We Will Stand

[minerva]

He pushed the mare forward harder then he had meant to as he watched the mare struggle to stay on her hooves. He had run her all night and now she could barely stand. At first Page had nipped and kicked at him but the fun was over and he was left with a barely stable pregnant mare. Hero marched forward happy with his victory he had stole from the red stallion again warning him. Soon the time would be right. He turned his head to watch Scout spar with his young already restless son, Sid.

Page breathed heavily as she let out a slow and unsteady breath. Her foal was not due for another two weeks but it moved in her stomach and she stood still as a statue let her baby settle. So this was Hero's herd. He had done quite well but everything seemed to be different from Fire's herd they all stuck together. In the herd however everyone was spread a part and young stallions spared each other like they were getting ready for a fight.

Sid spud on two back legs just as Scout leap forward ready to attack. The young stallion kicked his front hitting the mare square in the chest and she flew back. "oof; very good. Your learning well" Sid smiled watching as a drip of blood fell from the mares chest as he walked forward and gave her a nuzzle. He knew very well Scout was his sire's mare but it was to late now she was now carrying his foal. She back up and looked towards the horizon " your father as returned if he catches you your dead" Sid stood back and shook his head " I don't care! Run away me" He whispered but Scout shook her head sadly and turned away back into the herd.

Sid stomped his hoof in anger at the mare. He looked around for Jeop but was not sure if he and his little sister had returned yet so he settled on walking over Sting and letting out a challenging call ready to fight.

Rocket bobbed his head from where he grazed beside the other young stallion, Sting. It had been a year since he had joined the herd and Hero had let them stay. 'His' mares had drifted away from him intertwining with the herd and soon he realized that neither was interested in him. That however was okay with him Aleta...what a woman too bad she was such a snob and didn't care for him at all but he would not give up!

Seren was standing nearby he head shot up as Sid passed by and she piaffed on spot watching him nip at Sting. She liked the stallion but he did not seem to notice her and she was not sure how to tell him. Perhaps this would be the year the season she would be a full fledged mare.

Shimmer glared as Kuma looked away but smiled when the mare looked back at her. The one who was caring Sketch's foal. She wanted Sketch for her own but he seemed to occupied with Hero's instructions to care about her. " so I was thinking the name..." Kuma began but Shimmer drowned out her voice as she looked over at the young black stallion with a sigh.

Kuma watched the mares eyes and landed them on Sketch " don't think about it. he's no good' she said flatly turning away and grazing ever since the stallion bred her she had not talked to him and would not even give him a time of day.

[Captain Stumpy]

Peril laid still, she could hear afue horses suffling around her but she was having a peaceful nap. "Muuuum!" cantering towards the peaceful white mare was a almost white exuberant yearling. Peril jolted ready to dodge if the filly didn't slow down. "Risk slow down" the mare nickered her eyes wide with worry. But Risk did stop, with a smile ear to ear. "Now your awake will you play with me?!" the filly whinnied exitedly. Peril sighed, laying herself back down again with a 'oof' "Muum" She whinned. "I'm tired Risk, Jeopardy will play with you" Peril said closing her eyes again, she was begining to wonder if she'd ever have a nice pregnancy. "Muum" Jeopardy said in a far more masculine whine. He'd had his eyes shut while standing up, hoping he wouldn't get disturbed by his sister if he didn't move. "Your not playing with your friends at the moment Jeop so you can play with your little sister for a while" Jeopardy frowned, not that his dam would have noticed, her eyes remained shut. Though Risk was looking at him hopefuly. "Fine" He sighed. Risk squeeled with happiness, running ivr to her larger brother and head-butting him in the ribs. Jeopardy grunted as his sister skipped laps round him. "Risk slow down" He grumbled. "Play nicely children" Peril said a smile on her face as she tried to drift off again. her mind drifting wondering where her stud had gone again.

Roamling was still wondering were her grand-sire was, she'd taken to wondering round the borders waiting. Of course she returned to Dagger or his family to make sure she wasn't missing any important Strath buisness. She hadn't asked Dagger what Serpents mission was, but she was honestly loosing faith that he'd be returing at all. "Why don't we gallop in the meadow?" "No" "Well, how about playing tag in the tree's?" "No" "What about playing in the hilly area?" *Sigh* "No" "Jeooopardyy" Risk whinned loudly, Roamling couldn't help but notice them, and scowl at Jeopardy when he dared to look her way. "Don't look at me like that Roamling" Jeopardy said scowling back. "I'd rather be sparring with Sid right now" he commented. Roamling chuffed. "Why don't you play somewere with her then?" she snorted. "Do I look like a Stallion that 'Plays' to you?" he snorted, "Hey Jeopardy mum said you HAD to play with me" the filly said stomping on the spot. "Grahh" Jeopardy grumbled. "Roamling do me a favor you look after her" Jeopardy pleaded. "Uh like to do a fovor for a Dalt" She said swishing her tail and leaveing the pair to it. Jeopardy flattened his ears "Fine, be that way" He grumbled back at her starting to walk again.
"So your going to play with me now?" ...


Machete's knee wound had healed on the outside, though still played her up when ever she knocked it, even just lightly it was incredibly sencitive. The Palomino had taken up the entertaining game of watching the younsters play out there dramatic little lives. She lowered her head to graze, expecting to see Dagger and his family in the near future. She was surprised that she hadn't walked into a Strath breeding herd. well she was more surprised to walk into a Dalt herd. She'd picked up the ovious tention in the herd, even if she didn't quite understand it all it was clear war was on the books. why else would 2 leaders unite and keep all there sons very close?


"Well she didn't seem very nice" Risk said, the walk around the territory had carmed her down. "She's a Strath" Jeopardy answered protending he new more than he did. He new Dagger and his followers were called Strath. and hed herd Hero being described as Dalt. So he'd guessed Hero's followers where all called Dalt. As they contiued to walk Jeopardy's ears pricked up as he watched Sid attack Sting. A smile crept up his face. Hero had told Peril that if Sid accepted Risk as his mare then she'd stay. Of course he loved his sister, but at the same time the oppertunity to dump his irritating sister on his irritating half-brother was a oppertunity not to be missed. "Sid!" Jeopardy yelled making Risk jump. He trotted over followed hastily by a confused Risk. "Havn't you had your arse kicked enough today?" the buckskin brother yelled at the young light cream stallion trotting up till he'd joined the little group. He smiled at Seren before standing confidently and taking up a spot near Sid, Sting and Rocket. Risk who was bold when around her family quivered as Jeopardy brought her into the large group of immature horses. Hovering at Jeopardy's rump she gazed between the 4 stallions and the filly. "Sid, I'd been looking round for you" Jeopardy smirked, "Can I introduce my sister Risk to the group" He said, only just noticing his sister hovering behind him, he took a step back and knocked his sister forward. "Say hi to the idiots Risk" he said with a smile, half expecting Sid to attack him at ay moment.

[Swede]

Though she hadn't planned on having any more of Hero's foals, it had been necessary in order to placate the stallion and prevent him from killing Peril's foal, Smoke's grandchild. It was not the first time she had done something unpleasant in order to avoid a greater evil- Fire's existence was a thoroughly bitter affair- and she chose to deal with it like everything else: begrudgingly but without wasting energy fretting about it. Things were as they were. Coincidentally, this reluctant offspring was almost identical to her first; a fiery red colt with the temperament to match. Subsequently, she named him Sparks.

Looking up with keen eyes, Smoke was quick to notice Hero's return. Hooray. But wait, was that... Page? The black mare flattened her ears abruptly, causing Sparks to glance up at his mother before continuing to sniff around in the grass. Hero had gone too far, to the point where Smoke was seriously considering whether to kill him or at least make him sore for a month. It was long overdue, at any rate. But she would have to talk to Page first before she could beat up that idiot stallion... Smoke waited a few moments for Hero to move off a little, and then strode briskly towards the younger bay mare, Sparks trotting after her in bewilderment over the sudden rush. "Page!" Smoke hissed as she came into speaking range, "What on earth is going on... are you alright? I swear, I'm going to kill him, he better start running because he's dead meat..."

Kaara watched her elder son from a distance as he interacted with Scout. She and her friends sometimes almost were forgotten by the others in the herd, but her own quiet eyes could see many things that Hero and the others were too busy to notice. The buckskin mare was afraid, though she couldn't quite say why; but this herd did not seem as safe anymore as it used to, and Hero was no longer the ideal stallion the three mares had agreed to join. The herd prepared for war, a bad enough thing in itself, but the atmosphere was almost like cracked glass, ready to shatter at the slightest bit of pressure. She was afraid for herself a little, but mostly afraid for her son. He was young and bold, more like his father than his mother, a good thing for a stallion to be perhaps but she hoped it would not cause trouble for him.

