Two steps from hell

[lily]

And so the battle was underway, with both sides recruiting viciously for what would be the ultimate bloodbath. Koven saluted the roaring of the wind, from the peak in which he stood, his dark eyes casting over what was turning into a bleak waste land. A place he called his home. He lingered for a moment longer, trailing his penetrating gaze over the horizon for any signs of life. Happy that none lived without his consent he wandered down the angled pathway, marching past trees that bore no existence, his heavy hooves hitting the land which for so long had not contained even a shadow of life. He wore not a smile on his face nor that of even the slightest expression that held the smallest ounce of hope. There was none, for now there would only be death, its unforgiving grasp never leaving him. Then again- since birth it was inevitable. Never before had a child so young brought around so much destruction. Yet here he was still killing, still slaughtering for what was left of his freedom. His hooves clipped against the stone path, there was no more sound in this barren wasteland. His brow rose as he thought to himself, unless you counted the occasional squeal of pain from one of the lesser horses. Koven had done his time as the solider, he had endured all that pain and now he was in a place of power that would one day allow him to rule the lands.


As the path narrowed, his pace slowed and in the distance he could see the clear outline of Hunter. The metallic copper moved over to his master, as he did so the last rays of sun rebounded of his coat creating him to shine like gold, until they peaked and fled like everything else that touched Koven. He pulled his head sideways, forcing it down into a low bow as he met Hunter. How much he would have liked to take the stallion on there and then. Crushed him with all the power in the world. Alas, he could not do so and in this war it was vital that they stayed together. Fought together side by side, for if they did so then none would stand in their way. Not that bastard child- Oasis, nor his deranged mother, Lilian. Ranger, Scarlett, all of them would perish under their mighty hooves. He flicked his head up and met Hunter’s gaze, there must have been a tension in the air for Koven felt that if he did not speak now then a fight was likely to explode between the pair. “Good evening Hunter” Koven spoke in a chilling tone. He moved to the left of Hunter slowly, his eyes never leaving the Frisian’s body “I am awaiting your orders master, what is you wish for me to do?”

[dustedglory]

He was not entirely sure what he was doing here or anywhere really. Freedom was this stallion's middle name, second only to the unknown name that he never acknowledged. But the buckskin tobiano Cayuse was a stallion that had never been a herd leader or attached to anything. Ever. Diablo was a loner and preferred it that way actually.

He had his share of mares and even had his share of humans, but he managed to get away from them all by sheer force or quick cunning. He loved his freedom and lived for it every day. But Diablo was a strong stallion, the mares he lured to the breeding places fawned over him to take a herd, but he refused and left the pregnant mares with the herds that he stole them from. Did he have foals? Sure. Did he know them? No, he had no attaxchment to them. An attachment meant that he was not free anymore.

His hooves had stepped foot in this terra, another stallion's land. It didn't matter to him really. He was certainly not going to challenge for a claim, he simply didn't care. No, he was simply passing through on his way to the breeding canyon and the meeting places. He only congregated when the scent of spring was in the air. The lone wolf of a staalion flicked his tail as he trotted through the terra, his head upright and blue eyes alert

[Swede]

Her ribs could easily be felt beneath her shaggy fur, an affliction of winter and despair, but her belly was heavy with the foal that undeniably nestled within. The filthy little parasite she hadn't asked for, that she had covertly attempted to kill several times but only ended up making herself feel worse. When she first noticed the weight gain, she brushed it off as summer fatness and subsequently had starved herself for several weeks to prove it to herself. But when basic survival instinct forced her to start eating again, it was clear that she hadn't just been getting chubby from the grass. And as winter progressed, she could feel it, sapping all her strength. For Feldspar, though, it hadn't quite sunken in that this was a foal, a tiny descendant of herself that would someday soon be born into the world and be a life all of its own; sure, she understood the concept and knew that it would happen, but it really hadn't hit her fully. At this point in time, it was a foul growth, one which made her sick with anxiety and hatred when she wasn't sick with hormones.

In fact, Feldspar was often sick these days. Her miserable existence in this hellhole had weakened her immune system, and she generally had a runny nose or wheezing cough, and felt exhausted more often than not. What had she done to deserve this? Most of the herd members looked down on her, a few were downright nasty, and a couple even terrified her. At least now in winter, a bite or kick just took out a chunk of fur; before the snows had come, flies had swarmed over festering cuts and sores from when she backtalked a little too loudly.

Feldspar didn't backtalk anymore. She avoided the others when possible, wasting away in a vortex of misery. Bruised ribs were the status quo these days, and food her enemy- previously it was self-imposed starvation, then winter's natural scarcity, and now her stress and anxiety gave her a perpetual stomach ache which only became worse if she ate. Lifting her head slightly, she noticed Koven approach Hunter to talk. She hated those stallions; hated them and feared them. At least wolves and cougars aimed to kill; if she crossed the line around Hunter, her death would be slow and agonizing. She also noticed some stranger saunter into the territory, but ignored it. He was far away from her, and she didn't want to think about it. She didn't belong here; nobody liked her, she didn't like anybody, there were big things going on but she didn't ask and nobody told.

A tiny tear leaked out of her eye as she huddled morosely with her nose tucked towards her chest. She felt like a sponge which had been wrung out too many times. In the past, Feldspar had been a tough, sassy filly; now she no longer even noticed if she was crying, and it was a miracle she had any tears left to shed. The time was long past for midnight sobs of self-pity; these days it was just one little tear here or there, which seemed to take as much energy out of her as an all-day trek. Exhaling, her back arched slightly as she pulled her body in on itself, nose to chest, tail clamped down, legs locked and close together, a miserable attempt to make her stomach stop hurting. She wanted to lie down and curl up in some sort of fetal position, but it wasn't really a good idea to do that. Hopefully the others would leave her alone today... oh, she didn't want to live anymore. But she didn't want to die, either. And even if she could muster up the will and courage to drown herself or something, Hunter would stop her- if not because she carried his spawn, then probably just to enjoy watching her suffer without respite. An easy way to go about it would just be to anger him, she supposed. Or Mutiny. Mutiny would definitely kill her if she had a reason. But it would certainly not be pleasant, and no way was she going to poke the rabid tigers with a stick. Maybe there was still time to fall asleep in an icy snowbank, after all the lake was high in the mountains and there was always a chance of spring snowstorms... who was she kidding. But thinking about such things was a little easier than thinking about other things, like the horrible little parasite that was eating her from within.

[○ Polaris ○]

Tekka felt a twinge of anxiety as she lurked in the shadows of the territory, her dark eyes scanning the area for any possible threats. The war had begun; it seemed that both sides were gathering up the hopeless souls that were willing to die for a cause that, at least to Tekka, did not really exist. She jumped slightly at a movement beside her; turning her black head, she came to see Segredo staring off into the distance just as she had done a few moments before. "Hello Segredo," She chimed softly, lashing her tail side to side. The young colt glanced up at his mother with an unreadable expression on his face. "Hey mama," Segredo replied dully, looking less than eager.

"Let's go and see your father. We haven't talked to him in a while." Without awaiting her son's consent, the large black mare took off towards the other side of the territory, her head tossing around anxiously. Who knew what was lurking in the recesses of the territory? What if someone was watching them? Tekka shook it off and calmed her nerves to be strong in front of her son, who seemed on edge as well. Segredo remained silent, his hooves keeping stride with his mother's as well as possible. After a few minutes of traipsing across the frozen ground, she saw two stallions in the distance. One definitely looked to be Koven, while the other...Tekka shivered. Hunter. The stallion had a dark heart which was filled with malicious intent, and it seemed that she was not the only one feeling uneasy about his presence. Tekka cleared her throat as she approached, Segredo in tow. "Koven..."

[Saz]

The mountainous brute flicked an ear back but didn't so much as spare a glance toward the golden stallion, his gaze was trained upon the sunset instead. The chilling voice of his accomplice shattered the silence and Hunter swished his tail, snorting softly before turning to stare at Koven. "Mares. Fighters. Pawns." He replied, a small smirk appearing across his maw before he flicked his stormy gaze upon Tekka and Segredo. "I do wish you would just get rid of that mutt. You must know who it's father is." He growled softly, sneering at the yearling and his mother before turning and brushing past them, making sure to grin eerily at the pair before turning his attention upon the unfamiliar scent. His echoing shriek rippled through the quiet spring air, proclaiming his dominance and power to whoever dared seek what was his.

He spotted the loudly coloured stud not far from the entrance to his land and quickly intercepted him. "May I help you?" He snorted, puffing out his chest and arching his neck as he glared at the new stallion. A soft shrill call turned his attention to the bay mare that was vaguely familiar. "Hunter, Hunter! I'm so sorry, I don't know what happened, we got separated and she... she... I don't know where she went!" Queen sobbed, approaching the gigantic stallion with her head low in a submissive position. "What? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" He bellowed, rearing up and almost striking the bay mare as she approached. Queen wheeled backward, eyes rolling and heart beating a thousand times faster. "You... YOU LOST HER?" He roared, lunging at the mare and all he saw was red.

It wasn't very often the stallion lost his temper, well, not on purpose. But his insanity flung itself at his rage and the two combined, growing and surging forth until it was all he could do not to rip everyone around him to shreds. Instead he aimed all his fury at the slender bay warm blood in front of him. His teeth latched onto her neck, peeling away the skin, reveling in her pain before he drew away and aimed a powerful kick at her left hind. It snapped like a toothpick and the mare went down into the sand. Crying out for mercy, Queen screamed in fear, pleading anyone to step in and stop the brutish stud but it was over too soon. As the bay attempted to stand and hobble away from Hunter, he lunged and tore out her jugular, crushing her windpipe at the same time. Less than a minute later the bay stopped struggling and fell limp, the light fading from her eyes and the last breath fluttering through her blood-splattered lips.

The draft cross stood over the body before spinning away and pinning his ears at Diablo, "Leave." He snapped at the paint before striding away across the beach, glaring at Feldspar as he went. "MUTINY!" He bellowed, summoning the dark mare to him as he moved fiercely across the sand, blood still dripping from his torso and staining the pale sand. The hessian twirled around, staring madly at the remaining members of his herd and mentally counting them before spinning back in the direction he was originally going and disappearing into the trees. Time to go cause some mayhem. Well, as soon as he had spoken to that lead mare of his. Where was she? "MUTINY!" He bellowed a second time, what was left of his patience wearing thinner as the minutes ticked on.

[dustedglory]

Diablo watched with muted interest as the stallion took down the mare in cold blood. His blue eyes turned an icy blue as he watched, his black and white legs dancing slightly over the wet sands. Interesting. A stallion killing a mare for losing another. When the stallion rounded on his and screamed that he was to leave, Diablo almost laughed. Him, the Widow Maker, would leave when he was good and ready.

His front hooves lifted off the ground as the buckskin tobiano lifted onto his hind legs. His ears struck back into his black mare, blue eyes blazing with rage. He wouldn't challenge this stallion, not if screaming was the only menance. He was free and this was a free place. Though a stallion ran this land, it was stillowned by the earth and he had a right to be here as well. His front hooves touched the ground once more, tossing his head as he did so.

Turning, he decided to not push the issue, he hated confrontation. He snorted and flicked bis black tail as he turned and trotted out of the lands. His hooves kicked up puffs of sand as he sped into a canter and easily cantered from the terra, vowing that he would return in time.

