This Or That

[Swede]

Winter had been harsh on the young stallion's herd. When a blizzard struck the aspens, it was so blinding that even among the trees the snow whirled too thickly to be seen through, and the herd had been broken up into little pieces. It had taken several days for Fire to track down each member and gather them all together again, and by the time he reached his old territory, it had been overtaken. Winter is a poor time to start up fights and risk getting wounded, so instead Fire had turned his herd in the other direction, seeking to take up residency somewhere emptier.

However, as they trekked on, it seemed that the lands were burgeoning with life, and nothing stood abandoned for him to stake a claim in. Perhaps he would have to make a challenge after all. At least he had managed to gain some weight and strength back since winter ended, and in any case the situation was starting to turn into an emergency. They needed someplace to live, now.

Standing on the far shore, Fire eyed the island critically. There was plenty of water of course, thanks to the lake, and the island seemed grassy enough. Now in spring the water was quite high over the sandbars, but he suspected that once the lake level lowered a bit, it would be easy to cross. "Trace; Sterling," he called over his shoulder, eyes still fixed on the island. "What do you think- will it work for us?"

The tattered blue roan strode stiffly up beside Fire, staring across the lake in silence for a few minutes. Then he nodded once. Trace almost never talked these days; it didn't hurt as much now, but his torn throat and damaged vocal chords made his voice sound like a growling wolf, or the grating of gravel, and was generally difficult to understand. He wasn't quite so crazy anymore either, and was usually fully aware of his surroundings, though occasionally the stallion would find himself staring into space and not realize how long he had been doing so, or how he had ended up where he was standing. Fire still trusted him completely though, and relied on both of the older stallions' judgement to help him run this herd right.

Flame was growing up to be a fine young stallion; the three year old was as bright chestnut as his father was, though they were differentiated by the white stripe down his face. He was loyal to his family, and was proud that his father was trusting him with more difficult tasks- during their trip here, he had been asked to scout ahead several times, or protect the back of the herd, instead of just wandering along like a foal. He wanted to learn to be the best stallion he could be, from Fire and Sterling and Trace, and watched them in everything they did. As they paused and debated their next move, Flame moved up alongside Page. "Are you alright, mama?" he asked her, knowing that the trip may have been a bit hard on the pregnant mare.

[minerva]

Payton was the first mare to enter in behind Fire, Trace and Sterling who was walking up in front of her and who came to a slow stop. Payton snorted she could smell the scent of others horses nearby and did not like it one little bit. She let her ears swerve towards Trace's voice the only stallion that had ever been able to capture her heart. She was nervous but if he thought it was a good place then she would go along with besides Fire had two other stallions on her side though she doubted slightly that Sterling or Trace could do anything really since he was still badly battle scared and Sterling was now older looking then he actually was. Plus Payton did have her mind occupied but something more important to her this year she planned to ask Trace to have another foal since they had lost their first son it was about time they tried again.

Sterling glanced back at Payton and he already knew what she was thinking but it was very diffcult to make Payton happy she was usually a cranky horse most of the time. Sterling turned his attention back to Fire " Yeah we better take a look around first and make sure we are alone or if we have to fight a herd for the territory" Sterling raced a few paces forward and stopped looking back to make sure the herd was still following.

Flint pranced a long still caught between a foal and a growing stallion as he was now two years old, he had not really understood all that was going on but has long has he stayed close to his family he was content. He used to play with Lona but now that she was a bratty,catty and mean three year old her stuck very far away from her.

Lona rolled her eyes has she fallowed Flame and tossed her head when he stopped to ask his fat mother somthing she hit him on the rump with the center of her head before moving around him and going to stand by Fire her half brother. "Serisously you could not find anything better brother?" It was almost like she had taken after Payton but after all her mother was Smoke so it was no surprise that she had recived some of the grumpy and ignorant side in Smoke's line. She could be just has hot-headed has Fire at times.