Heaving a sigh, the buckskin mare lowered her head to give her most recent newborn a nudge. Ghost was as pale as his namesake, and almost as quiet; he played with his half-sisters as eagerly as any foal, but he didn't ever seem to have much to say, or make much noise at all. Nazareth and Nineveh grazed nearby, their own fillies chasing butterflies without ever straying too far off. Bethlehem was the same chocolatey chestnut shade as her mother, though with a brilliant white mane and tail that flashed in the sunlight. Vashti, on the other hand, was almost exactly the same shade as Kaara, and a stranger might have thought she was the mother of the filly, rather than Nazareth. Giving Ghost another nudge, Kaara said softly, "Don't you want to go play with your sisters?" The colt blinked up at her sleepily, giving a wide yawn before standing up, tossing his head, and bolting off after the fillies as if he hadn't just woken up from a nap at all.

Sting lifted his head from the grass as he heard Sid's challenging call. The young stallion sighed and rolled his eyes. Of course his brothers were his pals, but he didn't have a lot of respect for them; everything was a competition here, always striving to become stronger, faster, better than the others, to be the best one, to put a smile on Dad's face. It was hard to maintain true respect for someone you were always trying to beat. Stupid Sid, just begging to get his backside kicked all the way to China, Sting thought snidely. He didn't know what China was, or where one might find it, but it seemed appropriately far away. The young palomino reared up and lashed out his front hooves, a warning cry issuing from his throat. He did not get a chance to battle his brother properly, however, before yet another sibling arrived and interrupted. "Oh, if it's idiots she's talking to then you didn't need to bring her over here, I'm sure you fit the bill just fine," Sting said with a smirk. Stupid Jeopardy.

"Hey gimpy, what are you up to?" the scruffy bay filly called out.

"Oh hush Azra, it's rude to call someone 'gimpy'," Aleta said sternly, though her expression was rather amused.

"What's wrong with calling a gimpy horse gimpy?" Azra shot back, tossing her head. "Anyway, I was talking with the oddball, not with you."

Aleta rolled her eyes, but didn't bother reiterating her point. It was true to an extent, after all; Machete was a little odd. She was with those horses, Dagger and his crew, and even though they had been here since she was born, they still felt like foreigners.


Sketch skulked in a corner away from the others, trapped in a perpetually bad mood. Kuma refused to acknowledge his existence anymore, and he wasn't sure why; she'd said it was fine, it wasn't like he'd pinned her down or anything, so why on earth was she so pissed off for? He had thought she was special, but she was just as stubborn and stupid and obnoxious as any other mare. Glancing up sullenly, he spotted the younger colts teetering on the edge of yet another of their brawls. Hmph, amateurs. Perhaps he would make himself useful and go whip them into shape... someone had to train them, and Hero was generally pretty busy.

Just then, Sketch noticed the aforementioned stallion appearing on the horizon, and he wasn't alone either. Sketch recognized that mare... It took a few moments to jog his memory, but then it hit him like a runaway train. That was Flame's mother, that was... Page, Page was her name. What was Hero doing, bringing the enemy straight into their midst? Or... was Hero already beginning his plan on a smaller scale, taking prisoners and weakening Fire's morale before they attacked in force? Snorting softly to himself, Sketch broke into a trot, approaching the buckskin stallion to hear the news.

[minerva]

-------
The wind blew softly into Hero's mane as he stood tall over his divided herd. His son thought he was stupid that he had not noticed him nuzzling his mare Scout. He kept silent for now, there was much more important things to tend to. His large head turned towards Page who stood like a statue her laboring sides the only dead give away that she was able to hear his words fully. "Welcome to your new home, Pageant Queen. You will learn to hate Fire with due time."

Page turned and snapped at the disgusting stallion. " You are nothing just a fool and e only reason these horses are here are because they are afraid of you. You will never be a stallion like Fire!"

"Enough!" Hero grunted and pushed at the already weak mare " push me once more and I will gut you." Page grimaced in pain but looked away as the stallion pushed past her. She let out uneven heaves and jumped when Smoke came to side. " Smoke!" her voice was in a hushed wheezy whisper " thank goddess your alright. I don't what's going on in the crazy head of Hero's he just sprang in and took me." she touched the older mare's shoulder before taking her eyes and looking over the herd. " We will kill Hero, just not yet."

Hero smiled when he saw Sketch make his way over " my boy, I bring you a gift. This is the lead mare of our enemy. Do what you wish will her." His smile as he walked away. This was Sketch's final test. A mare who had grown up with, he had bred Kuma when asked now would he have the guts to kill Fire's foal that would be born?

Shimmer's ears flatted " you should be happy that your foal is part of such a strong warrior such as Sketch. If I was in your hooves I would be way more grateful. Kuma was still looking away but it felt like a blow at each word Shimmer said, she had thought this mare a friend but now she saw her as just another mare brain-washed by a stallions charms. She turned onto the other mare " is that so?" her words were like ice " look here Shimmer you obviously know nothing about me! Sketch was my best friend he was like my brother so image Rocket breeding you." Kuma shook her head he long stringy forelock covering half her face.

The pale mare turned away and began to run only to stop when the first contraction started, she took deep breaths laying down onto the ground. Her first birth was easy it seemed like her body new exactly what to do and within moments it was over. She sat up and looked down at he dark colored foal.. A filly. " Hi little girl" she said slowly still dazed as she began to clean the fillies body. This was her foal and Sketch would never have the chance to get his hands on her not now and not ever.

Shimmer was shocked as Kuma ran off and was about to yell cowered when out of the corner of her eye she saw Sketch moving then Hero said something to him before walking off. Looking around before trotting over to the black stallion. " hey Sketch.. What are you up to?" she smiled and moved so close she was almost touching the stallion " you want to get out of here for a while?"

Sid sucked in his breath and landed on the ground with a thud irrigated with Jep for barging in like he did. If anything matter to Sid it was proving to his sire he was the best and should be chosen for next lead. Everyday Sid grew and with that came more hunger for power also the older he got the older his father got well his father may have skill he would not hold onto his speed forever giving Sid an advantage. The young stallion would bide his time for now. He let his eyes fallow over too his half brother " well you found me. What do you want?"

Sid looked disgusted as Jep pushed a puny filly towards him " what do you want me to do with that thing?" He asked holding himself back from starting a fight with his brother he let out a laugh at Sting's comment.

Rocket who had gotten bored looked over towards were Azra and Aleta were he looked back making sure none of the other young stallions noticed him leave and trotted over ready to try and attempt to woo his dearest Aleta! " Hey ladies! what are you up to?"

Scout looked out watching Sid with a dreamy look it had been accident him and her but still what was done was done. Hero was never around and never paid attention to her so she had been angry and seduced Sid which had been fairly easy only to find herself falling for the immature stallion.

[Captain Stumpy]

"Its not a thing its my sister dumb-arse!" Jeopardy said teeth gritted. Though his temper wasn't because Sid insulted his half sister, far from it he didn't like her too much either. But his Dam loved her for some reason, and to make her happy Sid needed to accept her as his, and with any luck stop her hanging out with him. Though Jep seemed to he handleing things with the larger horses, Risk felt far from safe, She wouldn't put it passed her dear brother to through her to the wolves if her mother wasn't around. "Jep I want to go back to mum" She uttered, rather quietly as she looked round at the larger youngsters the air seemed thick with tention, iching for a fight. "Not now Risk" Jep seemed to snarl back, there was no way of having a civil conversation between brothers, one always had to prove superier to the other.

Jeopardy then had a almost sinister thought, everything he did with his brothers ended in a scrap of one sort or another. Usually some trash-talk but never any preposles. "Well if you don't want her" Jeopardy said turning round, touching his nose to Risk's shoulder turning her round too. "I better go back to dad and ask him who else is deseriving of there own filly" He said curling his lip up playfuly as he spoke "I was hoping Sketch wasn't going to get another female this year" He whispered. "I'll just tell him you have to higher expectations" He continued with his back to his pale brother. "I'm sure dad will understand" He said smiling rather viciously but hiding it from his brothers. "Jeopardy" Risk whinned. "Not now Risk" He snorted at her, pushing the lighter framed filly infront of himself as he left the group. "I'll take you back to mum now"

______________

The insects flittering round the grassland flowers, The breeze was suttle but pure, the clouds moved peacefuly above, each one a purer white than the last. The tree's sweet with new leaves sang with the colourful birds resting apon them. Peril wasn't paying attention to the lot of it. She'd gotten away from her kids, Just as her next one wanted to see the world. She'd walked away from the herds clearing, She'd managed to make to the tree's by the stream before her contractions started. For the first time her foaling was easy. The white mare turned round to face her newest daughter, "Hello Beautiful" Peril nickered at her. A small palomino and white foal looked back up to its dam, already smiling. Peril smiled back, raising herself to herown hooves she cleaned up the filly. After a little while Peril was quite proud of the job she'd done the filly was practicly spotless. "C'mon baby time to get up" She said nudging the filly's rump.