[Captain Stumpy]

Cast BlackThorn - Black
Maple - Dun Appaloosa
Aspen - Chestnut Dun

Aspen looked down in shock horror as Hunter removed another mares soul from her body, She hesitated a glance at BlackThorn and sure enough she could see the rage building up in his dark eyes. "Bl" "Don't" BlackThorn interupted Aspen the anger all to clear in his voise. He turned away with gritted teeth and pinned ears, he'd noticed alot of the herd and collected themselves in this area which was precisly the reason he wanted to move. Aspen followed him, mostly to make sure he did nothing foolish.

After Nanna died BlackThorn became alot more broodie, he didn't tease her or Maple anymore. He grew up all at once, not phisicly he still had alot of growing up to do but all of a sudden he'd taken it apon himself to protect Aspen and Maple. "Black" Aspen tried again pleading in her voise, but BlackThorn continued to lead away from the group. She rested her head on his withers but he just shrugged it off. It hurt Aspen a little seeing BlackThorn usuly the most playful now so responcible. and for what? Aspen just wanted to get away, far away somewhere Hunter could never find them but the look in BlackThorn's eyes, she new he wouldn't let it end like that. There was revenge in the two year olds eyes burning and speading like a plague, somthing Aspen's words could not cure.

"Maple?" BlackThorn bellowed when he got to the formilular thickets and pool the three of them had made home. sure enough the lanky Appaloosa crept out of a thicket patch her dun colour and spots camoflageing her well. "BlackThorn?" she answered softly. "What happened?" she asked in the same hushed tone. Black just shook his head and walked away to graze, letting Maple's gaze fall on Aspen for answers. "Hunter" that word alone brought fear to Maple's eyes. "He took another soul today" she continued gazing over the brooding BlackThorn. "And Black's not taking it too well it would seem." she said sighing and lowering her own head to graze. Maple didn't lower her head, instead she looked round making sure they where alone, she couldn't see anyone through the tree's.

"BlackThorn maybe?" "For The Last Time No!" Black rawred, spinning round and faceing Maple with temper in his eyes and words. Aspen didn't interput she'd done when they first discussed this, but now her opinion fell on deaf ears. "But Black he could be the ally we need" "Enough of your fanticy talk Maple, he's just another bad guy forget about it would ya?" Black said alittle quieter but no less harsher. "I would't let that colt within 5 strides of you he's nothing but evil just like that sire of his" Black spat ears flat. Maple cowered under the opressive stair of BlackThorn. "BlackThorn please" Aspen said quietly. "Maple knows we can't trust Orion or his intentions, she's looking for a escape just like the rest of us" Aspen contined trying to simmer down the conflict especily as she could see Maple shaking with fear again. BlackThorn grunted and turned back to his grasing spot. "Thanks" Maple said to Aspen. "I don't want your thanks Maple" Aspen said walking closer to the Appaloosa, "Please for BlackThorn's sake keep well away from that colored colt" "but" "Keep away from him Maple, its for yourown good can't you see just how bad he is?" Aspen continued regardless or Maple's interuption.

Maple just sighed and nodded, now BlackThorn had stopped yelling at her she'd stopped shaking. "Okay Aspen" she said as she watched the Red Dun filly walk beside BlackThorn and graze. She watched them a moment longer before licking her lips, Her mouth always went dry after trying to reason with BlackThorn so she took herself to the little pool in there little spot. It was only the size of a horse's back and around about the same shape as one. The water was far from freash, but at least they didn't have to drink with the rest of the herd.

[lily]

Koven
He stood for a moment, gazing apathetically out at the dwindling sunset, his billon thorns flicking back a few inches as he began to hiss those unsympathetic lyrics that came spitting from his dial with such venom. Koven glared indifferently at Hunter, as he passed, the passionate longing to dominate the stallion began rolling of him in obvious waves. He had expected as much before he had even set about his questioning, more able bodies that would be able to fight for Hunter’s undistinguished cause. Mares? Yes, he supposed that the more mares given to Hunter, created more of an opportunity to create blank canvas’ that could be warped much more simply than reluctant bachelor stallions. He had to hesitate for a moment after hearing about Segredo. That was something he could not do. For sure he could take down a stallion with apparent ease, even the odd mare. But foals? No, that was something he would never intentionally do. He scowled callously at Hunter under heavy brows “As you wish, I will return with what you have commanded” He spoke bluntly, turning to Tekka and Segredo and ushering them away into the nearest thicket as he heard the scream echoing from a dying mare. Hunter had lost it this time and he did not want Tekka, nor his ‘son’ to be around when he did so, the outcome would only be gruesome. Neither, did he want to tell Tekka she would have to run with her son.


The truth was he did love her…deep down, it had felt like he had known her for years despite not spending many hours with the Friesian mare. He nudged his mare’s cheek warmly as they gradually entered the clearing, it was much more pleasant that the chilling sands behind them. “Hello Son.” He whickered, nipping at the colt’s bushy mane. He turned and faced Tekka, his eyes brighter than usual and his ears pricked forwards, for a brief moment he forgot he was even on this god forsaken island. He touched his muzzle to her cheek once more “I’m sorry.” He said softly, his cool breath tenderly exhaling in her ear. He flicked his guilty gaze to Segredo, and swallowed deeply. No. There was certainly no way that he could undertake the disturbing task Hunter had sought after. He thought for a few moments, his eyes closed in concentration, the silence was a few moments that he would cherish during the following months.


His eyes opening in a dramatic fashion buzzing with the metal blueprints to a plan that would at least give them time. He spoke so they could both hear him clearly “I’m sorry, but we are going to have to leave this island.” He had not expected them to find this devastating news, instead embrace the fact that they would be leaving…for now. He turned to his son “Your about to have your very own adventure, son. You can grow up to be just like your daddy.” He snorted carefully, not meeting Tekka’s eyes directly, as he made a fuss over his offspring. For he knew that if Segredo turned out anything like he had, it would be yet another blow to her brother.


Mutiny
Mutiny had in fact, for the last three hours in an agonisingly excruciating labour, and after all that pain there was much worse to come. Perhaps. The Friesian had given birth to a daughter. To any other mare, a daughter would have been the most wonderful gift that they could possess. Yet, Mutiny was not any other mare, she was the lead mare to Hunter, and anybody in that position should be very worried if they could not produce what he desired. She looked at the little bundle of obsidian pelt that lay next to her, licked perfectly clean she could be a month old. She had already named the filly; ‘Futility’ was her name, a name that lacked all hope, not because Mutiny believed that the filly was to be useless in combat, just look at her parents. No, she had given the filly that name because that would be her enemies last thought before they passed. This new-born may be a filly, but by god, she would still strike fear and desperation into anybody that passed her. Of course Hunter would have preferred a colt, so had she, but this filly was nothing to be ashamed of. And if Hunter made any attempt to hurt her, even he would be able to feel the harsh wrath of her hooves.


Her inked audits flickered forwards with the distant sound of her name being screamed into the brisk evening atmosphere. She nickered softly to her daughter “Come Futility” she spoke, nudging the filly to stand. She did so without any further assistance, her legs already strong and unshaking. My, she was going to be a fine warrior. Mutiny nodded in approval, giving the inquisitive foal a brief smile, she was an diligent one. “We are going to meet your father. Whatever you do, do not answer him back. He appears to be in a foul mood. Answer him with respect and use your words properly.” She instructed. The little Friesian cross, nodded her striking head “Yes mother” she trilled softly. Mutiny snorted at her and nudged her to walk forwards “Good girl.” She whispered as they moved towards the wasteland.


Futility
They entered the sands a hasty trot, Futility keeping pace with her mother in an elegant fashion. The muscled foal, sniffed the air, something smelt abnormal. Well, odder than usual, this whole place smelt funny. A sort of metallic scent, it reminded her greatly of her birth, those first few moments when she had entered the world. The aroma burnt at her nostrils for a moment longer before she gradually became accustomed to it. They breeched the corner and that was when she first saw him. Her father: a great beast of thick black pelt, with eyes that could penetrate your very thoughts. Strangely enough, she did not feel overly threatened by the stallion with her mother’s presence there. She liked her mother, she was robust and to the point. She had already begun teaching her the ways of the world, and instructing her to speak many different words, that all sounded murky coming from her dial but they must do some good. As each time she had said one correctly it had made her mother smile.


As they wandered forwards, Futility had detected the source of the disconcerting odour. It was coming from a mare lying motionless on the ground. A scarlet liquid cover her pelt and was still trickling from her head. The sight did not alarm the hours old filly; instead she was interested and wanted to take a further look at the mare. She remembered now, this was what her mother had explained to her as death. Sometime a horse would die of old age or disease, but most importantly they would die when another horse decided to kill them. Her mother had explained that this happened a lot, where they lived. Sometimes her father or even sometimes her mother had to kill other horses when they did things wrong. It meant that the other horses had been bad and if they did not listen and they still were being bad that they had to be killed. She had also been told that she and her father were allowed to kill other because they were the rulers of a very powerful herd and she was going to be part of it.
The idea excited the filly, the feeling of power was something her mother has seemed to express as a happy emotion and something she was eager in experiencing. She wondered when the first time she would have to kill would be. She wondered how she would have to do it. Her eyes drifted from the body to her mother once more. She was sure she would be taught in due time, for now she had to concentrate and not being killed herself. If she did something wrong then even she could be killed according to her mother, and she really did not want that to happen. She picked up her head and pushed her chest forwards, her hazel eyes gleaming as they approached the midnight brute.

Mutiny
The Friesian mare was impressed with how the dead body from the almost unknown mare affected Futility. She was proving that she was worth keeping alive. They drew nearer to the stallion she called her own and she could tell he was not at all pleased. She watched darkly as he strode dominantly around the terra, his tail lashing violently against his hocks. Her eyes drifted to Feldspar as she walked over the lasts of the sands, by the looks of things she would be foaling soon. Her eyes glowered as she passed; there was no way that Futility would be going near the child that seeped out of the mare. Even with Hunter’s blood the child would be weak, something she could not have her daughter surrounded by. Nor could she have other’s filling her head with impossible ideas.


Mutiny lifted her head to meet Hunter’s terrible gaze, their foal silent at her side. “I believe you called?”

[Swede]

Feldspar heard some shouting, and lifted her head bleakly. Hunter was angry... very angry. Angrier than she had ever seen him. The young roan closed her eyes, but she couldn't shut off her ears, and the screams of the vicious stallion and helpless mare echoed in her head long after they had faded from the air. Nobody could help the victim. Nobody wanted to. In this herd, it seemed that you could only look out for yourself, and if someone else slipped up, then they had to take the consequences.

It was best to stay as far away as possible today. Not that she didn't do that normally anyway, but perhaps she should try to increase the distance a bit. Turning, Feldspar slowly hobbled along the slopes and flats, rounding the remaining patches of snow in order to avoid slipping, stopping now and then to feel sorry for herself when the motion shot stabs of pain through her stomach. Soon she was far, far enough that only the echoes on the breeze could remind her that the others existed at all.

Feldspar made a few half-hearted attempts to graze, but the grass fell from her mouth listlessly and what little she managed to swallow burned all the way down. More pain; but now her entire abdomen ached, with a new sort of torture, one she hadn't felt before. The... the thing inside her was moving, she could feel it. Feldspar started feeling quite freaked out. "No no no no, stop it, go away," she muttered frantically, pacing to and fro with wild, nervous eyes. She tried to stay on her hooves, to keep moving, as if she could run away from the horror. But at the last moment, her knees buckled beneath her and she crumpled to the ground, ragged silent sobs of pain and terror shaking her to her core and hitching her heavy breathing.