Pageant was breathing a bit harder then usuall has she was very close to foals it would be any day actually. She smiled softly at Flame not able to be any happier being the mother of three incredibly beatuiful children Flame,Flint and Fury could not make her any happier. " Yes I'll be alright, how are you son?" giving him a motherly nudge and turning to look at Lona.. If she was not related to Fire, Page would have loved to give her a pieace of her mind, she always had a bad attitude these days. The pregnant lead mare moved foreward pushing her way on the other side of Fire to take a good look " It seems fine to me." She said loud enough to have Lona hear.

Fury scooted after her brother Flint and nipped playfully at him has she stopped when she saw her mother moving towards her father and she was a rather shy one compared to her two feisty brothers, so she hurriedly ran towards them and bumping into Fire's back leg has she did so.

Last but not least Devil and Tear fallowed behind leaving hints for Hero of where the herd had gone too. They watched the herd and could see how much it was growing and hopped that Hero was prepared because the time was nearing and they were ready for when it came.

Savolaks was in his favorite place on the top of the highest hill grazing lazily and quite sure his mares were not too far away since he had started to stay longer and longer he was starting to form a sort of relationship with the two mares, though he would never call it something like love, he was still here to protect him it ran in his blood and instincts. His ears flicked forward when he heard voices a head, he had been so pleased when the last herd left and was dreading the thought of others. He trotted towards the edge of the hill and spotted what look like an entire army of horses coming his way.

[Swede]

Ember lifted her head from the grass, alerted by the scent of strangers. It seemed as though Savolaks had seen them as well- she followed his gaze, and her eyes settled upon a herd on the move, including multiple stallions. Uintah and Henna were frolicking in the grass nearby, but at a sharp whicker from the bay mare, they quickly snapped to attention, coming to stand beside their mothers. Rosanna, too, watched the newcomers carefully, but remained quiet. This was Savolaks' area of work in the herd; not even Ember could really do much about an intrusion on this scale, even though she was the lead mare. "Savolaks, what are we going to do?" Ember asked quietly.

Sterling's words rang with wisdom, and Fire nodded. Just then, Lona stepped forward and announced her displeasure. Flattening his ears, the chestnut stallion snaked his neck around and nipped her shoulder sharply. "We might have the same mother, but that does not mean a filly gets to show any disrespect- not to her elders, and certainly not to the lead stallion," he growled. He might be a young lead stallion, but a leader needed to be strong, and he wasn't going to be undermined, least of all by a bratty filly. His herd was standing on a precipice, and the last thing he needed was Lona's attitude.

Flame nuzzled his mother and then glanced at Lona disapprovingly. Silly filly, this was important stuff; she was such a grump all the time. Turning his attention away from her, he scrutinized the horizon, and then said, "Dad, I see someone over there.. I think there are others who live here."

"I see them too," Fire said warily. "But we've got no choice, your mother won't be able to travel much further and I'm sick of it too. So either they let us stay, or we make them let us stay." Entering his most stubborn of moods, Fire strode forward boldly, with Trace following a few steps behind. The chestnut stallion whinnied a loud, high call, full of authority and demanding attention and respect. Either the other stallion would challenge him, or he would realize he was outnumbered and outgunned, and accept the new inhabitants.

[minerva]

Savolaks stood still when the other stallion called out and his eyes searched over each of the stallions. As he saw it he had two choices let them stay or die trying. He twisted his ears towards Ember and listened to her words. He was walking on water, he wanted the mares to know he was still in charge but even if he took down the chestnut there was still the other two to deal with, he would be fighting a young stallion and two older and probably very skilled stallions.

He looked towards Ember " nothing yet I want you to stay here well I got to talk to them if anything happens at or too me I want you to take off and find somewhere to keep the foals safe." He ran his muzzle on her neck for a moment and took in her scent to get his confidence back up and remind himself what he was fighting for.

The black slowly made his way down the hill making sure to keep his head high, he stopped in front of fire and pinned his ears back " Stallions I believe you are lost and should go else where."