The filly pushed up then leaped forwards as her back legs overtook her fronts falling to her chest, "Good try, and again" Peril said smilling and nuzzling the filly's ears. A little while passed and Peril was getting worried. "Give it one more go Trouble" Peril said standing beside her still ground bound foal. Trouble was exausted, her front left leg buckled every time she tried to stand and her right leg couldn't support her on its own. It took a unpleasently long time before Trouble was up on her unsteady front legs. The tiny filly managed to suckle quickly before laying back down and refucing to stand again. Peril, who was easily nerious anyway worried about spending so long away from the group. Eventully Peril forced the subject, "Get up Trouble, its not far honest" She said to the filly, who'd splayed her legs out. With a shove to the rump Peril got her filly to her hooves. And very slowly made her way to the group. Troubles left feltlock was so springy it almost touched the ground when she bore weight on it. Her gait was unslightly as the foal tried to compencate for its weakness. Peril just kept telling herself Troubles leg would streagthen, But what would Hero think of such a weak daughter? Peril felt ashaimed again. Hero was only accepting of Jeopardy, he hated Risk and she was sure he wouldn't accept Trouble. She was a terrible Dam, but what could she do about it?

Truthfuly she didn't have to go far before she was back at the edge of her herd once again. She looked down to watch Trouble colapse forward, the filly's eyes glistened at the sight of more horses, but made to attempt to get up again. Peril raised her head to look at the Herd, Everyone elses foals seemed okay this year, and Hero had even brought back a new mare....
Wait..
She new that mare, it was one from Flame and Fire's herd what was she doing here? She couldn't remember the mares name but new Fire thought fondly of her. She looked round She couldn't just leave Trouble on the open grasslands, but she'd never get to the middle of the herd with a crippled filly. Spotting a apporpriate sized bush, she pushed Troubles rump, The Filly begrudingly rose again to its deformed legs. Peril looked at her herd quickly hoping no-one was watching her filly as she walked. "Good girl" Peril said to her daugher as she made it to the grassland scrub bush. "Now wait by here and I'll be back in a little moment" Trouble gave a little Nicker as she watched her mother walk off towards her herd. Then curled up in the long grasses in the shade of the bush the tired filly closed her eyes to sleep.

Peril looked back afue times, but was happy her filly was quite safe and apeared hidden between the grasses and bush leaves. By the time she saw the new mare Smoke had also come to her side. "Smoke?" Peril said looking roud to be sure no-one else was ease-dropping. "What are you doing here?" She then whispered to the new mare, Peril could see Hero walking off into the distance, She could speek to him about her daughter later, with any luck while she was away her foals leg would stregthen up, yes thats what Peril chose to believe.

__________________


Dao, pinned her ears flat at the filly's incolence, "Shouldn't filly's your age be leaving the herd by now?" She hissed, changing the subject on them as hastily as she could. "Or are you hoping your sire with breed with you too? have some more Dalt imbreds running round" She snapped her ears remained pinned her voise was like poisen. She lashed her light golden tail behind herself. waiting for the too Dalt fillys to take there insults and leave.

[Swede]

Smoke gave Page a gruff nudge; it wasn't characteristic of her to be particularly affectionate in any way, but she sensed that Page probably needed some comfort, and Smoke was the only one here who could provide any. The last thing she needed was for her son's beloved to break down completely. "Hero's been crazy for ages, but lately he's become downright dangerous," Smoke muttered grimly. "I don't know what he's up to, but something is very wrong with this herd, I know that much... it's probably best you stick close to me, I'm still lead mare around here and most of the others should leave you alone if you're with me; a few are nice enough, but there are many I don't trust at all. Kuma and Sketch are still here, but Hero's completely brainwashed Sketch..." The black mare glanced up at the sound hoofbeats, but relaxed slightly when she realized it was just Peril. "What do you think she's doing here? Hero's been an idiot again. Honestly, I would have left a long time ago, but..." Smoke hesitated, glancing over her shoulder for safety's sake, before continuing in a low tone, "The Strath are here as well, Page. Hero's working together with them. A Dalt, working with Strath... he's completely insane. And it's not just anyone either, it's Dagger and Ivory. If I tried to leave, those two would probably hunt me down... if Hero didn't do it first, he's not exactly affectionate and I'm not sure he would be too kind to a deserter."

Sparks nudged his mother's side softly, and when she ignored him, he sat down in the grass with a bored sigh. It would be nice to go play with the other foals, but they were quite far away, and he was still quite young so it seemed scary to go all the way across the meadow without his mother. He could ask his sister to accompany him, but she was far away too, and he wasn't so sure he trusted any of the other older horses. They played pretty rough with each other, and Sparks doubted they would go easy on him.


Sketch widened his eyes a little at Hero's words. He gazed towards the bay mare in the distance as Hero walked off; she was a fragment of his past, had been an adult already when he was born, and though he didn't really remember much about her now, it felt strange to see her again and to be told that she was all his. Hm. Well, she looked exhausted anyway, and Smoke and Peril were crowding around her. He could deal with her later.

He was distracted by Shimmer's arrival. The young black stallion hadn't really paid too much attention to that group of new arrivals, as they tended to hang out more around the younger gang. But Shimmer was a little older, the same age as him, and pretty enough. "Oh, nothing much," he said casually. He glanced over her shoulder, scanning the herd, but could not see Kuma anywhere. For a moment, worry flared up in his heart, but he immediately squished it back down. Why should he care? She hated his guts, she wouldn't want him around anyway, and if she was going to be like that then she wasn't worth worrying about... right? A rebellious mood overtook him, and he looked back at Shimmer with a slight grin. "That sounds like a great idea. Ladies first, lead the way!" It was foolish and weak-minded to long for a mare who refused to go near you; so why should he let Kuma make him suffer? He'd show her. He didn't need her. Here was a lovely mare who actually approached him, and while he didn't know too much about her, she could still serve as a nice distraction. Sketch was sure Hero wouldn't mind; if he wanted Shimmer, he'd already have gone after her, but the older stallion had shown no sign of caring about her or her sister.



Sting watched in amusement as Jeopardy taunted Sid. He had to admit it, Jep could be pretty clever at times; he certainly knew how to push Sid's buttons. Though, come to think of it, he did have a point... Sketch might be the oldest, and Hero's little darling, but why should he have first chance at whatever mares Hero didn't want? Shouldn't Hero's real sons be important too? Hmph. Risk was kind of pathetic though, one of those weak foals that the rest of the herd had mostly ignored. Good enough for Sid maybe, Sting was sure he could do better. He just had to watch and wait, be a little bit stronger, a little bit more clever than his siblings; he'd prove himself to their father, come out on top, and then Sketch wouldn't be the only one getting the mares.


Azra snickered, quite unruffled by Dao's comments. "Silly, we just don't want to offend you, I'm sure it would make you sad to see someone who actually could leave if they wanted. You couldn't go anywhere if you tried. Not with that leg, and not with those Strath weirdos. Anyway, I just asked what you were up to, you don't have to be rude you know. But I guess you're just standing around like always, don't know why I bothered."

Saber noticed the little group and even from a distance, their stance and body language made it obvious it wasn't just a friendly chat. Sighing, he walked towards them, pinning his ears. "What's going on here?"

Aleta gave the young stallion a dismissive glance. He was a year older, and in truth a little scary, but she wasn't going to let the house guests walk all over her. "None of your business, Saber. I suggest you scurry back to your father, I'm sure he's wondering where you are."

Saber narrowed his eyes. Machete was a bit of a pain in the rear for him; he was always being told to keep an eye on her in case she tried anything funny, Dagger was still a bit suspicious of her. But an annoying Strath was still loads better than an annoying Dalt. "And I suggest you close that pretty little mouth of yours and scurry back to your brothers, since your father doesn't even pay attention to you," he snarled.

"Yeah? What are you going to do about it?" Azra challenged.

"Don't push me, runt," Saber answered, baring his teeth. "The nice part about your dad never glancing your way is that I can take a solid chunk out of your hide and he won't ever notice."