It took several minutes before she realized that it was over. But still she could do nothing more than curl her hooves up beneath her, rocking to and fro and burrowing her muzzle beneath her knees as wave after wave of anxiety crashed against her. She just wanted to wake up, wanted it all to go away and just be a bad dream. It couldn't be real. It couldn't be. Feldspar shivered uncontrollably; the grass was damp and cold, and the... the events of the past few minutes had left her even more exhausted than before. A trail of tears smudged down her face, as she huddled on the unforgiving ground. She had never felt so alone in all her life.

Despite this, she wasn't entirely abandoned. She hated her loneliness, but she would embrace it before she embraced the alternative. The foal in the grass knew nothing of such dilemmas; she was far too focused upon other things, such as breathing and seeing and feeling the breeze ruffle her damp coat. A little roan, red coat trimmed with a black mane and tail, very much alive and very much equine; no parasite in the womb, just an innocent filly. Perhaps it was lucky that she had some time to sort out the basic tenets of life in peace now, before the reality of the situation had fully sunk into her mother's shattered mind.

[Captain Stumpy]

Cast: Saburo
(sorry i tried to tell Sab it was a inconveniant time to catch up with Feldspar she wouldn't listen )

Saburo had now spent 2 years away from her brothers, she thought about them reguly, ever time she tried to settle down memorys of her past pushed her forward. She struggled to find her place in any soical group. Her body was one of a mare but deep down she was sure, she new she was a stallion. That was all she grew up knowing. Things made more sence to her now, why she was so different, Why she was shunned, and mocked why they whispered about her. At first it made her misserable, but now with the time she'd taken to work things out. She was happy. She could never have a relationship with a stallion, nor could she claim and love a mare but this didn't bother her now. She was at peace wondering the earth alone. Just watching herds go about there busness.

And thats how he'd wondered over to a Island, to see what adventure would lay on another shore. Her legs were still dripping when she heard sobbing. Saburo followed the sound tentitivly, through the tree's she could see a roan mare who by the smell had just foaled. "Miss are you well?" she called out not too loudly she didn't want to startle the stranger or her new baby. She strode closer the more she looked the more it looked like there was somthing wrong with the mare, she was rocking groaning and looked sickly. "Miss?" Saburo continued now close enough to see the buried face of the mare. "Fuh- Fel, Feldspar?" Saburo stuttered as at first Saburo couldn't remember the roan's name. "Get UP!" Saburo ordered carfuly moving round the small foal to get to Feldspars side and nudged her roughly on her shoulder.

Saburo only cared for one other horse apart from her dear brothers. The first filly she'd ever loved, maybe it was wrong to feel those feelings for a mare but thats what Saburo felt. and now 3 years later she'd found that filly again shivering and alone with a daughter. Concidering Feldspar's personality, or at least the one Saburo remembered a child was never part of the plan. "get up please" Saburo said softly her own eyes drawn to tears when she saw Feldspar like this. She looked over Feldspar's body to see the foal again, it was cute and fine its body as bright as Feldspar's pelt. "Feldspar what are you going to call her?"

[Saz]

He stood in the shadow of the trees, leaning against one of the larger ones as he watched the trio of two year olds fight. He sighed silently as Maple ultimately lost against BlackThorn and Aspen, his heart went out to her as he watched her become more distant toward the other two. As the other two year olds moved to graze further away from him, the appaloosa filly moved slightly closer. Orion stepped forward, to the edge of the shadows and nickered very quietly in Maple's direction.

"Maple," He hissed her name, watching her intently, he had to show her he wasn't like Hunter. In truth, this was all he had ever known. He had been separated from his mother at only six months and had watched his sister die from starvation and there had been nothing he could do about it. Hunter's herd has been all that he knows of the world, manipulated and controlled to the malicious intent of the dark stallion that played that part of 'father'. "Maple," He hissed her name again, this time slightly louder.

~*~*~

The titan turned, his mouth agape as he began to roar at the mare, "WHERE HAVE YOU BE-" He was silenced as he spotted the foal shadowing her. He stepped back, tail swishing from side to side as he stared at the filly with an unreadable expression. A filly. His daughter. His magnificent daughter, that would rule all of this, and be the ultimate weapon to take down him. A dark grin grew upon his wretched maw and he moved closer to his daughter, his head lowering to eye level with her, he examined her closely, inhaling her new scent deeply, memorizing it before he nudged her firmly to see her reaction. He continued to study the filly in silence before lifting his head slightly and staring at Futility with a fathomless expression, "Your name, girl." He demanded, nostrils flaring and he continued to not spare a glance to his favoured lead mare.

Of course, he would've preferred a male heir, but the filly was strong. A glorious specimen who had inherited the best genes from both parents. He caught her soft reply before nodding his head and drawing back, preparing to start a loud monologue aimed at his daughter. "Good. Know this, you are my sole heir, heir to all of this. Territory. Horses. Air. Everything that is mine, will be yours. You will be powerful. You will be glorious. You will be known as a goddess. Your name will strike fear into the hearts of others. And most of all, my dear, you will rule over more than just this. You will rule over everything." He rumbled, his bass tone echoing off the trees, distorting itself as it was flung back and forth.

Only once he was finished speaking did he transfer his gaze back to Mutiny, his stormy gaze was now a mixture of pride, blood lust and pure insanity. He grinned broadly, and tossed his head before rearing up and screaming out his dominance over the land, just to remind everyone who was boss. "I was just going to let you know I'm going to go raid a few herds, if you happened to want to join, you are more than welcome, but someone should stay here, keep an eye on everything. And of course, she will need protection. I will not have some... some... foul thing look after her."

A sneer crossed his scarred visage and he tossed his head again, attempting to rid himself of the dull buzz of insanity that lurked in the corners of his brain. It was futile, however, as it only grew louder and he shifted from hoof to hoof impatiently before snorting and turning toward the trees. "I'll be leaving now. I should be back in a few hours. Be safe." He snorted, touching her shoulder in a vaguely affectionate manner before touching his muzzle to Futility's poll. "And be good for your mother." He rumbled before spinning and launching himself away from his lead mare and his 'sole' heir.

[Captain Stumpy]

Maple looked up from the pool, at first she just froze when she laid eyes on Orion, then hasilty looked back. Black and Aspen where still grazing obliviously. "Orion?" she whispered hastily. "I-I don't think you should be here, Blackthorn" she paused a minute, a wave of juvenile lust flooding her. "Maybe we should go to the lake?" she said looking back at Blackthorn for a moment longer before walking beside Orion and heading towards the lake.

She would hate it for BlackThorn or Aspen to know where she was going. She loves the pair of them and just wished they'd understand she loved Orion too. Maybe if she could get Orion to prove he was a good horse infront of them? But proving your a good horse on this island is impossible.


Aspen sighed, "What did I do now?" Blackthorn grunted assuming the sigh was at him. "Nothing you great oaf" she said her head low as she chuckled. "Eh? Some times I think this Island has got to you Aspen you sound crazy, and I thought you were the sane one" BlackThorn said shaking his head as he grazed. "I guess this crazed Island gets to everyone eventuly, turns us into something we're not" She said with a sigh returning to grazing as she watched Maple's shaddow leave with another.

[Swede]

(Feldspar's just with Saburo, not really affecting the rest of the thread, and I want to get some posts done while I can, so here goes)

A distant voice intruded in Feldspar's misery, and she lifted her head slightly, dreading the arrival of one of the others. But this was not a horse of the herd; it took a few numb moments, but then she recognized the roan mare. "S-S-Saburo?" she sniffled, staring up at her lost friend. "What are y-you doing here?" At Saburo's command she quickly scrambled to her hooves; obedience had been drilled into her over the past seasons as a basic survival instinct. On her hooves, she swayed with exhaustion and stumbled against Saburo's shoulder. "S-Sorry," she mumbled, attempting to steady her quivering legs.

What are you going to call her? Feldspar blinked in confusion, but then noticed the red filly in the grass, and immediately broke into fresh tears. "I don't want- I can't- I'm not a m-mother... I'll just say it died, or..." Her eyes widened in horror and despair. "Saburo what should I do? I can't, you know I can't, but if I don't, he'll hurt me. He'll hurt me for sure," she said frantically. Then her gaze moved from the filly to her friend, and she took a shaky step backwards. "And he'll hurt you too if he finds you here! You should go, it isn't safe, run away Saburo!"

The filly twitched in the grass, tired of laying there while someone made a bunch of noise not too far away. She was hungry; she wanted to find food. She carefully attempted to stand, but flopped back into the grass. Undeterred, she tried again, not noticing the way Feldspar flinched every time she made a sudden movement.

[Captain Stumpy]

Saburo didn't know what to say, "Feldspar I won't let anyone hurt you" She said trying to comfort her old friend. "Nor will I leave this damned Island without you" She said holding her head protectivly over Feldspar's withers. Saburo was also now in a state of confusion. "You know you can't leave this baby" she whispered to Feldspar whilst she continued to rest over her withers. "I know she's not planned but she still has a soul and a heart-beat, and she's yours" Saburo continued. She could feel Feldspar shake and tremble, she closed her eyes a moment and slowly left Feldspar to stand on her own.

"C'mon baby one more time" Saburo said to the tiny roan as she lowered her head ready to hold the foal up on its next attempt to stand. "Feldspar do you want to go the other side?" Saburo said hoping Feldspar would copy her actions without thinking and touch her foal.

[Swede]

Feldspar shook her head mutely. Saburo didn't understand, she didn't know... stupid Saburo, she should have left when she had the chance, but already it could be too late, and for every second longer that she lingered here, things looked more grim. "He'll kill you, Saburo, or worse" she muttered flatly. Then her eyes glanced towards the filly in the grass, and she shook her head hopelessly. "Not mine. His. If he wants it, then it's his. If he doesn't, then he'll kill it."

The filly looked up, blinking slowly. Was this her mother? She stuck out her legs again, flailing about as she made another determined attempt to get up. Feldspar sighed and obediently took a step towards the filly, her body tense and wary as if the thing before her was a snarling lion, rather than a helpless newborn foal. After a few moments, the filly was upright, though trembling almost as much as her mother was. But she was a mini mare on a mission, namely to satisfy her growling stomach. She swung her head towards the mare closest to her, bumping her muzzle against Saburo's flank, but immediately sensed that this one wasn't of any use to her. Instead she turned towards Feldspar, and took a stumbling step towards the mare.

Feldspar spooked as the filly moved towards her, and the foal in her surprise tripped and fell on the ground again. Undeterred, she crawled back to her hooves, and stumped towards Feldspar. But the moment her velvet nose touched the mare's flank, Feldspar flinched again, her hind leg moving forward automatically to block the filly and bump her out of the way. "I can't... I just can't..." she said hoarsely.