Sterling stopped beside Fire and watched the other stallion carefully he would jump in if the stallion decided to take on Fire since he was Smoke's son and he had watched the boy grow up all his life and his life was more important then Sterling's. He had been given a second chance for what seemed like no reason. Smoke was gone stolen by his own son and now he had to prepare to fight for her but Fire could do more then he could. He was just a broken down stallion with no hope left of ever finding his love.

Lona yipped a little when Fire bit her and she took a few steps back for a moment she just glared and stuck her tongue out at Fire before she carried on following him. She was quiet for a moment before the black stallion said anything " Oh yeah stallion what are you going to do about if you haven't noticed there is way more of us then you!"

Payton had stayed calm and collected like she did before a fight or if there was even going to be one. She stopped beside Trace and gave a quick nudge and nuzzle but when Lona opened her mouth she seemed to snap finally. She had stayed quiet and let Fire deal with his half sister but not in a situation like this. " Lona come now!" She barked towards the young mare. Lona turned and looked at her with a sneer on her face " no way your not my mother!" Payton trotted over and tore on the mares mane then nipping her. Lona knew when she had no chance and to be honest she was a bit scared of Payton and her anger so she sidled away from the mare going back towards Flame and the other foals. " Sorry Fire" Payton murmured as she went back towards Trace.

Flint made his way towards Flame where he nipped playfully the other stallions mane and nudged him " Lona is sure going to get in trouble" He whispered as he watched the mare sidle away from the rest of the herd and stop once she was many hoof steps away.

Pageant has stayed behind as she knew she would not be any help in her state she kept an eye on the foals she knew Flame was old enough to watch himself and she feared for her son leaving as he would always be her first.

The mare snorted when she felt a pain in her side and what seemed like she was being kicked by thousands of hooves. Page looked towards Fire and closed her eyes it seemed the foals always seemed to come at a bad time.

She began to walk the other way until there was drop and she was down by the shoreline. She did a few paces in circles. Sweat was dripping down her neck and back. As she laid down sand stuck to her coat. It only seemed a few before she began to push, it was fast just like the other ones and since this was her fourth foal.

When the foal laid on the sand sticking its nose in the air and has Pageant began to lick it. It was beautiful bay filly. she felt another pain. Another foal was coming. The mare struggled for a few minutes but was finally able to bring the second foal into the world. Pageant began to lick the new colt quickly well the first one attempted to stand. Pageant grabbed hold of the filly's tail and hauled her up moving so she could lean on her and move towards her mothers delicious milk well Page tended to the colt. The filly was much lighter then the colt and bigger them him, well he was a much darker rich bay color like his mom.

Pageant smiled she was proud of her new little ones, it would be hard to care for two rascals but she had done it before and was sure she could do it again. " Wow two babies... what am I going to do with you both? But I know your father will love you as much as me. He's a good father. Now I will call you Fiery" She nickered to the filly as she watched the colt begin to stand and push his sister away, he was small but very feisty at that. " And you I will call Flammable" Page gave the colt a rough lick.

Pageant missed their old home dearly, she missed the leaves that would turn bright orange and red colors in the fall and the trees that protected them in the winter. She however knew Fire was trying his best and would never tell him that. She nickered as she began to maker her way to the herd with both foals running friskily behind her. She stopped once they reached the herd and waited for Fire to finish with the black.

Tear and Devil grazed blocking all herd conflicts out. Tear nodded towards Devil. Devil would be leaving soon to update Hero well Tear stayed behind and kept an eye on what was going on with the herd. Devil smiled when she saw the new foals following Page.. The fun her and her sister will have killing the foals once Hero came to wipe out the entire herd.