"You wouldn't. He'd beat you to smithereens," Aleta said, though there was a hint of doubt in her voice. When Saber and Sketch were younger, and Aleta just a foal, she had remembered Saber always being extremely aggressive towards the other colt. He didn't just play; he dished out pain as though it were his job. And the Strath lot had been getting bolder lately, what with Hero hardly paying attention to the herd anymore and getting increasingly unstable. Maybe, just maybe, Saber really would attack them if they pushed him too far.

Azra laughed out loud, not sensing the tension in the air at all. "Yeah right, I bet your gimpy little girlfriend here is braver than-" She squealed and dodged suddenly as the pinto stallion lunged at her; her escape was quick enough that his teeth only grabbed part of her mane rather than the top of her crest, and the two younger mares bolted. Saber spat out the hairs he'd pulled loose and stared sullenly after them. He couldn't wait for the day when Dagger turned on Hero; his hooves were itching to slaughter the pair of arrogant fillies. Oh, and there was that stupid little Outsider colt, tagging after their heels again... only thing worse than a Dalt was a filthy mongrel like that.




Having managed to make an escape and put some suitable distance between themselves and crazy Saber, Azra flopped down in the grass. Aleta could practically see the steam coming out of her ears. "Serves you right, you know," she said, casually lowering her head to graze, "You can annoy someone to an extent, but you have to be able to tell the difference between when it's safe to make offhand remarks and when they're on the verge of wanting to murder you." Azra glared at her half-sister, but said nothing. Upon hearing Rocket's voice, Aleta rolled her eyes at Azra, and lifted her head to look at the approaching young stallion. "We aren't up to anything. What are you up to?" she answered coldly, hoping the pesky stallion would go away. He was like a little foal, always chasing her tail and being annoying.





Nineveh lifted her head from the grass, watching quietly as the foals played. The mute mare was an invisible figure in the herd, noticed by Hero if she was in heat but otherwise just a shadow of Nazareth and Kaara, who were hardly prominent individuals themselves. She didn't mind, but sometimes she felt as though she had no control over her life, or her foals. As Ghost joined the games, Vashti gravitated towards the white colt, and Bethlehem started lagging behind; she was not necessarily a weak filly, but she was a little smaller, a little bit shy, and if playing one on one with the other foals they paid attention to her and she kept up fine. But if the group was bigger, she had a tendency to be forgotten and left out. Frowning slightly, Nineveh walked towards her daughter, who sat panting in the grass, having given up on keeping up in the races the other two were having. The mare nudged the filly back up to her feet, and motioned with her muzzle for her to follow. Setting off at a steady walk, the dark chestnut mare approached the little gang of stallions, announcing her presence to Sting with a gentle nip. "Mom? What's the matter?" the palomino said with a frown. She nudged Beth forward, gazing at her older son expectantly. "What? Oh, come on... I'm busy with the other guys here, I can't babysit her now," he protested. Nineveh sighed; she had hoped he would take more interest in his little sister, but he was always roughhousing around with the other colts, and she feared they would be a bad influence. Nudging Beth again, she took a step back from the group. She wasn't so sure she trusted them to be careful even with a little foal nearby, so it was best to scooch the filly out of the way. Surveying the herd, she noticed that Smoke and Peril were talking to the newcomer, and that Sparks looked to be phenomenally bored; but she wasn't so sure she dared approach them. It was a little awkward, being the silent one in a talking group. Instead, she turned and began walking away, Bethlehem close in tow. "Mama, where are we going?" the filly squeaked. Nineveh motioned broadly; the whole territory was theirs to explore. "Oh, we can go on an adventure? Just you and me? The others will be jealous when they hear about that," Beth said happily. Nineveh nodded and smiled; a little hike around the territory would keep the filly entertained and tucker her out enough for a nap later, without feeling left out of the group. A special trip, just Beth and her mama.

Soon the herd was out of sight, but something put Nineveh's senses on alert; there was someone nearby. Stepping forward carefully, she suddenly encountered Kuma, and it seemed the mare wanted to be alone. Bowing her head apologetically, Nineveh took a step back, but Beth skipped forward instead, eyes bright with curiosity. "Who is that?" she breathed, stretching her neck out long as a giraffe as she stared at the newborn nestled by the white mare. Nineveh nudged her filly, but Beth pretended not to understand her mother's gestures, even though she normally knew exactly what the mare meant, as she continued to gaze at the stranger. It was a foal, just like her, except a tiny bit smaller. A new sister?

Nazareth looked up as Nineveh wandered off, but figured her sister knew what she was doing. If she wanted to roam around the herd a bit, that was her decision. It didn't sound like a bad idea, either; a little conversation might be nice. "Can you keep an eye on them?" the bay mare asked Kaara. The buckskin nodded, and confident that Vashti was in safe hands for a while, Nazareth strode away. She spotted Scout standing on her own, and decided to approach the mare; to be honest, Nazareth didn't know the others in the herd very well, but conversation was always a start. Plus, she had noticed Scout and Sid spending an awful lot of time together, or staring at each other when they thought nobody else was looking. "Hey Scout," she said quietly, halting near the mare. She nodded down towards the group of young stallions. "I take it you're doing more than just keeping an eye on them, eh? Don't worry, I'm not going to rat you out or anything... but I'm curious to hear what's going on." It was odd, to have seen Sid as a foal clinging to Kaara's tail, and now all grown up and attracting the eyes of grown mares. It seemed he had taken after his sire more than his dam, though. Nazareth just hoped he turned out alright; Hero was beginning to feel like a very bad choice of stallion, and it would be unfortunate if Sid ended up being the same.

[minerva]

Like a ghost the pale stallion show up out no where. He bared his teeth at Saber as he darted forward giving the young stallion a nip. " Is that so colt?" he spat into his ear taking a bold step back to look Saber straight in the eyes. He was older and though Saber was already a worthy opponent he would not take any chances. " it's seems as if your daddy is not here to stand over you colt, I ever catch you touching any of my herd member again I will kill you myself and deal with your father afterwards. Don't think for one moment I don't know that you and you sneaky stralth are always up to something. I know very well there is more of you. I'm always watching"

Hero had always kept his distance from the herd and he knew very well what was going on. They all thought him crazy and never paying attention but it was time for a wake up call. The only reason he kept Dagger around was because you always kept your friends close but your enemies closer. He wanted to know what the Strath were up to. After he murdered Fire's herd he planed to retreat with his sons! Peril and Smoke the rest of the herd he could care less about what happened to them. Those three never tried to talk to him, plus they had only given him one descent son so far, Kuma had become annoying in the way she talked back.

With Saber out of the way and dealt with the buckskin stallion ventured over towards his sons grouped together he snarled at Risk still angry over Peril betraying her. First was first he wanted to talk to Sting then he would go talk to Peril maybe be sweet on her for a bit. She had a newborn he had not met yet maybe she would give him another beautiful son like Jep.

Hero shook his head out of his thoughts " Sting, my son I need to speak to you for a moment. It's important and top secret." This was something that he would not trust anyone with other then his own flesh and blood. He had chosen Sting because he had watched his sons for a few days now and Sting was the most level-headed. This was a special job.



Hero stepped away and walked towards his hill passing by Scout and one of the three mares he had still not taken the time to learn the name of. He stopped beside them and gave them a nod before turning his back " Jeopardy, I need to see you as well." He said casually before turning back to the hill.

Hero was not really one to love anyone, his exception being Peril of all mares, this one had caught his heart she was not dark and twisted like him but she was always trying to please him. He looked out towards his herd and glanced Peril feeling a warmth in his wicked heart. It was time for the stallion to tell her everything, if she stayed then he would finally confess his feelings and if not it didn't matter he would not let her leave. He would keep her by his side have his sons watch her anything to keep her as his.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Pageant fell silent as Smoke explained the situation, closing her eyes for a moment not helping to feel very secure and loving the fact that Smoke wanted to help protect her, she had known all along the cold mare had feelings!

The bay mare turned her head when she herd another mare " I could ask you the same thing?" She snorted coldly " You are a spy for Hero?" She did not remember much of the mare he name had been something... Gem, Topaz, P-p-p-Peril! Yes that sound right, the mare had been kind the short time she had stayed in Fire's herd but even so Page would not let her guard down. " Or are you just another mare pulled into Hero's wicked games? The stallion is nothing but a cruel,evil and lier. Don't trust a word he says mare."

