✩───➵───✩

Spirit did not return for a few weeks. The White Thunder had been found by Little Creek and Rain and taken to the new Native American camp. Her gunshot wounds were healed, and now it was just before she woke up. But she did not do so and lay still for several days after healing. Rain and her rider were worried. If Spirit came back and found out that the White Thunder was gone, he would not be so happy. So they continued to hope.

The day Spirit returned was the same day the White Thunder woke up. It was as if she knew that now came the one she had been waiting for, the horse that had saved her from drowning. And the stallion she had in her heart. The thunder rose as Rain came over to her. the young paint mare was so happy that she immediately trotted over to her friend and helped her up. "It's going well, White. I'm here," she said, letting the white mare put much of her weight on Rain's side.

"w-what happened?" came a faint voice, and Rain sighed. "the two legs attacked us. But do not worry now. you had been shot and are still weak." White listened to the other mare and took it easy. But when she heard a familiar neigh, she lifted her head and smelled the wind. Spirit had returned. A smile blossomed on her lips, and she trotted out of the tent she had been placed in. she passed a small fire still burning out of the smoke and past the only thing that could keep her from her stallion.

Spirit saw her and neighed loud and happy. he soon set off at a slow gallop, and when he reached her, he rubbed his snout against hers. "I knew you would manage, White," he said, and tears welled up. White thunder smiled and put his head on Spirit's shoulder. "I know you made golden stallion. I know you would come back" both let each other rejoice in the silence of their greeting. Their gathering. Their love.

✩

Tears came as they said goodbye to Rein and Little Creek. "join us, Rain," White nickered softly. the paint mare sighed and nudged the address mare. "I can not. I belong here," she said, and Spirit and white thunder sighed. "Do it, your heart says, my friend. If you change your mind, send the eagle, and I will come to fetch you home. So we will always remember you," White said and bowed her head in farewell. The Rain did the same "until we meet again," Spirit said and turned and trotted in front of the white thunder. "yes until we meet again," White said and followed her mate.

They marched to gallop free and wild as the wind in the grass. Free as they should be. Free and wild as feral horses in the prairie.For their souls are free once more, and they shall never be caught again. for the soul is free. Because... the wild horse has a free soul.

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