[lily]

The hellion watched as Hunter inspected their daughter much like she had done not three hours earlier. He seemed suitably impressed, as had she. The filly was going to turn out to be a fine beast if she kept to their agreement. Speak only when spoken too. That much was important. Failing to do that, then she would end up in all sorts of trouble. Futility, Mutiny gave a little shudder when she thought of her daughter’s title. Oh how it would strike fear into the hearts of others when the time came. She watched carefully at the resilient filly’s reaction as her father touched her for the first time. She gave a minute sigh, she stood there unmoving almost, she did not react much. She did not reach out to him in a needy manner, but almost in an understanding manner as if she already knew her duty. It was this action that gave her immense hope for her daughter’s future. She was already learning so it would seem, her place that she would have in this looming battle.


The obsidian bundle stood so strongly against her father’s words that it was surprising that she was merely hours old. Those booming words that would have made stallions crumble to their knees, mares flee for their lives. Yet, the filly remained in this surreal situation, embracing each word and drowning in its meaning. Each syllable imprinting a very precise reasoning in her mind, she would be great, she would be a goddess and she would rule. The power that already was emitting itself from the filly was mesmerizing, dancing and bounding around her bodice like a force-field.


Mutiny’s jaw clicked as she turned her shady glare upon him, they were insane as each other. Their mind’s continuously whirling chaotically in a buzzing of rage and defiance. She sensed his pride as he screeched supremacy over their terra; with him she silently shared this unbound joy. Her words flowed effortlessly from her maw in a lyrical tone, much like music to the ear. “You go, raid the herds and bring back more “willing” pawns.” She spoke malevolently. Her gaze fell hard upon Futility “I will stay here with the child, teach her more about the world in which we live. Teach her who to trust and who not to fall too.” She spoke with wide eyes “You have my word I will not allow her to fall to harm.” Returning the marginally affectionate gesture. Futility did not speak instead she rose her head to her father’s touch, her cheek brushing his muzzle, her eyes closing as she made contact with him. Already she saw her parents as some god-like beings, those to be idolised, each movement they made she would store in her mind ready to use in similar situations. As her father left the filly rose to her hinds, her forelegs kicking out into the air, an echoing shriek of power ringing out.

And so it had begun.....

[Captain Stumpy]

Saburo's eyes looked on Feldspar, She felt all sorts of pitty all at once. For Feldspar, she was a free spirit and for this foal, Without Feldspar it was going to die, without a doubt. Anger rose in Saburo's thoughts. Not about Feldspar refusing the foal. but about Feld leaving it to the mercy of the stallion that did all this to her!


"Feldspar how could you say that?!" she questioned loudly at the quivering roan. "What did it do to deserve that sort of punnishment?" she continued a little quieter but with harshness in her voise. "That Things as inosent as you or I and you just want to throw it to a stallion that broke you? That isn't the Feldspar I new." Saburo didn't know what else to say. It was painful enough saying that to her friend. Especily as she could see Feldspar wasn't coping with this little foal around.

She shook her head. "Don't say that we'll get through this.. we all will" she said looking at th foal as she said at last part. It must be hard to be a mother, she was sure she couldn't do it. "W have to get off this Island" she said looking round, the path she'd cleared though the tree's was still visable. and maybe when they got to the beach there would be a shallow area, or maybe a sand-bank the foal could cross. They'd already dallyed to long here if the stallion of this territory was as dangious as Feldspar made out. "You can try again later" Saburo said nudging the foal in the hind quarters and walking past her to get to the path expecting the foal and Feldspar to follow.

[Swede]

Feldspar flinched at Saburo's loud, angry tone. "Please be quiet," she whispered, glancing over her shoulder in terror. "Y-You don't understand.... it doesn't matter what I say. You th-think he'll listen to me?" She giggled hoarsely, motioning with her muzzle towards herself in all her gaunt and broken glory. "He'll do whatever he wants to it. If he doesn't like it, and decides to kill it, I won't be able to stop him. If I try, he'll kill me too." She sniveled miserably, and added in a muttered tone, "He'll probably kill me anyway, if it's not good enough for him... I wouldn't be the first, you know, horses have died on this island..."

The filly sighed, flattening her ears in frustration. She was hungry but nobody would feed her. She wasn't even sure which of these mares was her mother; one of them was protective and would touch her, and already felt more familiar, but it was the other one who had milk; she was sure of it, even though the mare wouldn't let her nurse. Feldspar eyed the filly nervously, then flicked her gaze back towards Saburo. She opened her mouth to protest, but then changed her mind, and began tentatively trailing after the other mare. The filly didn't want to be left behind and stumbled after the pair of adults. She sensed the tension, and instinctively muffled her desire to make some sort of sound. If the grown-ups were scared, she figured she ought to be too.

[Saz]

He watched them like a shadow, a hawk stalking his prey, the huge black stallion kept to the shadows as he followed the three females. He listened intently to their conversation. A cruel smirk developing upon his maw. "Now, now. Feldspar. You're not even going to introduce your friend to me before I kill her?" He rumbled, slinking from the trees and into the path of the roan mares. "Though she is a pretty thing, perhaps I should keep her." He mused aloud, he lowered his head an inch or two from it's elevated position as he spotted the slender newborn filly. "Oh, and who is this? Our daughter perhaps?" He grinned evilly at the red roan mare and moved closer.

Clearing his throat, Hunter lifted his head and moved toward the red roan, "And where were you going?" He asked, a formidable tone to his deep bass voice. "You weren't trying to escape, now, were you?" He continued, not allowing her to answer. "Because if you were, it would be the gravest mistake you will ever make in your dreadfully short life." He snarled, before separating her from Saburo with a nip to her chest. He then turned to the blue roan, ears lowering a fraction as he stared coldly down at her. "My, my, my. I should kill you now, but that would be no fun. Intruding upon my land. And even attempting to steal one of my mares, and my daughter." He rumbled, circling her like a hungry wolf. "But then again, when a mare just wanders straight into my land. I certainly am not one to turn her away," An evil glint appeared in his eyes and he halted in front of the blue roan.

The malicious stallion briefly turned his attention back to Feldspar and his daughter, "Well then, aren't you going to feed her?" He snapped, though it was a filly, she would be needed in the war. And with his blood she would be tough enough to withstand hits during battle. She was just a pawn anyway, much like the rest of his offspring, except her. Futility. She was his heir. His sole heir. She would live through the battle and rule over the land. Or the horse that smote her down would be tortured until they wished to die. His nostrils flared and he turned his attention back to Saburo. "Leave. And do not come back. Or stay. And become part of my herd." He rumbled, glaring viciously at her. Give her a choice, or so she thought...

~*~*~

"This way. Come on." He whickered, nudging her gently, a small smile upon his handsome face as she agreed to walk along side him. "Look, Maple. I know Blackthorn and Aspen don't agree with you liking me," The two-year old paused, sighing quietly as the two strode toward the lake. "But I really like you, and honestly, I don't care what they think. And you shouldn't either." He snorted, stopping on the beach and turning toward her. Eyes full of love for the filly.

[Swede]

The voice froze her in place more effectively than any physical restraint ever could. Her eyes were fixed upon Saburo, as every other trace of emotion in her gaze gave way to pure terror and hopelessness. Perhaps the sound was just a hallucination, she was stressed, physically weak, her senses could be fooling her. The stallion strode into view, and she knew then that this was no manifestation of her mind, but the very real and very deadly nightmare that had consumed her life. Hunter spoke to her, or rather at her, but Feldspar couldn't muster up an answer. It was doubtful he was expecting her to speak, anyway. He snapped at her, driving her apart from Saburo, and the little roan mare stumbled backwards, nearly tripping over her own hooves. Fear made her clumsy, and her legs weak.

She knew this would be bad. She just knew it. She should have been more forceful, chased Saburo away... Hunter was angry, but also amused, she could see that. Feldspar had lived on this wretched island long enough to know that he was just toying with the two mares now. Whatever Hunter wished to happen would happen; they had no effect upon the outcome. Suddenly, the black menace snapped at her, and with a stifled whimper, Feldspar glanced at the little red filly. The foal was coming towards her again, like a hungry zombie, with only one thing on her mind. Okay. She... she could do this... Feldspar swallowed nervously, trembling all over. If a horse could throw up, she would have done so already.

The filly's muzzle touched her flank, and as if she'd been struck by a jolt of electricity, Feldspar stepped sideways before she could stop herself. Oh dear, hopefully he had not noticed... surely he was too busy with Saburo. That thought was almost worse. The filly bumped into her again; Feldspar managed to restrain herself, right up until the foal nipped hold of her teat- the mare's leg jerked forward reflexively, revolted by the whole ordeal. Realizing the mistake, she automatically flinched; she'd been beaten for far less. Gritting her teeth, she drove her hoof into the soil, forcing herself to stand still. Silent tears rolled down her dirt-stained face as the filly finally began to nurse. "Please don't hurt her," she sniffled, staring at the ground. "I p-p-promise I won't try to run away, or anything... just don't hurt her..." Saburo was her only friend in the world. Feldspar could never forgive herself if the blue roan ended up in trouble for her sake.

[Captain Stumpy]

'Damn' Saburo Though with ears Pinned 'Damn, Drat and anything else unpleasant' She couldn't help herself but take afue steps back when the grizzly beast of a stallion walked into view. Their was a great air of nobility and danger ebbing off his black hide. As he stood in front of her she could feel a wave of oppression crush down on her back, She fidgeted on her hooves, Her mind casting out different scenario's of how this could all end.

She could just bolt, she was damn sure this heavy bastered couldn't out run her in a straight out bolt. But that would leave Feldspar and Rusty on their own with this unpleasant beast. She could try and fight, though it would take a miracle to even knock that stallion off balance, let alone be healthy enough afterwards to run away with Feldspar and Rusty. No as unpleasant as it was their wasn't a alternative, Saburo was going to have to stay with this fat-git till Feldspar got her mind back and Rusty was big enough to cross the lake at any depth.

"Fine" Saburo answered her neck arched slightly a habit the mare wasn't likely to loose. She swooshed her tail aggressively she wanted him to know she wasn't happy. but she wasn't going to leave Feldspar either. Her ears where still flat as she marched passed him to stand by Feldspar. "Well Done" she whispered to Feldspar's ear, genuinely happy that the mare let the foal suckle. even if it was because of the fat-git . She passed Feldspar to turn round and face the stallion, standing side by side with her old friend.


____________________________



"Black?" Aspen said raising her head after a long moment of chewing, "Yuh?" BlackThorn answered not bothering to finish his mouthful before speaking. Aspen gave him a glare of disapproval before continuing. "We trust Maple don't we?" She said looking back over towards the small pool. "Huh?" Black said completely bewildered, He raised his head and followed Aspen's eye-line. "Were'd she go?" he said turning and walking back to Aspen. "Don't know" Aspen answered, her ears flattened as the larger younger came towards her, Now Black had a scar on his face too he looked all to similar to Hunter."Think we orta go look for 'er" Black said his ears pricked looking though the tree's from there little clearing, "Or d'ya think we're jus' paranoid? this place can do it to ya" Black continued, He didn't fancy leaving the safety of there little clearing.

Aspen flattened her ears again "Out of the three of us Maple's the most naive one, its summer with Hunter roaming round and his villainous son Orion. So I don't think we're paranoid" She snarled. Black was rather taken back by her outburst, though he hardly moved physically. "Whats got your tail in a knot? he grumbled taking lead towards the water hole. "Grr, I saw Maple leave, with someone... And I didn't try and stop her. I thought she could use the lesson. But the more I think about it the more I regret it" Now it was Black's turn to flatten his ears. "You saw her leave with someone?! Who?" he barked loudly. "Keep your voice down black!" Aspen spat back at him, "And I didn't see who, now can we get a move on?" Black grated his teeth in temper but pushed on anyway, passed there little puddle of water and through the path of bushes and tree's. "She coulda gone with Orion, ya'know" Black said, his tone quieter after leaving the little fort. "I know" Aspen said just as quiet, she was just as worried about leaving the clearing as he was, only she had the added guilt of letting maple leave as well.