Pageant had not forgot the things Hero had done stealing Smoke, taking off with Sketch and her adoptive daughter. She looked around for a moment to spot the sweet filly but was not able to spot her, though Kuma had not been her's she still had mourned her loss like her own foal.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Wait!" Sid screamed like a little whiny girl before straighting up " uhh I mean Wait." So this was dad's idea, anything that was dad's idea what truely the best ever!! The thought of Sketch getting another mare would truely piss him off besides dad wanted to give him his first girl! Thought he was still kind of young and wasen't really sure much about girls since Scout was so confusing. at the same time he thought of the bay mare he manged to glance up and see the worried expression on her face and she stared back at him. He almost stopped what he was doing to go over and investigate but she had looked away and he knew that would give them away. He turned back towards Jep " well pass it over it's mine now." he laughed bitterly.

However before he could say anything more he jumped when he heard his father's voice and he looked over excited to hear what Hero had to say, the young stallion would kiss the very ground his father walked on if he asked. His ears feel like a sad puppy when his father asked to speak with Sting. He glanced overat the other young stallion and gave him an angry snort before looking away and waiting until his father walked away with Sting at his hooves.

"What does dad have to tell Sting? Besides if its something top secret-" Sid's eyes nearly fell out onto the ground when Hero called Jep over as well, he turned to his asphalt brother " b-b-bu" he sputtered in shock! Before shaking his head " DAD!"

Hero turned his head and looked straight into his son's eyes " Sid?" he growled and right away Sid could feel his lungs gasping for air. what had he even thought before yelling at his dad.. He couldn't seem to remember. He was was shaking as Hero leaned forward " Sid, you better have a good reason for yelling at me." Sid swallowed hard " I'm sorry dad, I just wanted to know why you didn't want me" his voice was shaking like crazy. Hero chuckled and looked over at Sting and Jep before turning back to Sid " you want me to trust you?" Sid looked confused " what are you talking about dad?" he asked " you know very well what I am talking about. Listen good boy. There is a reason I haven't killed you yet so be grateful. Yell at me again and you won't be so lucky" With that said Hero turned away leaving Sid standing there trembling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shimmer was delighted at Sketch's answer and she smiled at him, she nudged him playfully on the cheek and began to walk in the opposite direction Kuma had gone. " I was speaking to that mare Kuma, she ran off like a complete lunatic. I dont know what her problem is" that was a lie she knew exactly what it was but she didn't need Sketch to know that. She wanted Sketch to herself and if that involved making Kuma look like a monster so be it. She would make Sketch bred with her then make him claim her. She smiled more widely at him " Anyways I think she's out of your hair for good. I was I'm that area the other day and I had smelt a cougar nearby. With her looking like any minute she would pop the kid, she's good as dinner for that beast." Shimmer laughed sarcastily before carrying on and acting like it was no big deal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenade Watch the colts with interested she almost wish she was put in the same situation as the other filly. She would not mind being given to Sting even if it was a prize. She took one more stealing long glance at Sting before trotting to catch up with Aleta and Azra maybe they could help her with catching Sting's attention? She let out a soft snort in hello and took a bite of grass " hey" she nodded to each filly in turn and nudged Rocket. " So you guys know Sting pretty well right?"

Rocket rolled his yes when Seren had intruppted him and the ladies he had really thought they had a moment going on a minute ago. He smiled and winked at Aleta taking a bold step forward " oh Aleta I know we have are differences but everyday you grow more beautiful then the last please run away with me!" he was almost in tears with so much emotion, after all he was pouring his heart out to her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Scout and Sid locked eyes for what seemed like an usual long wait but finally she manged she rip herself away. No more she had to cut it off, Sid needed to focus on his job at hand, impress his father and the last thing she wanted to do was get him killed. Could be possible for her to be falling in love with the stallion? When she got him alone he had been different then he is with his brothers he had been sweet and funny and made her feel more like a mare then a warrior like Hero did. She turned and looked into Nazareth eyes though she didn't know the mare at all, she looked honest " I think I love him.." she whispered and stopped when Hero was within earshot and nodded back towards him. When he left all the words came tumbling out before she could stop it " Sid's like an entire different stallion when he's alone belive it or not he's sweet and actually caring but I know we can't be together his sure would kill him for betraying him and plus he keeps wanting to run away with me but it gets harder and harder each time to say no." She looked down at the ground tears streaming down her face " I truely love him and I want to raise his foal good and strong."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kuma breathed in the fillies scent once more still not able to belive that this little beauty was hers. She twisted her head around when she heard someone approaching but saw it was one of the group or mares who kept to themselves and a filly of her own, she nodded not fearing for her filly's safty but happy that there was someone else to keep a watch over her, Kuma was new to all of this after all.

She manged to to pull herself to her hooves and smiled at Beth " this is Inscenacija but you may call her Cija." She nudged the smokey black foal " say hello Cija."

The filly let out a large yawn and blinked turning to the other filly and back at her mother a bit scared but when her mother said nothing she attempted to stand falling twice before she was up " hi!" she squealed in a tiny voice.

Kuma smiled very glad that her filly was already finding a friend just then the wind blew towards her and a familiar scent one that she had smelt before hit her. She looked at Ninevah wondering if she caught the scent at well, before a growl could be heard and the bushes parted to show a large wild cat, golden as the sun.

Kuma swallowed hard and stepped forward daring the cougar to touch her foal, she clamped her teeth at the air. Just then the cougar leaped towards its long claws glittering off the sun.

[Captain Stumpy]

Jeopardy surged with rather dispicable pride when he got Sid to practicly beg for his sister. Risk was the first to spot Hero coming over. She tripped into Jeopardy to avoid Hero's Killer glair. "Risk" Jep coughed tripping over her before noticeing his sire. "Sire?" Jeopardy said after Hero spoke, It was said more in confustion than a question. He fell rather silent when Hero snarled into Sid. Even Jeopardy felt a little nervious for his brother, what had he done to piss Hero off? He'd have to ask him later. His first thought was on the 'Top Secret' somthing Hero was going to share. He didn't know if he wanted the responcibility of Top Secret? He quietly sighed so Hero couldn't hear, then gave a confused and worried glance to Sting.

"Jep?" Jeopardy's hair pricked suddenly, his head whipped round to his sister. "Go play with Sid" He whispered in temper. "He's scary" She said looking back at the cream stud. Jeopardy nearly growled at her, "Then go find mum on your own, Top Secret means not you!" He said his whisper getting louder, "Will you tell me later?" Risk asked stopping while Jeopardy carried on. "No" He barked wondering how his half sister could be so dumb? He trotted to catch pace with his Brother and Father.

______


Risk looked round at the horses closest, scary Sid was the closest horse to her, but he looked like he was put in hims place. So she didn't want to get under his hooves. She turned towards the bushes using that as a attempt to hide and get away from Sid and with any luck get towards the center of the herd and her mother.
"Can't beleive how meny mongrels Hero's sired this year" Serpent hissed walking beside his granddaughter. "I know, its discusting" said the grulla and white mare. "That weird white dalt mare birthed a right manky thing" The mare continued to say to the old paint stallion. "I missed it" He answered, "Though if we're to have a mind advantage in this war killing any pure blood Dalt would be a advantage" He mused.
Risk remained motionless in the tree's greatful that they couldn't see her at all.
"Keep your distance from the Herd Roamling" The old stallion said, rising to the brow of the hill, "With any luck Hero's herd will implode on its own" He said walking over the hill and away from the herd, followed by the mare.
Risk releaced a deep breath, her knee's wabbled, and her heart raced, She reamined quiet till she was sure they were gone. 'Freaky group of horses' she thought to herself as the bushes ended and she was faced with another group of her-own herd-mates.

She couldn't help but notice the foals, she was the only one born her year, she was still too young to play with Jeopardy and his gang, but foals where to young to play with her. She sighed and continued to wonder round the herd rather aimlessly. She still couldn't see her dam, though thinking back to the words the creapy horses said. Did they mean her mother? was she away because she'd foaled? She grew rather exited at the prospect of having her own little brother or sister, she'd be a much better big sibing than Jeopardy. He tried to give her to one of his friends, like a thing! She scowled at the thought, she'd tell her mum about it then she could tell him off.

_________


Peril was rather taken back when Page assumed she was a Spy, "I'm not a Spy" She said taking a step back from Page, "He's not all that" Peril said rather defencivly, though she couldn't quite bring herself to believe what she said. She could almost feel Smoke's angry eyes before she looked at her. "He wasn't always this way" she said shuffling her feet. She could feel herself digging a hole.

