marty let out a soft blow and thought out loud, “I have always been in awe of peregrine falcons and Horizon, well, she is one of the fastest I have ever known.” Leslie added, “And she is one of the most beautiful.”