--------------------------(you need to get a pic for Orion)


This was wonderful, she was spending time with the handsome Orion. His voice was like long forgotten music, his eyes so warm, so wonderful, like long lost jewels. "I like you too" Maple said merrily as they stood together, she gave him the gentlest of nuzzles on the base of his withers. But at the mention of her siblings she withdrew her attention. "I know Aspen and Black don't think that highly of you yet, But i'm sure with time They'll come to see your good to." She smiled tentatively not really believing her own words but hoping Orion might do.

[Saz]

Orion

"I know..." He mumbled, trailing off before linking his neck over hers. Closing his eyes, the two year old sighed contently. "I'm so sorry you have to be here, Maple, with him. And I'm sorry that Aspen and BlackThorn have to be here too. You don't deserve any of this." He paused again, lifting his head and turning to look her directly in the eye, "You don't have to stay here, you know. You can leave. Sneak out when he's not here. He wouldn't go after you." He murmured to her, a crease forming upon his brow as he spoke to her. "You'd be safe, too." He added quietly, gently touching her muzzle to his.

Lashing his tail against his sides, the two year old stepped back and turned to gaze over the lake that surrounded them. He sighed quietly before opening his maw once more. "I've never told anyone this... But, I'm not Hunter's true son. Why do you think he treats me like he does? I'm dirt to him. I wouldn't be alive if I wasn't useful in the slightest." He paused, his tone growing harsh. Orion cleared his throat and continued in a softer tone.

"I'm not his son by blood. He found me when I was 6 months old. My sister and I got separated from our mothers, an early snowstorm struck us and she died from exhaustion and pneumonia. He kept me because of my physique. Thinking I'd be useful in his fight." His tone grew bitter, hate dripping off of each word. "I apologize for my brutish manner, Maple. But you have to understand... This is what I've only ever known." The bay tobiano paused, before turning his gaze back upon the filly. A tear slid down his cheek and he shook his head, scuffing his hooves in the silky sand before glancing up at her.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~



Hunter

A deep sinister chuckle rippled from his charcoal maw as he glance toward the sniveling mare. A smirk lifted his mouth into a cruel smile and he stepped forward, staring directly at Feldspar. "You think you could run anyway? Remember when you were first here, those two colts? You couldn't run away even then." He snarled, reminding her of the fact when she first arrived on his island, oh how much fun it had been to tear down her pleasant world and replace it with this all too real reality. He loved to see the broken mare on the verge of total meltdown, but no, she would hold back for a while. Give him some amusement and also start teaching Futility how to torture such souls. The roan filly that was of his blood too would be a great target.

He then returned his attention to Saburo, a snort rippling from his muzzle as he flicked his gaze over her. She was healthy, scars mottled her roan coat showing she was also a fighter. And by the look of her she'd lived with stallions for quite a bit of her life, after all, not many mares picked up the arched neck and swishing tail from their female companions. A low disapproving rumble came from his chest and he arched his own neck, lashing out at the sand in front of him with snake-like speed before glaring at the blue roan. He was the dominant one here, she had best not challenge him. Hunter was testing her, he had bred Feldspar because it was fun, a pleasant way to torture a mare. But this one... She was a fighter, he just needed to see if she had what it took to be bred by him.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~



Titan

The powerfully built draft stallion strode with purpose and dignity into the land he knew to be his father's. His calling bellow rippled from his muzzle and he lifted his head, pricking his ears to look for a shadow of black racing toward him. He had been blamed for his father's misdeeds for his whole life. Now he was attempting to live up to such monstrosities. He paused, digging at the sand with a pale hoof before glancing up as a dark shadow appeared not too far away. He whinnied a quiet hello, bracing himself for a possible attack. "I'm looking for Hunter." He called out, tossing his pale forelock from his silvery-blue gaze.

[lily]

Erwin and Solitude

The snow-cap mare stood shivering in a remote part of the island. Nobody knew of her existence, she was merely another prisoner held on this godforsaken island until the day she died. Although, it was more likely she was to be killed by one of the out of control stallions that patrolled the borders of the island. They were nothing more than Hunter's puppets used to strike fear into anybody who thought about raiding his property, and boy did they do their job properly. Her own son Jester, had been taken a hold of and now was being used as no more than some disposable pawn. Not a being with a life or ambitions, but a soulless creature with no hope left in him. His mind had been brainwashed.

She shuffled around slightly on the sand, a breeze ruffling her mane so it fell limply to either side of her nape. No sane horse had hope on these hell like lands, everybody was doomed to die here. She turned her head sharply as a fly settled on an open wound she had received a few days earlier. A nasty bite, she had taken from another mare. A devilishly calculating mare; who would creep up out of the darkness and beat you senseless for no good reason. They called her Mutiny. She almost feared her as much as the stallions, she was as strong as them, and at least twice as devious. She gave another shudder, her head falling downward, her eyes half-closed. Why couldn't they just kill her now? End the pain? She thought about this for less than a second. She already knew the answer. She had answered it many times before. It was because they liked to see them suffer. How much more suffering she could take, was quite unknown to her.

Her eyes twitched up at the sound of a branch snapping, her heart stopped. Mutiny hadn't come for round two? Nobody could be that heartless, surely? Erwin was almost too scared to look up at the source of the cracking noise. Having to literally force herself to flick her gaze to the unrequested visitor. She peeked up from underneath her forelock, only enough so she could see who had come to disturb her. Relief flooded over the petite mare. It was her own Solitude, come to grace her mother with some good news, she hoped. The mare’s body relaxed slightly, and she felt a little more at ease with the company. She greeted her daughter with a half-hearted snort, the energy drained from her to produce anything better.

Solitude had been out scouting for a patch of decent grass, for her and her mother to graze upon. Such things were rare in Hunter's land, tucked away in secluded corners or else impossible to get too. She had made a habit of avoiding Hunter's lethal 'henchmen' and now was getting good at predicting where they would be located that she could walk around the island with some ease. She always had to be highly alert, never letting her guard down. You never knew when Mutiny or Koven would pop around the corner and give you a good lashing. Sometimes even Hunter himself would find you, boy, then you were in trouble.

Solitude was close to her first birthday, although it felt like much longer that she had been trapped on this disgrace of a home. It wasn't fit for any form of life, let alone a whole herd of horses. Hunter, her father, she thought through gritted teeth- had destroyed any beauty that once may have resided here. Like a toxic spill, anything that once may have been or could have been a marvel was sentenced to death. Her half- brother was an example of that. A previously well-mannered and behaved colt, now he was one of the 'puppets'. She had to outwit then all, in order to keep her limbs intact. They had been zommbiefied. They all had.

She butted her head gently against her mother's, feeling her dam's bony little cranium underneath her touch. She was being to fall to far under the line of healthy. Solitude was in constant terror she would lose her mother. Then what would happen? She would face this alone? She nudged affectionately at Erwin's shoulder, receiving the same warm approach she gave. At least they had each other, for now. Before Solitude had arrived, her mother had spoken to another mare, Queen, she had called her. She was no more. Killed under Hunter's reign in one of his blind rages. It just showed how much danger they were truly in. Constantly, they were walking on eggshells. Always wondering whether the breath they ha just taken, was to be their last.

Erwin snorted happily at the sight of her growing daughter, she was a beautiful young filly. She wondered what kind of a life she would have. There was no chance of a normal life. Not anymore. She had quite often imagined what life was like beyond the guarded borders. What life could be like for them. But it had been many months since Erwin had gone back to her dream, because that was what it would forever remain. Just a dream. She tossed her head up at Solitude, her thread-bare coat shedding more hair fibres. "Did you find us some food Solly?" she eagerly asked the filly. Solitude looked please with herself "I sure did. It looks untouched too." she buzzed happily.

Butterflies swarmed Erwin's stomach as she thought of food, as it then gave an angry lurch of agonising hunger. She licked her cracked lips hungrily "Lead the way Solly!" she hummed, her mood lightening by a fraction at the thought that soon she would be munching on grass. Food at last. She hurried her daughter along, desperate to consume the thick foliage that awaited them, her mouth dripping as they closed in on their newest meal. The patch wasn't big, but it was enough. Erwin rushed over to the land, and began tearing up the grass as if somebody was going to take it from her. Solitude joined her mother's actions, yanking up the grass like there was no tomorrow. Which questionably, there may not be. The two snow-capped mares ate in silence for what seemed a long time. They had not enjoyed such a meal since a week and a few days ago, and they certainly didn't know where or when they would find their next one.

Once they had both finished off the plot of grass, they looked up at each other in a satisfied manner. What would be nice now was a helping of fresh water, not the scummy stuff that filtered out of the mud ladened rocks. Erwin gave a hefty sigh, the nearest spring was on the other side of the island. At least a whole day's walk. A whole day of running from Hunter's man servants, they would not be so lucky as to avoid them all. Solly seemed to have the same craving, she licked her lips quickly, trying to generate enough fluid to calm her dry mouth. Erwin frowned, she's had enough of this. Who had the right to deny them the basic needs of life? Nobody, that was who. She would assist her daughter to the spring and overcome any issues on the way. Even if that meant, her giving her life. It was time she took charge and removed her head from the sand. She could attempt to make her life a little better. If all else failed, she could at least become a positive impact on Solitude's life. "Come Solly dear." she said nudging at the filly's flanks. Solitude stepped forwards a few steps before turning and facing her mother "But where are we going?" she asked in a perplexed manner. Erwin felt a smile pull at her lips, an expression she had not worn for many a month. "We are going together to get us water, food and shelter. And God help anybody who tries and stops us" she beamed grandly.

Vladamir and Jester

The patrol horses were stallions that roamed the territory on Hunter's request. They would seek out escaping mares, allow entrance of new mares and bring trespassing stallions to Hunter for their justice. They normally travelled in pairs every day, only when Hunter left the island did they have to split up and guard the entrances alone. Vladimir was partnered with a younger, more inexperienced horse then himself. His name was Jester. At first, Vladimir had been apprehensive of taking on the colt. He did not want to baby-sit. But nobody says no to Hunter. Anybody that did, ended up dead. Vladimir had taught the young snow-cap everything he knew about fighting techniques, protection and the five senses and how to use them to their full potential.

Now Jester was filling out and really coming on, he did not have to worry so much about his safety. Jester could be left to do a task and Vladimir was confident that when he returned it would be completed to a suitable standard. At the current time, Jester stood watch on top of a overlooking cliff, that gave a landscape view over nearly to whole of the East side of the island. Uheri and Cody had the West side today. Jester was on the lookout for any abnormalities, however slight could not be overlooked. He had been taught well, like a true solider and remained highly vigilant at all times. Vladimir watched over his project with something that felt like pride. He had never had a son, but supposed Jester was the closest thing to one. He had taken him on since his first few early months, brainwashing his mind like they did with all the new-borns. They were filled with one thought alone "To kill is to succeed". Hunter was the almighty ruler, always with his beautiful hellion at his side, Mutiny. Sometimes a large desert bred horse would be seen with Hunter also, they called him, Koven. It would seem that Koven was Hunter's main man, he certainly had more authority then Vladamir, Uheri, Cody and Jester all put together. It was if Hunter was at the top, then Mutiny and her new-born, then Koven, then the stallions and finally the mares.