She drew herself back to the first time she met Hero, Out on the open meadows after dark, the glow-bugs glistening like the stars above. And Hero, His voise was magic, his eyes glowed with passion, That memory was a jewel to her, That was the Hero she new and loved. Hero might have changed over the years, but Peril new he could change back. What the other horses said, the whispers of war on the wind, She chose to egnor it, Ignorance is the bliss afterall.

[Swede]

Sketch nodded slowly at Shimmer's words, rolling his eyes at the thought; typical Kuma to go running off like a little drama queen. But then Shimmer mentioned a mountain lion, and the young stallion stiffened abruptly. What if something happened to her? Hmph, he shouldn't care... but still. "Well, no matter what I think, Hero would probably kill me if I let anything happen to a member of the herd, so I better go check up on that real quick, and then we can continue on, just you and me," he said, doing his best to act cavalier about it. He wasn't so sure Hero actually would care if Kuma was killed or not, but Sketch figured it was quite possible, and it made a good excuse- er, better to be safe than sorry. "You don't have to come along if you don't want to, I shouldn't be gone too long," he said over his shoulder, before loping briskly towards the area where Kuma had supposedly gone.


Nineveh sighed and left Beth to her own devices; if Kuma wasn't too bothered by it, she supposed she might as well let the filly satisfy her curiosity. They had already barged in, and it was too late to change that fact, so might as well make the best of the situation. The dark chestnut mare nodded to Kuma, before lowering her head to graze as quietly as ever. Pleased that her mother wasn't going to bug her about manners anymore, at least not at this particular moment, Bethlehem returned to examining the unknown filly with renewed gusto. "Hi Cija," she said, flicking her tail happily. "My name is Bethlehem, but that took a long time even for me to be able to say properly so you can just call me Beth. And I'll call you Cija since your name is pretty long and complicated too." Positively wriggling with delight, the chocolate palomino stepped forward, brushing her muzzle against Cija's. "You and me will be best sisters, oh and you have to meet all the others too. There's Ghost and there's Vashti and there's Sparks, and Risk who is a little bit older than us and Sting who is my big brother and then my half-sister but also cousin because her mom is my mom's sister, her name is Azra. And then my other halfbrothers Sid and Jeopardy and then my other halfsister Aleta." Beth paused, taking a deep breath. "But don't worry about all that, there are a lot of horses in the herd but we can just play with Ghost and Vashti and Sparks since they're the same age as us." Technically, Beth wasn't related to Cija at all, but they were two foals growing up in the same herd, that was good enough to be sisters in her book.

There was a sudden change in atmosphere, and before Nineveh could really even mentally notice the predator, her sharp senses and instincts already put her into motion, stepping forward to place herself squarely between the cat and her filly as Beth just as quickly scrambled sideways. Before they could react further however, there was a flash of black, and the cougar was suddenly flung sideways. Caught off guard and partially cornered, the cougar went into defensive mode, hissing and yowling as it batted angrily at Sketch's face with its large paws. Flattening his ears, he struck his hooves out repeatedly; though a foal was a tasty snack, few cats dared face down one healthy adult, let alone several, and the cougar quickly dodged past the stallion and sprinted for the trees. Two dozen yards away, it paused, glancing over its shoulder; Sketch pinned his ears again and charged towards it threateningly, not stopping until the cougar had bolted out of sight. Hmph; it should be too busy licking its wounds for a while to risk attacking the foals again anytime soon. Tossing his head, Sketch turned back towards the mares, and then saw the newborn filly. His breath caught in his throat, and he lifted a hoof to take a step closer. But then he glanced up, his eyes settling briefly on Kuma; he opened his mouth, but then closed it again, and with a frustrated flick of his tail, turned and walked wordlessly away.

Saber did his best not to lose his temper completely as Hero berated him; ugh, how dare that filthy Dalt treat him like that! He glared after the buckskin stallion as he walked away; one day his dad would kill that stupid horse, and Saber would be all the happier for it. Now in an absolutely foul mood, and with nothing to unleash it on, he glanced sourly at Machete. "Try to stay out of trouble, alright?" he grumbled, before stalking off. He was done babysitting her for now; she claimed to be Strath but she was probably some filthy traitor, she seemed to act like it sometimes. Ugh, constantly waiting for something to happen... Dagger said there were battles in the future, first against Hero's enemies and then against Hero himself, and then anyone else who tried to deny the Strath dominion... but it seemed so far away. Walking along angrily, he soon found himself quite a distance away from the others; and, to his surprise, nearly tripped over a tiny little filly hidden in the grass. "What the..." Saber promptly closed his mouth, glancing around hurriedly, but he didn't see anyone close by. Lowering his muzzle as though he were grazing, he sniffed at the foal critically. She stank like Hero, all right; if Saber had to guess, he'd bet this was Jeopardy's little sister. Ugh, that colt had been a pain when they were younger, completely uanble to keep up with Saber and Sketch and always in the way, just a little runt. His little sister was even more pathetic, and this one... this one seriously took the lead in terms of weakness. Its foreleg looked demented, and Saber couldn't help but wonder if Peril had just abandoned it completely. Well, it didn't matter. There were no witnesses around, and Dagger had been promising Saber would kill something soon, as a necessary part of a warrior's training. This one might not put up a fight, but it was a start. Nobody would miss a deformed runty newborn, anyway. But he had to do it quietly, and make sure it couldn't be traced back to him- splattering himself with blood would be a stupid mistake. Snorting softly, he ignored the filly's pathetic squeak of confusion, as he almost tenderly closed his jaws across her nape while bracing a hoof against her shoulder. Then, ever so careful to avoid breaking the skin, he tugged sharply backward, snapping the foal's neck before she could make a single sound.

Huh. It was that easy, was it? Saber stared at the dead foal almost curiously. He didn't care about the thing at all; she was worthless in the eyes of the Strath, even to her own parents with that leg. Killing such a weak thing wasn't a waste of life, and new foals were born all the time anyway. But he suddenly felt much calmer, much more relaxed, as his bad mood dissipated into satisfaction. Saber's first kill- maybe not a victim to brag about, but a victim nonetheless- and it was an intoxicating feeling to have power over life and death like that. Plus... this was Hero's foal. Saber smirked, before turning and trotting briskly away from the place before anyone showed up to see him there. He felt like he'd gotten revenge for Hero's earlier actions, and he was pleased as punch about it.


Sting was on the verge of bursting out laughing at Sid's swift reaction to Jeopardy's clever manipulation, but abruptly shut his mouth when Hero approached them. His eyes widened as the stallion singled him out specifically. Him, talking about something top secret with his sire? "Yes sir," the palomino said quickly, stepping forward proudly. While Hero was looking away, he smirked at his brothers, feeling extremely superior at the moment. But then Hero selected Jeopardy as well, and Sting grew a little more thoughtful. What was going on, anyway? What could this important thing be.... well, whatever it was, no doubt he and his brothers would be up to the task. Him being the best, of course; but he wouldn't begrudge Sid and Jeopardy a little glory as well. But then Hero lashed out at Sid, and Sting was almost a little frightened. He glanced nervously towards Sid, before following his father obediently. Sid was annoying as a fly, but it would really suck if Hero killed him...


Smoke snorted a bitter laugh at Page's accusations. "Peril's not a spy. Peril, you're sweet, but I'm not going to sugarcoat it- you don't have the cunning it takes to be anything like that. You're a proper idiot though, if you still believe Hero's anything but rotten. I'll excuse a stallion for stealing a mare, although I'll still be pissed at him for it, but when he stole me he also tried to kill my grandson and that is unforgivable. You've seen the way he treats members of his own herd, and you've seen how the foals have grown up to be cruel and selfish. And only a madman would ever ally himself with the likes of Dagger. You're too gullible, and he's taken advantage of that; but he isn't even half the stallion his father was." Smoke fell into a brooding silence. Sterling was the only stallion who had ever cracked open her heartless facade and glimpsed the mare she might have been, had she lived a different life. And now he was gone. But this struck a memory in her, something Peril had mentioned when she had returned from Fire's herd. Checking once again to make sure Hero wasn't in earshot- after all, he didn't know where Peril really had been, and it would be disastrous if he found out- Smoke glanced back at Page. "When Peril came back, she mentioned having seen Trace. What has happened since I've been gone, Page? Trace died, how would Peril know about him?" Sparks shifted a little in the grass and Smoke glanced down at him impatiently before returning her attention to Page. She was still annoyed at Peril; Smoke had been forced to let Hero breed her in order to save Risk's life, and it was because Peril had such poor judgement of Hero. Why on earth had she come back to the herd pregnant with another stallion's foal? No one in their right mind would believe that Hero would raise it like one of his own, let alone let it live at all. And now Smoke had another unwanted foal to burden her.


