Rucker is happily overwhelmed by his growing family. His big sisters and the twins, they are visual noise and excitement and his blue eyes are always drinking in their movements, interpreting their intent. In this way he is often aware of what they will do before they do it. Because of this, he is ready when his mother nudges him. As she moves down the line of children he waits eagerly, excited for her gentle touch. Rucker loves the sensation of touch. It is a connection he craves, one he will never get enough of.
Some days he is frustrated that no one speaks his language. It is all nickers and half whinnies and body language. Instead their mouths move and Rucker knows none of what is said. His one sister (Tioga, the kind lady had called her) didn't speak and he wondered if she didn't know the language either.
He nickers to his mother, a clumsy sound, and follows along beside her. The glint of gold in his mane shines in the pale winter sun. He does not know where they are going but it doesn't much matter to him. Rucker loves the Gates. It is heaven incarnate for the little boy.
The growing family comes upon a group of stallions. Two of them Rucker has met before and he goes from Mast, to Magnus, to Kronk (although he does not know their names) with a solemn nudge for each. He could tell the adults were serious but he didn't know why. And truthfully, he wasn't concerned. His world had always been happy and he felt it would always remain so.
The black colt returned to his family, greeting his biggest sister with a playful nicker, a sound neither could hear.