The wind picked up and Vladamir sensed a change in Jester's position. Sure enough as he turned, he was met with a blur of brown and White pelt. "What do you see?" Vladamir snapped, whipping his tail in anticipation. Jester turned to him with emotionless beady eyes "Two mares, moving East bound, looks like they could be heading towards the spring." he said hastily. Vladmir clicked his neck, as he listened, his oddly coloured mane twisting wildy around in the breif snap of wind. "Then we follow them. I have no major issue with them gathering water, but there is a small path way by the spring that creates an easy road back to the sand bars. We cannot afford mistakes" he explained. Jester snorted quickly in agreement, before they both turned on their heels and created a huge wave of dust as they bolted away after the mares.



Uheri and Cody

The white Andalusian stood a few metres away from the rich bay colt that was in front of him, a agast look etched upon his face. Cody blinked slowly at Uheri, his mouth open: speechless. Uheri looked at him sheepishly, a childish grin widening on his face "I told you, you wouldn't like it, but you insisted that I tell you" he said smugly. Cody shook his head a couple of times "I don't believe it" he said bluntly. Uheri smirked "Look, just because I am Ranger's son...." he did not finish, Cody gave him a hard bite to silence him. "SHHHHH!" he hissed, narrowing his eyes at the stallion. "You never know when HE might be about! Unfortunately, you’re the only horse I've got. I don't really want to talk to you when you've been ripped to pieces and your body is mangled all over the floor!"

Uheri backed up and pretended to be blushing "Oh Cody, stop it, stop it! Your flattering me! You know we can never be more then friends" he said jokingly, shoving his shoulder playfully into Cody's. The Andalusian stallion faltered in his stance slightly "Oh, please" he snorted gruffly, whipping his tail against his hocks as he began to circle to island again. Uheri rolled his eyes as he followed narrowly behind him. The two stallions were in silence for a brief moment. Cody snorted again "I still can't believe it..." his voice shifting to a mere whisper "You. Ranger's son." he said breathlessly. Uheri said nothing, his smug expression said it all. Cody gave a shrill whistle suddenly, causing Uheri to jump a foot into the air "Can you imagine if Hunter or Mutiny found out?" he said jokingly. Uheri winced "I don't want to think about it. That Mutiny is as bad as Hunter if you ask me" Uheri exclaimed. Cody nodded in agreement, every now and then his eyes scanning the perimeter for signs of life. "Yeah, the pregnant dog is as bad if you ask me. Worse even, she can go running to Hunter with the smallest of problems and BOOM! Everything's settled." he said irritably, stamping his hoof harder than intend which caused his knee to buckle and him to almost go rolling into the sand.

Uheri hooted in laughter as his friend almost fell into the ground for the second time. Cody chased after Uheri teeth barred. "Coward" he muttered as he fell back into line. He twisted his head angrily side to side "Well, she can't be in his good books at the moment." he spat with a callous smirk. Uheri raised a brow "Oh? Why's that?" he asked. Cody muffled his cold laughter "She produced him a filly, didn't she?" he snorted lowly. The bay tilted his head to the side, not understanding "So?" he puzzled. This time Cody bumped his shoulder into him, sending him flying from the set course. "Idiot." he mumbled. "Have you not seen the mares in this place?" he snapped. Uheri began "Well, of co..." he was cut off. "Exactly! Weak, bony, pathetic looking things! That is what will become of Hunter's spawn, you mark my words. She will be no better than them. Who wants a daughter as an heir anyway? Hunter will be a laughing stock." he said smoothly. Uheri looked unconvinced "I'm not sure Hunter will ever be seen as a 'laugh stock'. To be honest his not the funny type." he gave a boyish grin. Cody rolled his eyes "Oh, give me strength" he sighed, picking up his pace and setting of at a speedy canter "Race you to the other side of the beach!" he shouted back to Uheri as he raced across the sand. Uheri stayed put for a moment, he was certain he had heard somebody. His eyes scanned the area. Nope. Nobody, but what was that? "Oi! Come on fatty!" Cody cackled from the other side of the beach , tearing Uheri from his concentration. He thundered towards Cody "What did you call me?!"

Maugrim

The steel grey hessian had slipped over the borders to the island in the dead of night, taking great care to avoid any contact as he entered the terra. He wanted to have a good look around undisrupted. He had heard of these island before. Horses spoke of it and it's inhabitants as a taboo. Nobody wanted to say anything about the place with the fear HE would hunt them down. The 'HE' they were referring to was a stallion named Hunter. Again, all the horses he had asked had refused to deliver him any information on the beast. Although, that in itself gave him an insight to Hunter's characteristics. They were so in utter blinding terror that they could not even give him a simple drop of information. This Hunter obviously had power. Power was what Maugrim wanted. Even if he had to start at the bottom, in the end that was what he wanted to achieve.

He had penetrated the island's defences from the West side, and now it had brightened by all of a fraction. He was admittedly lost. Maugrim had before been inches from a pair of stallions, who had been chatting away without the faintest knowledge that he was there. He had made a mental note of what they had said, it may come in useful. Words were after all, what made the world go round. Say one thing and history itself, can be changed. Maugrim tossed his nape in frustration. He was very much defeated, with nowhere to go. He sighed and pawed at the ground in thought. After a moment of ponder, he raised his head with a start. A shrill whinny echoed out into the island, notifying everybody out there of his location.

It didn't take long for two stallions to pinpoint his location. Their eyes glowing with a sort of madness. They circled him, beating him hard with their hooves at every opportunity. Maugrim let them, he knew their secret. As soon as they opened their mouths, he knew that these were the horses he had overheard earlier. Uheri and Cody. Yet, now they were torturing him. Soon, soon he would have his revenge. Another blow hit his shoulder, he lost a little balance. He could have fought back, but where would be the fun in that. No, Maugrim preferred to slink around, with so much knowledge stored in his mind. Only when the prize was sweet would he kill. He closed his eyes tight as the stallions continued to taunt him. A smile etching its way onto his jaw. He would have his share of blood. His smile turned into a chilling chain of laughter. The beating stopped and now he was being forced to walk. He was being taken to Hunter, exactly where he wanted to go. His navy eyes snapped open, glowing in all their glory. A tingling feeling of knowing, passed over him. Soon he would have his revenge- Very soon.

Banshee

She couldn't find her mother. First, she was snug warm in the dark and then she had just fallen into this cold, bright enviroment. Nobody was there. But what was nobody? And who wasn't there? What had she expected? What was this place, and why was it so cold? There were long things attached to her body, four of them. They hadn't been there before? Had they? She had never remembered them back in the dark. She had wriggled them around a little bit with no luck. It hurt to move them. Oh, it hurt so much. Yet, her brain said yes. It said she had to move or else she would come away from the cold land and go into a place of nothing-forever. She couldn't have that. Anything was better than that, surely?

Her joints creaked as she heaved herself up with no support. Little drops of water fell down her face, they had seemed to have been produced from her eyes. The sensation was unreal as she stood on shaking legs. It was pain she was feeling. Tearing, ripping pain that would not leave her alone. She tried to move forwards a little. She slipped falling back onto the solid and slightly moist ground. Her jaw gritted and she stood again. This time determined to make some progress. Once more she pulled herself up and started again. The little mare feel down time and time again, each time she would shake herself off and begin once more. She walked for miles, and with each fall she got more determined to continue. Yet, with each fall she got weaker and weaker. The winds were ice cold and snapped at her moist coat. She shivered in the coil that thrusted itself against her. She would not give up. She would not go into the nothing.

Her efforts were repaid. She had made her way to a gathering of other life forms. There were four of them. A huge one, two smaller ones and an even smaller one. Her legs sped her along, unaware of what she was about to walk into, the danger she had just put herself in. She was driven by an insane sense of hunger and loneliness. She could bear it no more. A soft bleating sound came from her maw as she got closer to them. She went to the smallest of the group, and butted its head softly. Hopefully, she would have some luck over here.

Mutiny and Futility

Mutiny was unsure if she liked motherhood. In some respects she did; for she would not change her little Futility for the world. Even at a glance, a fool could tell the obsidian filly's underlying power and strength. Yet, it did limit Munity’s actions. She could not go off to some distant land with Hunter for instance, or she could not go and terrorise a whole herd, because of the fear of losing her Futility. She would so with the filly day and night teaching her about the ways of the world. What she was expected to do and what she was not, under any circumstances allowed to do. She would tell her about Ranger and his mares, she would create stories for Futility to listen to. It would seem that the small mare would grow into a very distinguished character. Well, of course she would. She had the blood of two of the most powerful horses in the world running through her veins.

Mutiny turned to her daughter and licked her poll. It was not often that Mutiny would show her affections, but occasionally it was allowed. It was true to say that Futility ruled her current world, but soon she would be able to roam around without having to keep a watchful eye on her daughter's behaviour. She gave a sigh and began to walk down a small patch of sand "Come Futility" her voice boomed out into the silence, authority aligning her tone. Without question her daughter followed her, she had been taught to do so. Mutiny's ears pricked up as they continued to saunter along. Somebody was here. In her lands. She heard their call out into the atmosphere, the cunning wind pushing the sound towards her. Mutiny snorted in outrage, torn between going or staying. Hunter would he furious if Futility was put at risk. Mutiny frowned, well she was at no risk with her there. She was her mother after all. She snapped at her daughter's heels and they hurried away to find the intruder.

They reached the culprit who had entered her lands. Any oddly colour fellow, who somehow seemed strangly familiar to Mutiny. Her ears shot back as she stood protectivly over Futility. Her eyes narrowing, as her cold gaze slowly crawled over him like a fatal virus. He had said he was looking for Hunter. She suppressed a laugh. Nobody was ever 'looking' for Hunter, unless they wanted to end up dead. She came a little closer to the stallion, Futility silent as always at her side. She ignored his request "Speak your purpose, stallion." she hissed, her billowing mare curling around her nape.

Futility adored her mother. She would teach her about everything, never missing out details, and always explaining things on the rare occasion she did not understand. Her mother was a warrior. A strong, brutal yet stunningly beautiful killer. Her mother was a temptress, she had some kind of spell she could enchant horses with, ensnaring them into her lethal trap. She felt totally safe at her mother's side, happy with the knowledge that one day she would be even greater than her creator. Sometimes, Futility would get angry though. A boiling rage surfacing over her mind, it would get so strong that she would be blinded by the fury. She wanted to lash out at whoever was nearest; but she didn't. Instead she fell to silence. Her mind working deviously, she hatched plans and created torture blueprints. Her vivid hazel eyes always watching, so she picked up on everything. Nothing went by without her knowing about it. Her instinctive senses were so strong it seemed the world was at her feet.

It just so happened that this afternoon they would be put to the test. A painted stallion, with a frame not too different from her father's, appeared on the beach. Immediately, she had begun to scan his body, creating a mental note of each line and abrasion. She pieced each scar to his history, determining the rough time it was giving and by whom it have been received by. She stared at him for a few moments longer, gazing into his eyes, it was almost if she were reading his very soul. Yet, it was nothing more than great assumption on minor detail. Her mother had asked of his purpose, but Futility already knew the answer.