Azra looked up lazily as Serenade approached them and asked about Sting. "Well yeah, he's our brother," she said with a yawn, "What about him?" The bay filly was not a very perceptive individual, and she hadn't really noticed Seren's furtive glances towards the young stallion. To Azra, Sting was just another obnoxious brother who was fun to annoy but otherwise not really that interesting. She was distracted by Rocket's pleading words to Aleta, and laughed out loud, rolling in the grass. "No, Aleta, run away with me instead, I just looove you sooo much, you're as cute as a bug and just so friendly, and smart, and you don't smell too bad either," she said in a mockingly lovestruck tone.

Aleta rolled her eyes at her sister. "Like anyone would ever run away with you, Azra. No thanks."

"Bet he would," Azra snickered, motioning up at Rocket, "He seems pretty desperate, if he's so interested in you."

Snorting softly, Aleta glanced back towards Rocket imperiously. "I'm not running off into the wilderness," she said, utterly unmoved by his display of emotion. "And I'd suggest you be a little more careful, and act with some more prudence. You don't want my father beating you up, do you?"

Nazareth watched Scout sympathetically. "Well, if you truly believe that, then I am both happy and sorry for you. Love is a rare thing, and a precious thing to have; but it can also cause a lot of problems, as you seem to be aware. I care about Sid; I helped raise him after all. I don't want to see him getting hurt. If you really do want to be with him, then run away; it's a big world, it wouldn't be easy for Hero to find the two of you, especially not since he's busy with the herd here. If you aren't willing to leave, then break it off now before it causes problems for Sid- or for you. If you're pregnant, what do you think Hero will do with the foal? It's dangerous for all three of you if you continue this. I know it may seem cruel, but a decision has to be made. I'm not going to stand by and watch my best friend's son be killed because of the foolish decisions love causes."

[minerva]

Hero looked out to his endless grassy field that carried it's way onto other herds that he sometimes could smell on the winds. They however never bothered him so he did the same. His chocolate brown eyes swept over his two sons who stood before him and for a moment a vunerable side arose for the wicked stallion. He never showed his sons any love for the reason he wanted them to be cold like him, but even a stallion like him could have a weakness being the strong bond towards his sons or the love Peril.

"My sons" he started his eyes sweeping over his herd and looking to make sure no one was nearby to hear him. " As you may or may not know a great war between myself and another very wicked stallion who attempted to banish me from his herd and forgot that he is Dalt and should not onlymfall in love with a flithy outsider." The stallion said each word with venom in it and only stopped to stomp his hoof on the ground and take a deep breath to calm himself. He looked from each son and back again " I have a mission for both of you" his words low as he leaned forward stopping to look at Sting " Those mangy Strath are up to something and I don't like it everyday there seems to be more and more of them." He looked over towards Peril " I want you to take the mares and young foals to the Valley, specially that mare Pageant I want her hid well and Smoke." He looked into his sons eyes " I want you to watch Smoke,Peril and Pageant like a hawk, do you understand me? My enemies are not to find these mares." Hero was very pleased with himself as he turned toward Jeopardy the muscles and veins in his neck thick and showing " and you my son, do you remember when your mother was attacked by that large cat? I want you to go back there my enemy Fire-your enemy as well lives there. I want you to go there and cause some havoc and steal one of his daughters. If you succeed I may let you keep her for yourself." He grinned with satisfaction " one last thing before I shoo you off. Jep have you seen your mother I need to talk to her before Sting takes off." The time had com he would tell her everything and finally make her his true queen.

Pageant trusted Smoke with her life and if she said Peril was not a threat then she was not, however that did not meant she had to like the mare at all. Pageant turned her head away and with a distant voice " She does not matter at the moment; what matters is you,I, Kuma,Sketch and Farja get out of her now." The bay mare lowered her head to the piling snow where were a small light bay bundle slept. She was tiny and weak and had been born later than she have been. Page closed her eyes for a moment and hope that the breeding Hero had done to on the way had not done anything.. She would refuse to raise a foal by him to help him in any way. She thought of telling Smoke but when the black mare asked about back home and little hope came into her eyes and then horror what if Fire did not want anymore once he found out she might be pregnant with Hero's foal? " A lot as happened since you have been gone Smoke. you have many grandson's and daughters now other then Flame there is Flint, Furry,Flammable,Fiery and are new daughter Farja. Payton was a mess last time you saw her and she ran off and one day appeared with Trace! Can you believe that? And- Pageant fell silent when she saw Hero coming towards them.

"Hello ladies" The light buckskin said smoothly he winked at Smoke and rubbed up against Page who stood with disgust on her Face " oh sweet sweet Pageant don't worry so much it could be bad for our child" He nibbled on her forelock before she pulled away looking down with shame.Hero laughed and turned towards Peril " oh my sweet Gem I need to speak to you in private about important matters." He smiled sweetly at her.

Sid felt a warm sensation down his legs and suddenly realized he had wetted himself. The pale stallion always acted the toughest around his brothers but when it came to Hero he was as small as a fly. He looked around before moving away from the herd. He would stay out of Hero's way for a while though he could still see his sibling's he was feeling rather upset that they had been chosen.he flicked his tail in attempted to get rid of the wet feeling.

Seren blushed "oh nothing really. I was just curious about him is all" She attempted to act like it was no big deal but inside her heart was beating twice as fast. She really liked Sting but really had no way to tell him without looking like a complete fool. She looked over at Rocket and knew that would not be a way to win someone's heart over at all, he sounded completely retard to her.

Rocket straightened up perhaps he was going about this all wrong. " yeah I don't what I was thinking" he said nonchalantly. " I mean how could something so beautiful love something like me?" He smirked at Aleta and leaned closer " you know where I am if you need me lovely" he turned away and walk a few feet before beginning to graze.

Shimmer stopped her hooves in frustration as Trace took off she was about to fallow when she saw a foal out of the corner of her eye. She walked over and smiled." Hello you must be Peril's daughter? We haven't met yet but I'm Shimmer how would you like to be my little helper?"

Kuma closed her eyes and waited for the puma to attack her but there was whoosh and the wild cat was chased off. Kuma tucked Cija close to her as the tiny foal shook. She had to swallow hard when Sketch's eyes landed on her and not evening thinking she ran after him "Sketch wait!"

Scout looked away and there she saw Roamling and Serpent she needed to talk to them right away. She remembered to act her part of course looking back at Nineveh " I-I just-" the bay mare ran off into the trees a smile on her face the entire time. She waited a moment before walking around in hopes of Nineveh not spotting her or anyone of Hero. She walked with her head up a wicked one in her way. " Serpent-I need to speak to you and Dagger." Scout raised her head ready for the old stallion to snap at her.

[Captain Stumpy]

Peril felt totally out of place and rejected, She was just about to leave and get back to her daughter Trouble when she heard Hero's voice. Her face lit up when she saw him, "I wanted to see you too" She smiled as she came up to Hero, she wrapped her neck over his withers before taking a step back. letting Smoke and Page's insults wash away. Hero wasn't the monster they made him out to be, and neither was his sons, Jeopardy was a perfect gentleman, and his brothers behaved as well, they have little scraps now and again but nothing serious.

Peril began to walk back towards where she had left her palomino and white daughter. She felt a pang of shame, what if Hero doesn't accept her? She was convinced Trouble would be better at walking as she grew but what if Hero didn't believe it? "I, I had a filly this year" she continued to smile but it quivered with uncertainty. They where close to were Peril had hidden Trouble when a flash of black darted through the tree line to the side of where they walked. Peril hardly noticed and didn't flinch.

She spotted her filly, who had her back to them, thinking the foal was only sleeping Peril dropped hear head and touched the foals back to wake her. A shiver ran up Peril's spine, She flew round to face her foal head on, "Trouble? baby?" she murmured, but her baby was cold, dead cold. The little fillies face was frozen, twisted in fear and confusion, not to unlike the face Peril was pulling now, "Hero?" Peril said her tone quiet and weak, she looked up to her King, she was fighting back tears with reasonable success. "why is my daughter dead?" she sniffed, her voice still quiet, she had a strong urge now to find Risk and Jeopardy, just to make sure they were safe, just to be with them.

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Jeopardy cringed in his mind as Hero brought up that attack he suffered as a weanling, he new exactly where that had happened, scarred into him mind for his lifetime. He nodded in agreement to his father, words didn't need to slip passed his lips. He watched as Hero excused himself before he'd answered, though when he looked in the direction Hero had walked he could easily see his white dam beside a black and bay a mare. He looked at Sting, he'd have rather had his job but no matter. "Sting you better look after my Mum" He said in a threatening tone, his ears flat. he wanted Sting to know he meant it. "I'm heading off now" He continued turning his back on the golden brother. "You can fill in my mother before you leave with them, I'll catch you up in the valley when I can" That was the last thing he said before he cantered off towards the shallow creek, he had a lot to think about before he met with this nemesis Fire.