[Swede]

Fire flicked an ear back as Page hung behind the herd, keeping her distance. Good, he didn't want her anywhere near the strangers who lived here before any potential conflict was resolved. Flame would keep an eye on her if she needed it. He flattened his chestnut ears slightly as the black stallion approached them; Fire didn't want to be too aggressive and start an instant fight, but he was not going to show even the slightest sign of weakness here. He had to act like he was dominant and in charge, if he was going to be taken seriously. A showdown between two stallions could depend just as much on attitude as it did on physical capabilities. Trace had taught him while training for the Dalt that one must believe all the way to the core that you were the better stallion and the one who would win; a much weaker opponent could still beat you easily if you lacked confidence- but you also had to have yourself under control, if you were going to have any control over the situation. At Lona's sudden outburst, however, Fire very nearly lost his composure. Luckily, Payton was quick to interfere. Lona might be his little sister, but her insubordination was getting out of hand; he would have to deal with her later.

Stepping forward boldly, Fire lifted his head and answered in a calm voice, "You believe wrongly. I am not lost; these lands are mine. If that is problematic for you, then perhaps you should go elsewhere. Otherwise, I'll let my own teeth and hooves remove the problem for you. Do I make myself clear?" He struck a hoof out towards the ground firmly, as if punctuating the point that the soil and the grass were his property now.


Flame nodded once at Flint but shook the younger colt off. "That's her problem," he whispered back. "She should know better. But shush, this is important." The young stallion's eyes remained fixed upon his father and the stranger who seemed to be the leader of this territory. He turned his head as his mother wandered down the beach, hesitating for a moment. No, he'd keep a sharp ear out, in case she needed him, but otherwise he'd let her be alone.

The scarred roan stood beside Payton, silent as he almost always was these days. His fierce eyes cast Lona a sharp glare as Payton scolded her. The young mare was lucky; had they still lived among the Dalt in war time, such obnoxious behavior would be be severely punished regardless of the situation. The fact that her impudence also interrupted a tense meeting between two potential adversaries would have been a very serious offense indeed. Trace might have grown more tolerant of Outsiders since leaving the extinguished Dalt and joining Fire, but the strict military order still followed him from the past, and it was not likely that he would ever accept a mare who wasn't Dalt. Moreover, he had not really learned moved on in life, like Fire had. Fire had grown up away from the Dalt herds, and thus could easily fit into regular Outsider life. Trace had only ever known the ways of the old valleys; still, he might have learned to forget, when the war ended. But for Trace, it wasn't over. Bitterness festered in his heart, a paralyzing anger at the evil enemy which had destroyed him. Over a year of his life, wasted while wandering in the desert without so much as knowing his name; the agony of old wounds half-healing and then breaking up again, ragged and infected for so long that now his coat was just a mess of ugly scars; lapses in awareness and memory which left him panicked and not knowing who or where he was; a throat so tattered he could hardly even speak enough to tell the mare beside him that he loved her. But the worst of it was that his own son had been stolen before he had even met him, stolen by another Dalt. No; Hero was a blood traitor, worth less than dirt to Trace. For now, the roan was still gathering strength, getting himself properly reunited with Payton and assisting Fire; but though Fire might not feel a pressing need to get his mother back, Trace was going to find his son, one day. Perhaps Sterling would be interested in hunting down Smoke and taking her back from his worthless son. But with or without help, Trace figured Hero had better watch his back. After all, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger; and Trace had faced death many times.


(OOC: geez... sorry about the random Trace ramble at the end, I'm barely even awake right now But I love him, so fun to poke around in his head XD)

[minerva]

Savolaks took a deep breath and stood is ground he looked down his nose at Fire, he knew very well he was beat before the fight even began. He let his breath go slowly and turned around putting his back to Fire before turning his head back and looking at the red stallion with complete distaste. " You can stay for now, but don't even attempt a move towards my mares or I will rip your throat out. He glanced towards the other stallions and mares and snorted towards them before trotting back up his hill and watching the herd at a distance.

Lona stood back from the rest of the herd as a young three year old she was not really sure what she should do with herself at times she thought of leaving the herd and going off to find her own stallion but then that would mean she was giving herself up to someone and besides she would also have to listen to him. She already hated having to listen to Fire. The pale colored mare flicked her coat from the annoying flies and looked over at Flint and Flame she thought of going to go over and bother them but then she shook her head and lowered her head and began to graze angrily.