"He is my brother" she spoke her voice perfect with diction. Mutiny snapped around, eyes flaming with irritation, her daughter had spoken out of term. All those lessons she had been teaching her- gone. "What did you just say?!" she snarled. Futility stood her ground, she brow furrowing, had her mother not heard her correctly? "He is my brother." she repeated clearly, her eyes leaving her mother and falling on Titan with an instant liking. Mutiny took a few steps forward, momentarily confused. How could Futility have known such a thing? She had never even left the island. "Well?!" Mutiny questioned. She lifted her head up high "Is what the girl says true?!"
                                                          

[Swede]

Feldspar shrank back as the black behemoth taunted and belittled her; she wasn't quite sure how it was possible to feel any more miserable than she already did, but his words did nothing to soothe her battered soul. Cam had tried to save her, but he had failed. There was no hope, no escape, nothing. It was difficult to feel comforted even by Saburo's presence; there was not a drop of happiness to be found in this place, even if a friend was near. The roan mare glanced at Saburo in mild confusion at her praise. Well done? What? How could she muster any words of praise for... for this? Everything was all a dreadful mistake, why did Saburo not see that this was too impossible?

The little filly was rather oblivious to her mother's distress and discomfort, too deeply concerned with feeding herself. She was rudely interrupted by someone bumping into her, and glanced up. Who was this? She shrank closer to Feldspar's side- not in fear, no, because she had immediately learned that this trembling creature was no source of comfort or safety- but in jealousy, determined to protect the milk that was hers if the stranger tried to steal it. Such a feeble little stranger though... and that bleating sound was more pathetic than threatening.

Though if you asked Feldspar, it might as well have been the hiss of a mountain lion; she flinched and nearly tripped over herself, her shattered nerves making even the slightest surprise a calamity. Somehow managing to recover without falling over, she turned her head and gazed blankly at the new arrival. It took her brain several seconds to comprehend what it even was. But then, she felt a tiny touch of weary relief. The rust-colored filly- she supposed it needed a name... Rusty would do- was of her blood whether she liked it or not. And she most certainly did not like it. But this one? This one wasn't hers, this was someone else's, it wasn't her problem. Hopefully it would just run back to its own mother soon, to live out a life of miserability depending on how well-favored the dam was.

[Captain Stumpy]

(wow hunters image even looks evil)

Saburo glaired at Hunter with daggers in her eyes, if looks could kill he'd be dead ten times over. Watching a friend fall apart was painful, but watching the hidious bas*ered who broke her friend take pleasure out of shattering her somemore. She heard Feldspar as she spooked at someone else's foal. she'd had enough, enough of Hunter enough and enough broken Feldspar.

"If we're done" She hissed at Hunter through gritted teeth. With another aggrivated swish of her tail she walked forward and turned between Hunter and Feldspar. "C'mon Feldspar you can show me someplace to graze" She said her tone quieter and carmer to her friend. She kept her whole body between Hunter and Feldspar, hoping that way she'd pay attention to her and get some part of her head together. She looked back to Hunter, the sight alone made her neck jolt into a arch again. Feldspar was her's or at least she was to Saburo's subconcious mind.

______________________________________________(running into Maugrim, Uheri, Cody)

"We're lost" "WE'RE NOT!" Barked BlackThorn his ears flat and neck arched he towered over his smaller sibling. "Don't bark at me!" Aspen snapped back her ears flat as well. "You started it I thought you new the way" Black said angrily, "I don't know the damned way, I was only following the tracks!" She snapped back. "Great we're lost and its your fault" Black snorted. "Oh sod yo u I'll find her myself!" Aspen stomped with her front hoof, swished her tail so it hit Black then galloped off. "Aspen!" Black roared, but she didn't slow down and he wasn't the build to keep up.

Aspen bolted ahead, more concerned weather Black was following or not. She kept ahead enough to see him but put enough distance between them that she couldn't hear whatever he was yelling. The Red Dun went from gallop to stop when she spotted a pair of guards ahead, instictivly she looked for cover, their wasn't much exept a dence patch of brambles and young tree's it wasn't as tall as her but it was better than nothing.

Next thing BlackThorn spotted the guards, he noticed another stallion with them, maybe a new recrute? that horrible guilt feeling flushed over him, he was old enough for guard training now but somehow he'd managed to aviod it, he'd assumed Hunter had forgotten about him, Black made it a mission not to see the scar faced black stallion. Only because looking at Hunter was like looking into a mirror of the future. Both big, both black, both scarred and before Black had met Hunter both had a devious temper but noe Black had seen what a villen is and what they do he aspiered to be the opposet of Hunter. Though this sort of thinking wasn't going to get him out of the way of the guards any quicker. Galloping away would only get him chaised and most horses could outrun him, Aspen just proved that. Instead he walked to the closest patch of grass turned his back to the aproching guards and began grazing.

___________________________________________________

"Oh Orion" Maple said brushing his cheek with her-own to wipe away his tear. "When I look at you I don't see a brute, I see a sweet and careing young stallion" She said sweeping her head down his neck. "If we escaped, we'd escape as a group, you, me and Aspen and Black" She said resting her chin over his withers. "If their is any way of his Island Orion I know you can find it" She said encouragingly, smiling as she did.

[Saz]

Hunter

A snicker rippled from Hunter's maw as he watched Saburo, "Hmm... I suppose we are. Though as part of this herd you will be joining me in the breeding canyon soon." He smirked deeply, moving forward swiftly and letting his muzzle drift over her withers before clamping down upon her crest viciously. The bite drove through her skin and before she could retaliate he backed away, a victorious smile upon his crazed visage. "Do not forget, Saburo. You are mine." He growled, grey eyes flashing mischieviously before he turned his attention toward the little bleating foal. His ears flicked back and he grumbled deeply before grasping the filly by her chest and pulling her into his chest. He inspected her with keen eyes before nudging her boldly and motioning for her to follow him. "You will be silent. You will be fed soon." He snapped, eyes flashing as he arched his neck and bellowed for his queen.

Swishing his tail fiercely, he turned scanning the surrounding area until he eventually caught the distant figure of his Mutiny, but who was she talking to? "Go! That way." He ordered the almost newborn filly motioning toward the distant figure of Mutiny before setting off at a lope the filly could keep pace with. Feldspar could just about deal with feeding her young one, forcing another would send her completely over the edge, and he didn't want that just yet. Mutiny could feed her for the mean time, perhaps this filly could even become Futility's right-hand horse.

~-~-~-~-~

Titan

The dapple grey paint paused, boldly staring the mare right in the eyes however, showing he was not afraid of her, though he respected the power and authority that came off her in waves. Titan nodded, before opening his mouth to summon the words that were indeed true. However the filly beat him to it and both her mother's gaze and his own shot to her. "What she says is true, I am Titan. Son of Hunter. I am here to fulfill my role as whatever he needs it to be." He snorted deeply, gaze still trained upon the slender obsidian filly.

Ignoring Mutiny, he took a careful step forward and lowered his head to Futility's level. "Nice to meet you, little one. What are you called?" He asked, cocking his head to the side as he observed her. He lifted his head and backed up a few steps as an territorial call interrupted his bonding time with his sister. He lowered his head, acknowledging the superiority of Hunter. The dark stallion snorted in a deadly manner, his gaze piercing through his son in a vicious manner. "Who are you?" He growled, swishing his tail as he placed himself in front of Mutiny and Futility with one stride.

"I am Titan. Your son. You forcebred my mother six years ago. I was born into the world five years ago. I spent three of those years attempting to block out my true nature. I was a fool. Now, I see clearly. You are the way forward. I wish to join your ranks, if not as your son then as a guard, a warrior. Whatever you'll have me as." He snorted, swishing his tail before lowing his gaze to Futility. "I understand I am not your heir, she is far stronger than I shall ever be. But I do not hold that against her, if anything, I wish for her to succeed and dominate everything in her path. And if I can help in anyway, I wish to." He snorted, flicking his silver-blue gaze to his father's stormy grey.

"Hmm..." Hunter paused, scanning the ruggedly handsome stallion with interest. "You have impeccable timing, Titan. Mutiny had been going a little stir crazy recently, and I would feel far more comfortable leaving her in the protection of someone I can trust." He paused, staring coldly at Titan before lowering his head to Futility's and gently touching her poll. "If any sort of harm comes to my daughter, you will regret leaving your previous life." He growled softly, stepping forward and raising his head above his son's. "Hmph. A sparring battle between us and then, if you are up to my standards, you will be placed as Futility's personal guard." He snorted, eye glittering viciously before he backed off, beckoning his son a few strides away.

It was an unspoken understanding, that as soon as they were well enough away from Mutiny and Futility they would battle. As Titan's pale hoof touched down upon the shimmering sand a few hundred yards away from his sister, Hunter launched himself as his son but was surprisingly met with a headbutt and then a hard shove. The father and son broke apart, circling, dark smirks identical across their faces. Titan pranced sideways as his father rushed him once more, swinging his hind end to lash out at the same time Hunter did. Their hooves clashed together before the duo loped apart and spun back to face each other. They paused, sizing up each other before bolting head on and rearing up, boxing out as they battled. Titan landed two solid smacks to his father's head and neck before Hunter's teeth snapped down on his neck, two inches away from a main artery. The grey paint backed up, driving his hooves into the sand in an attempt to maintain stability.

Hunter sidestepped as Titan reared up, lashing out once more. The onyx hessian spun on his heels and lashed out at his offspring before dashing a few feet away and spinning back to fend off Titan's next attack. But as the hessian turned, he was sideswiped and stumbled, Titan used that opportunity to lunge for his sire's neck before halting, muzzle firmly planted against Hunter's throat. The island was hushed for a few moments and Titan backed up, sides heaving as he stared, unsure of Hunter's reaction. The black stallion lay on the sand for a moment, the battle sinking in to his bones before he heaved himself to his hooves and stared hard at Titan. A broad smirk slowly formed across his face and he nodded thoughtfully, "Okay then." That was all he said before he turned and disappeared into the trees, a thoughtful look upon his dark face.

~-~-~-~-~

Orion

Orion sighed quietly before nuzzling his love tenderly, "I know, I know. We'll get out eventually, I promise you." He whickered quietly before turning at the sound of approaching hooves. "Maple, go! Into the trees!" He murmured urgently before jogging toward the sound of hooves. His ears flicked backward as he spotted Aspen on a collision course with Cody and Uheri, along with some other stallion. He sped up into a lope, cutting off the three stallions before Aspen crashed into them. "Hey, Uheri! Cody! And who's this?" He asked, a small smile attempting to light up his patched face as he glanced behind him and met Aspen's gaze, gesturing toward the trees where Maple was hidden. "If you're looking for Hunter, he was headed over to that other side of the island, where Mutiny is." He snorted, guesturing to his left, hopefully diverting their attention from Aspen, who looked a little like she was attempting an escape.

[lily]

Futility

It was just a gentle beating of drums. A beating, of heavy drums in her mind. A faint thudding, sound in the stern of her cognizance. They were not interruptive, yet always constant. She looked up at the Titian warrior with antagonistic, impassive gaze, as she did with everybody. Nobody knew what was ticking around in the obsidian filly’s mind. She would remain silent for most of her days; it was her silence that was her greatest weapon. The presence of her father was an unusual appearance, one she was grateful of. He did not come along. Some kind of filly was at his side. She did not know quite what it was. It didn’t look much like a mare. It was given to her mother. Maybe as a gift? Although, the grimace her dam made when receiving it directed her otherwise. As much as she tolerated and stomached her mother’s words of wisdom, there was only so much she could take from her dam. Her sire’s attendance but her at ease for a couple of precious seconds.