He crossed the creek with ease, even for the time of year. But now he had a few things to think about, like how the hell he was going to steal a daughter of this 'Fire' stallion without getting beaten to a pulp. Havoc would be easy to cause as long as he didn't get caught. He didn't know Fire owned the territory his mother was hurt in, he'd just assumed she was alone, and a rogue stallion had taken advantage of her, but what if that wasn't true? what if it was Fire who had found her and taken advantage? was it possible Risk was the daughter of Hero's worst enemy? He shook his head, that was stupid, His mum loved Hero to deeply to betray him like that. If Risk was Fire's offspring then Peril wouldn't have kept her, and Hero would have killed her as soon as.

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Risk looked up to one of the older fillies, "yeah" she smiled, her tail wagged a little from the attention. "I'm Risk" Her young mind soon got distracted from the serious thoughts of what the Dalt horses had said in passing, and that her brother tried to give her to one of his scary brothers. She thought about what the pretty filly had said about helping her and it sounded like a great idea, a lot better than hanging out with her brother and his friend. "I'd love to help you" she continued to smile, "Your really pretty" she continued, "Your one of the new fillies aren't you? not one of my stupid half-sisters" Risk said merrily, twisting her face a little when she mentioned her sisters.


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Serpent had heard the bay mare start her stealthy approach, However the Dalt mare was quite enough to spook his granddaughter. "And who the hell are you?!" Roamling snapped, all on her toe's after her startle. Serpent raised his head to look at the stranger. One of Hero's mongrels, Thanks to his poor eye-sight he couldn't tell which one, but he new by her figure she wasn't a Dalt. "Roamling go see if the Strath Leader has time to see a *Cough* outsider". Roamling screwed her face a little, glared daggers at the bay mare before raising her tail and bolting towards the nearest hill, disappearing quickly but her hoof-beats lingered longer than the sight of her.

Serpent turned his old head back to the mare, his dead-locks falling in his eyes, but he didn't flinch to move them. he was learning to reply on his hearing more and more anyway. "So" he said his voice course and gravelly. "What might a loyal follower of Hero have to say to Us?" his ear twitched, it wouldn't be a long wait for the Strath King.


Roamling was over-eradiating her gallop as she quickly glanced round for the bay and white figure of Dagger or at the very least Ivory, she was never far away from Dagger. Hero's territory was big, it had to be for all the horses it was expected to support, but at the same time it was mainly grassland and it was easy to spot other horses, it didn't take long for her to spot Dagger. "Dagger!" Roamling was hardly subtle at the best of times, she certainly could have done with a couple more lessons in edict. She stopped short of the stallion "One of Hero's Outsider's wanted to talk to you and Serpent about something" she said with a bit of a wheeze, "He's over there with her" Roamling said pointing over a grassy knoll some tree's poked out from the other side. She swished her tail as she settled herself, after her gallop.

[Swede]

Smoke listened as Page described the changes that had happened to the herd in her absence; the news was interesting, particularly the bizarre and impossible story of Trace's return, and she was curious to hear the details. However, Hero came along, somehow managing to arrive at the worst possible moment... he had a knack for that, stupid stallion. And the news that he let slip was enough to ruin Smoke's mood entirely. She lifted an eyebrow at Page; she had somehow forgotten to mention she had bred with Hero, eh? Smoke looked away, bluntly ignoring Hero's presence and Peril's fawning behavior. They both disgusted her.

Sparks remained huddled in the grass, staring up at the adults with wide eyes. Then he huffed and flopped his head down again. At some point, he couldn't be bothered to be nervous around them anymore; mostly they were just boring. The big stallion was scary but he didn't pay Sparks any attention, so it wasn't really important. Hm hm hm... come to think of it, there was another foal next to the bay mare his mother was talking to. She looked really tiny and kind of pathetic though... plus she was asleep. Though he didn't really understand much of what went on in the herd, it seemed it was important to be tough, and the filly didn't really fit that description.

Sting listened to his father's orders carefully; it sounded a bit confusing, and he wasn't so sure it would be easy to convince the mares to actually listen to him, but he didn't dare interrupt Hero with such questions. After the stallion's outburst at Sid earlier, he felt it was best to stay on dad's good side. At least his mother and aunts wouldn't be too much of a problem, hopefully. Azra would be absolutely impossible though... hopefully Aleta would see sense in the situation and help him coax her along. Inhaling deeply, Sting nodded, accepting his father's commands. Then he turned his head, and felt an immediate twinge of dismay. Seriously, the herd could not be more spread out... he couldn't even see his mom or Kuma, Scout was apparently wandering off somewhere leaving Nazareth entirely on her own, Kaara was off way over there by herself with the foals, and it seemed Hero would be occupying Peril's attention for a while, too... well, at least he had plenty of time to get the job done. At least, he hoped so. Picking up a trot, he set a course towards Nazareth. One mare at a time; if he relayed the plan to the more reasonable individuals first, hopefully the rest of the herd wouldn't be a problem.

Nazareth was a little surprised by Scout's sudden departure, but shrugged and lowered her head to gaze. Everyone in this herd was a bit strange; it was just something to accept and get used to. She was not left alone for long, however; within minutes, Sting had come close enough to make it clear he was approaching her. Nazareth looked up at him as he closed the final distance between them. The little colt her nephew had once been had grown into a young stallion already, it seemed...

"Hey," the palomino said, suddenly feeling a little awkward about giving his aunt orders. But he wasn't really giving them, anyway... just relaying them from Hero, was all. "So uh, dad wants to move the herd- the mares and foals- to the valley, so they're safer. So you know that. If you talk to mom and Kaara before I do, could you let them know, so everyone's ready a little bit quicker?"

Nazareth regarded him quietly for a moment, but then nodded. "Of course I will. I'm glad to hear Hero is concerned for us, and it's good to see you being helpful and responsible." Sting shifted uncomfortably, not quite sure what to make of her statement, and then abruptly turned and began moving off to gather up the others.

Nineveh tucked Bethlehem close to her side; she could see clearly how frightened the filly was. Luckily Sketch had driven off the predator, but that didn't mean the shock from the experience went away immediately. Physical comfort was all she could provide; she had no words left in her to soothe Beth's anxiety with. She glanced up as Kuma started after Sketch. Such young creatures, to be having such troubles... she had never really been in love herself, it seemed to make life more difficult though. It was much easier to just find a stallion who was decent enough at protecting his herd and had an acceptable territory. If you were safe and the members of the herd got along, life wasn't so bad. She had to admit though, this herd was a bit less stable than ones she had been in before. Dismissing such thoughts from her mind, she took a step back, nudging Beth back as well; she figured it wasn't her business to intrude upon the feuding couple.

Sketch paused midstep, turning his head slightly to indicate he was listening. He didn't speak; what was he to say? They had not parted happily before, and it was clear she hated him. For all he knew, she probably wanted to yell at him some more. She wanted him to wait, and so now he did. He waited, silent and wary, for the mare he loved- used to love, he reminded himself- to do whatever she wanted to do.

Aleta rolled her eyes. Like she would ever need that loser... instead she turned her sharp gaze on Seren. She was as clever as her mother, and though not much more compassionate than Azra, certainly quicker to notice things. "If you're so curious about him," she said, grinning slyly, "why don't you go talk to him yourself? I'm sure he could tell you anything you want to know much better than we can..."

Azra flopped her head up out of the grass, watching Seren and Aleta keenly. Suddenly her eyes lit up with wicked delight. "Oooh, Seren has a cruuuush, Seren has a cruuuush!" she chanted gleefully.

Dagger was slightly surprised by Roamling's news, but remained calm and collected. A good leader could deal with any situation, even if it was unexpected or had unknown factors, and he was after all the greatest leader the Strath had ever had... or he would be, by the time it was all over. His name would go down in Strath legend as one of the greats, he had no doubt about that. If one of Hero's mares had something to say to him, it was probably not very interesting, but he might as well go have a listen. Outsiders could be almost comical in their stupid inferiority sometimes. "Thank you Roamling," he said briskly, walking past her at a leisurely pace. He moved in the direction from whence she had come, and soon enough could see Serpent with one of Hero's mares in the distance. It was not all too long before he came within speaking distance, and halted. "Well?"