Flint nodded slowly he had always looked up to his older brother and thought he was the wisest stallion other then his own father he had ever known. He too turned to watch their mother but was not really as worried as Flame seemed to be the young two year old had grown from the small little rug rat he had once been. Perhaps with his fathers guides he would turn out to be a strong and loyal stallion one day but for now he was into playing and perhaps bugging mares every now and then but nobody had caught his eye plus the only girl he knew of was Lona and she was meaaaaan!

Payton turned to the stallion of her dreams and watched him slowly perhaps he was not as handsome or strong as he was before the war but to her she saw none of that just the stallion that made her heart flutter. She scraped her hoof on the ground she was never really one to be nervous and the feeling was weird but she wanted to know if Trace wanted a foal from her this year or not. She glanced towards Fire and then the other stallion, was now the right time to ask?

Fury hid behind Fire peeking out at the scary other stallion she may have been getting older and be able to care more for herself but being the youngest of her siblings she was still the baby of the group. She tugged on Fire's tail not knowing where her mother had gone. One moment she had been there and the next she was gone. Fury had gotten her mothers look at the way she was a gorgeous little bay with skinny little legs when she turned old enough she would be a little heart breaker and Fire would have his work cut out for him.

Sterling snorted at the stallion, he would like to see the black even try to touch Fire and his herd. Trace had taught him well, the stallion was taught by the Dalt and that meant a lot. He turned towards the herd glancing over everyone when he saw Page return with two little ones behind her he smiled widely new life was a beautiful thing. He gave Fire a nudge " I think you just became a new father again. Sterling was glad the herd was growing so much it meant they were strong and healthy and other herds would fear them.

Pageant lowered her head and began to graze she would not bother Fire while he was trying to secure a home for them. She kept an eye on the two little trouble makers he romped around her going through her legs and grabbing each others small manes and tales until one squealed and feel to the ground in a fury of legs. Then getting up and taking a small meal. They both were perfect and Page was not sure how she had already had five foals but she loved them all.

[Swede]

Fire snorted derisively. "Keep to yourself, and maybe I'll let you stay in some corner. Show your face around my herd, and I'll break it," he said, determined to make sure it was clear who really was in charge here. The stronger he made himself seem, the more likely it was that they would be left alone. He didn't really want to have to deal with stallions picking at his herd. As Savolaks trotted off, the chestnut stallion turned back to face the others who accompanied him. He lowered his head to Fury and nibbled at her forelock affectionately. "It's alright, he's not going to bother us," he said reassuringly, "I think we'll be just fine, living here, and besides- you've got me, Trace, Sterling, and your brothers to keep you safe. So you don't need to be scared."

At Sterling's words, Fire lifted his head, and his expression immediately brightened. He broke into a brisk trot, approaching his beloved mare quickly. "Page!" he exclaimed, halting beside her and nuzzling her neck fondly, "What's this... two?" He did not approach the pair of foals yet, not until she had given him the green light to do so, but he stared at them curiously. She had been looking awfully big this time around, but he hadn't thought much of it... and they looked too similar, too much like their mother, for one to be some orphan she randomly picked up in the past few minutes. Twins. "Well I'll be," he said breathlessly, shaking his head in disbelief. "What are their names?"

Flame watched as his father moved to greet the newborns. Two new siblings, a little brother and a little sister by the looks of it. He wondered what they would be like- quiet but eager, like Flint? Shy like Fury? Hot-headed like his father, or compassionate like his mother? Flame didn't know quite who he was like; perhaps somewhere in between. Dad could have a real temper sometimes, and though Flame was a bit of a spitfire himself, he was a bit more even-tempered than his father.