Her valuable gaze fell back to her newly found brother then to her father; they seemed to be engaging in some kind of duel. One, she would be sure not to miss. Ignoring, her mother’s helpless protest she followed the two studs to their point of battle. She stood a few metres away; she was intelligent enough not to get caught up in the great stallion’s hooves. It may just be the last thing she do. She observed the hessians, her mind soaking up each move like a sponge. The newcomer had beaten her father, never before had she experienced such a sensation. This stranger who claimed to be her brother, was stronger than her father? No. Never. Although, there was a strange tugging sensation in her stomach. It was almost like admiration. Nothing, like what she felt for her father. Yet, there was something.

Futility waited patiently, watching cautiously as her father left the scene and disappeared into the unknown. She walked up to Titian, bold as the day, as if walking up to a lone stallion was a task she did everyday of her existence. “You asked for my name.” She said bluntly, her eyes still as expressionless as ever. “My name is Futility.” Her voice sung clearly in a tone that should not belong to a mere filly. “You beat my father in the spar you just had.” Futility stated. “Why are you here?” she demanded.

Mutiny

She was outraged- on so many levels. First, this new stallion. A son, he had called himself. A son of the great Hunter? She hardly thought so. She was about to reply to him, telling him to leave these lands if he valued his existence, when Hunter himself came into the lands. Good, she thought to herself. He would be exterminated and they could put an end to this mess. Yet, that was not what was to happen. Hunter was believing this load of rubbish? Mutiny watching in utter confusion as her stallion accepted him without much hesitation. It just didn’t seem right. What’s more was the weakling of a filly, Hunter had thrown at her feet and told her to raise. A pitiful thing like that? No, she would not raise it. Not when she had her Futility to worry about. There was another problem. Futility. Her daughter who terrified her. Where had she got too anyway? Mutiny spotted her daughter watching the two stallion’s spar. The great inked mare rolled her eyes and followed the filly. She turned suddenly and looked distastefully down at Banshee. “Wait here.” She spat, before cantering off in the direction of her wayward offspring.

She slowed to a trot when she reached the sand bar, only to witness Hunter wandering off into the depths of the woodlands. Now, was her chance. Abandoning her daughter she followed the stud into the woods. “Hunter!” She called out brashly. She wanted answers and she wanted them now. To long had this been going on, and now she demanded a response.

Cody and Uheri

Uheri halted at the sight of Orion “Oh hey Orion” he said almost cheerily, snorting to the stallion. He indicated to Maugrim “This is a new one we found trespassing” he chuckled, striking the stallion’s shoulder. “Now, why would somebody want to come here?!” He chuckled darkly. “Only one way out of this island, and we all know what that is. Right, guys?!” he said in an overly bright tone.
Cody didn’t response to Uheri in the cheery manner Uheri had, instead gave him a brief snort. In fact he was rather cold to Hunter’s son; he had never really got on with him. His eyes wandered around the scenery as the two horses talked amongst themselves. His gaze fell onto a thin bramble bush that seemed to have just rustled. He lifted his head into the atmosphere. No, they was no passing winds. He trotted over a few paces, when the scent hit him. New horses.

He cantered towards them, now certain of their presence. “They are trying to escape!" He screamed out, circling the horses. He trapped them between the thorns and him, with no escape. “Well, well, well. What do we have here?!” he said with a malicious laugh.

[Swede]

Feldspar stared blankly at Hunter as he finally vacated the scene, bringing the lonely filly with him. It was first when he was gone that she reacted to Saburo's words, and turned her head to face the other roan. "Graze? Um, okay," she said in a bewildered tone. "Then we should go- er-" she realized that she couldn't remember where on the island there was any good grazing. There was grass everywhere, really; but Feldspar never ate it. It made her stomach hurt even worse than usual, and it was so difficult to swallow. She had managed to grow quite a thick winter coat, but it did a poor job of obscuring the skin and bones underneath.

"Over here," she said finally, picking a direction at random. No doubt there would be some tasty grass somewhere that way. Feldspar began carefully walking forward, in the opposite direction to where Hunter had gone; Rusty trotted along in the same direction, but didn't seem particularly bothered to stay close to her mother. Feldspar was food, but not much more than that; not enough to really feel like a mother, or like an important individual. Even her milk was thin, and she didn't have much of it. The filly crowhopped a little bit, but it got boring rather quickly. Instead she moved towards Saburo and mouthed at the roan mare's tail impatiently.

[Captain Stumpy]

Saburo winced as he grabbed her, her mouth opened but she refuced to cry out. She couldn't bare to give him the saticfaction. She intended to pull away but he let go at the same time so she ended up stumbling sidewards towards Feldspar. Feldspar still seemed a little air-headed but as Hunter walked away she was sure feldspar's mind would start repairing again.

She followed just behind Feldspar, She felt Rusty tugging on her tail and turned round to the tiny roan. "C'mon Runty"he called playfuly giving the filly a knock on the shoulder with a back hoof. She stood still a moment waiting for the filly to come beside her. As she turned her neck she felt the wound on her crest split, the twinge of pain caused her to wince slightly again. She looked forward, Feldspar didn't seem to have much of a idea of direction, was she lost already? "Here doesn't look to bad Feldspar" She called over to the chestnut roan, pointing out a currently unoccupied clearing.


-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Aspen ears pricked as she heard the guards talking to? or great Orion. During their talking Black had quietly come closer to her. that was when the grey guard noticed the rather poorly hidden pair.

Black saw red when the large grey accused them of trying to run away (though the thought has crossed his mind more than once during there hunt for Maple) "We were not!" Aspen shouted before Blackthorn said anything. BlackThorn pushed himself between Apsen and Cody, his ears pinned down. BlackThorn may have only been 2 years old but he'd already gained alot of his height, Standing 17'1hh at the withers it was only his muscle and bulk that reminded him of his age. he was at the 'tall and lanky' stage of growth. Once he'd squared up to Cody he reared up high, giveing a rather coltish squeel he threw his legs towards Cody's face hoping to push Cody back enough for Aspen to get out of the rather thorny trap.

Maple did just as Orion commanded, her flight reflex was one of her best features. But she didn't go out of ear shot. She heard Orion not to clearly but she could make out he'd said 'Hunter' and that was enough to keep Maple well hidden. It sounded like it was going well entill she heard Apsen shout and what she was sure was BlackThorns squeel. Her minds eye showed BlackThorn trying to kill Orion, the larger black colt having a height advantage over her Orion.

"Black don't!" She called out galloping rather blindly out of the tree's and towards the horses. It wasn't entill she eye'd all horses present, and seen Orion was competely fine. She then had a rush of humility, or just a rush of feeling rather stupid? followed by another rush of vunerability. She took a long step back, then at the same time Aspen and Maple spotted eachother, "Maple! Clearing!" Aspen yelled, BlackThorn was a bit to busy to even notice Maple. Maple gave a 'sorry' look at Aspen then another one at Orion then bolted again, her tail raised like a arab.

(If these 3 could mess somthing up they will ;P )

[Saz]

Hunter

A dark growl rippled from his throat as he heard Mutiny shriek at him. He halted, waiting for the mare to catch up to him before he whirled round, teeth bared, snapping inches from her throat. His ears were buried deep into his thick, wild tresses and he moved toward the mare until they were nose to nose. He knew what she was going to demand answers to and for the moment he was too blindly enraged by being beaten to answer them. His eyes flashed menacingly and he glared at the deadly mare with nothing more than fury. "Mutiny. I suggest you go back to that filly I gave you, feed her, and then come and find me." The lyrics fell from his trembling maw with the utmost control, his beast was enraged, he needed to strike, and it was only because he willed it that he did not strike the mare. With that said, the dangerous hessian turned and disappeared into the treeline.

~*~*~*~*~

Titan

The grey painted stallion chuckled softly as the filly stated her name with all the subtly of a very large rock. "It's lovely to meet you, Tilly." He grinned, nudging her with his large muzzle before his eyebrows arched up in slight surprise. "I'm here to protect you, and help you become the best you can. Not to mention get a bit of action in the oncoming war." He smirked, the very same devilish smirk that belonged to his father. "Now, why don't you show me around the island? Introduce me to everyone." He snorted before raising his head from it's lowered position to glance around.

~*~*~*~*~

Orion

The painted colt grinned at Uheri, a bright smile coming across the colt's maw as he stared at the friendly bay. Perhaps he could persuade Uheri to let he, BlackThorn, Aspen and Maple leave. Maybe he'd even come with them... That thought was cut off as Cody strode past him toward the bushes where Aspen and Black were hiding. Oh no. He thought, taking half a step after the grey before Cody's malicious voice rang out. His throat constricted and he immediately moved closer to the scene. Suddenly, he realized Cody wouldn't dare attack him, as Hunter's son he was higher up in the hierarchy.

Swishing his tail decisively, he advanced upon the grey andalusian, "Don't be a dunce, Cody. Why would they even bother to escape? The only way off this island is in the opposite direction, anyway. And they're not new, or are you actually that thick? They got here almost two years ago, along with that mangy old nag." He snapped, voice cold and eyes flashing defiantly, he didn't mean anything that he said about Nanna. Actually he'd quite liked the spirited old mare, but he knew he had to keep up the act to keep Cody from beating them if he was to ever show BlackThorn and Aspen that he wasn't really evil.

Flattening his ears, Orion pushed his way past Cody and placed himself between the others and the evil guard. He just hoped BlackThorn wouldn't attack him when his back was turned. "Now. Do I need to tell Hunter that you were slacking off on your job enough for an intruder to even get on the island?" He snarled, baring his teeth and pushing himself forward so he was nose to nose with the grey stallion. He knew that even if he wasn't truly Hunter's son, that the black stallion would berate and beat anyone who lay a hoof on him.

~*~*~*~*~

Hunter, Orion

A deep bellow rippled through the forest and the black devil of a stallion appeared, he caught sight of Cody cornering Orion and he saw red. Rushing forward, he seized the stallion by the crest and yanked him back a few steps so he was no longer trapping Orion, BlackThorn and Aspen in the thorns. "HOW DARE YOU THREATEN A HORSE OF MY BLOOD!" He bellowed, circling the grey stallion, ears flattened and eyes flashing with menace. He struck the grey once, then twice with his hooves and teeth before turning away, lashing his tail fiercely. "Let that be a lesson to you, Cody. Next time I will not hold back." He growled, not glancing back at the grey stallion. He turned his focus upon Uheri instead, and a sneer rippled across his face as he caught sight of another intruder. "Who is this?" He snapped, glaring at Maugrim, the question directed at Uheri.

Orion breathed a quiet sigh of relief and closed his eyes for a brief moment before moving away from the thorn bushes so Aspen and BlackThorn could get out. The bay painted colt shifted uneasily, glancing between Aspen and Maple before finally his gaze landed upon BlackThorn. Perhaps later he could talk to the dark colt about escaping off of this island. Though he shouldn't see why BlackThorn should trust him. He paused and sighed before jogging past the others to stand beside Maple. He couldn't care less about what the others thought, he loved her with all of his heart, she was his light in this dark, dank world.