It was clear Fire was in a good time of his life, despite having to move territories. Trace watched for a moment as the dark stranger walked off and Fire returned his attention to his herd. Sterling was the unfortunate bachelor in the group, but... Trace had his own mare. He nipped at Payton's side, nudging her away from the main body of the herd; there wasn't any pain in his nips, just a method of communication that was often easier to understand than his twisted and torn voice. Payton was tough and strong and stubborn as any stallion, and that was what he loved about her. But she was also a mare, beautiful and tantalizing and enchanting. Now that he finally had her back, he never wanted to let her go. Their son was gone; one day, Trace would bring back the colt he had never even met, but perhaps in the meantime there was time for another. He lipped at her withers lightly, running his muzzle across her side tentatively, a question in his actions. She was independent and firey, and would probably kick at him if she was annoyed, so he was cautious; but it was better to try and fail, than to never get an answer at all.


Seeing Savolaks turn away from the others without being attacked, but neither seeing them move away, Ember stepped forward cautiously to approach the dark stallion on the ridge atop which he stood. Uintah followed his mother slowly, twisting his head around to make sure the others were coming as well. The yearling was lanky as yearlings tend to be, but still a bit stockier than his half-sister Henna. However, they were remarkably similar in looks; after all, Ember's mother came from the same lands as Rosanna's parents, and thus the yearlings had quite similar heritage despite having different mothers. "Savolaks?" Ember said quietly, stepping up beside the stallion. "What's going on?" Rosanna snorted softly as she watched the distant strangers. Even her own father wouldn't have been able to fend off so many stallions at once, not organized, experienced herd stallions like these.

[minerva]

Savolaks watched the the herd below them and felt angered by them he however felt comfort when Ember came and stood by him he leaned over nibbling on on her mane for a short member deciding what he would say to the mares. His head swung over and glanced over his children, his beautiful children, his firstborns. He nickeled first to his son Uintah then to his sweet little Henna. He cleared his throat " I think this home is not right for us so I am going to scout a head and look for a better land for us. Ember keep the herd away from the other and when I return we will leave at once."

Fury smiled and nipped playfully at her father before turning and running back to her mother however she slowed and kept a distance when she saw that her mother was caring to two new foals. Her face scowled why would her mother have more foals when she still needed her? The filly let out a sigh and lowered her head with saddness. She was afraid that her mother would not love her as much anymore. It probably had been easier for Flame and Flint since they were boys and always wanted to be indepentened but Fury she did not want to be, she still wanted her mother and faathers love.

Pageant dipped her head when she saw the lead stallion and her mate. She took a step back and pushed the colt and filly forward "Fire I would like you to meet your new son and daughter Flammable and Fiery" She smiled as the tiny little foals looked up at their much larger father. Flammable smiled first and nodded towards his father with great respect. " Father? He said with great interest in his voice. Fiery stayed silent and looked over at her brother before taking a step back she was slightly shyer then her brother but soon she too walked up and raised her to touch noses with her father in a gesture of love.

Payton let her stallion lead her away still slightly worked up over Lona but she soon calmed her nervous's and focused her full attention fully on the stallion before her. She didnt need to say any words it was not nessariy but she turned her head around and watched the stallion with her eyes with lust and nickered toward him before turning her head forward and bracing herself.

Lona lowered her head and plucked at the grass slowly. She looked up towards her brother then up at the hill wear the black stallion stood with his mares. She walked towards Fury and snickered " Hey baby Fury is sad? why because your parents don't love you anymore? Get used to it they all leave some day." She knew all about that it was not like her mother had stuck around for her and plus her father was just plain annoying. She mostly ignored him whenever he tried to talk to her so he soon just gave up and ignored her as well.

Sterling smiled as Fire went off too greet his foals and mares. He turned towards the hill and caught the black's eyes before he looked away. Sterling raised his back leg and scratched behind his ear before turning and watching Flame and Flint her nickered towards them before walking towards the water where he began to drink.

Flint soon got tired of standing around well the herd slowly broke up he turned to Flame and smiled devilishly. " Tag your it! He called before running off.

[Swede]

Ember nodded slowly. She knew Savolaks was too proud and stubborn to simply say they had been driven out; and it was probably better for the youngsters to believe this was a decision made solely by their father. They would just be nervous if they felt that their parents couldn't protect them. But what stallion could protect his herd against a group of several others? He had made the right decision; she just hoped they would be able to find a new home before winter hit with its full, brutally heartless force. "Uintah," she said briskly, "Come, we're going to the other end of the island until your father says otherwise. Rosanna, I think the little cove by the rocks will do fine, it's nice and sheltered and plenty of grass. We can stay there, out of sight and out of mind until Savolaks gets back." Rosanna nodded, and began trotting towards the chosen location with Henna in tow. Ember cast a last glance towards the new owners of the land, before following the other mare.

Fire lowered his head as the little foals stepped forward to meet him. The colt was clearly the bolder one, but the filly seemed to warm up after a few moments as well. "Yes, that's me," Fire said with a joyful grin, "Flammable, and Fiery... Been waiting for you two for a long time you know, so glad to finally meet you." He touched their soft little noses gently, careful not to knock them off balance. They were so tiny... he just wanted to sweep them up and hide them away from the cruel wide world, keep them safe forever and ever. But Flame, Flint, and Fury had all been at that stage once, and now they were all growing so big. No doub the twins would be alright too. Still, he didn't plan on letting his guard down- it was by worrying about the little ones and constantly keeping watch that he managed to keep them so safe.

Flame was slightly startled as Flint ran up and tagged him without warning. "What? Oh,," he said, taking a second to realize what was actually going on. Pfft... he was three years old, waaay too old for silly games like tag. On the other hand, he would be a good brother if he played with Flint, and it would keep the younger colt out of trouble. Besides, it could be fun. You know, for a foal's game. He began to move after the younger colt, and passing by Lona, caught her cruel words to Fury. "Shut your mouth, Lona," he growled, "What do you have to be such a jerk for? Come on Fury, ignore her; help me catch Flint." He nudged his little sister and glared angrily at Lona, before turning and sprinting after Flint again.

Seek, and ye shall find... and Trace had indeed found Payton's answer to his affections. So much time had passed while he had been lost, lost in the red hills and lost in the darkness of his own mind, that logically she should perhaps have moved on. But she hadn't; she had stayed with him, perhaps out of loyalty to the dead or just a subconscious feeling that he was still alive, remained until he was able to return. Trace was eternally grateful for that, and knew he could not ask for a more loyal mare than this. He rested his roughly chiseled head upon her back for a moment, and then reared up swiftly. A few minutes later he slid off again, twitching his head slightly; his left ear had started ringing like it sometimes did these days, and it was driving him nuts. Lowering his head, he rubbed it vigorously against his knee in a futile attempt to make it stop; unsuccessful, he sighed and looked up again, doing his best to ignore it as he nuzzled Payton's neck with surprising tenderness.

[minerva]

Page watched the foals as they greeted their father before lowering her head and grazing she had eaten more then the other foals this time and now she knew why. He ears flicked back and forthlistening for danger. She however was fully relaxed right now as she raised her head and watched her two sons play. She watched Lona talk to her daughter then she saw Fury's face shatter and she knew something was up again. She let out a rather loud nicker and bother filly and mare turned her way. Something in Page seemed to snap finally she had held herself back because this was Fire's little sister but one ear flattened again the top of her head.

The loud bay mare moved over towards them and crossed her way into between Fury and Lona. " What is your problem!" She demanded snapping her muzzle in front of Lona's face. The pale palomino looked surprised before straighting herself out " Your mother would be ashamed about how your acting! You have no respect for the herd or your brother! We need to work as a team but all you do is fight us every step of the way! You taunt my sons and fight with my daughter!" if it was possible you would have seen smoke appearing from the lead mares nostrial.

Lona ears flattened against her skull and it took every ouce of her self control to hold herself back. She shook her mane and took a step forward eyeing Pageant " Ohhhh pleasssse shut up already! AND don't say anything about my mother she abandoned me never speak of her again!" She snapped towards the bay mares shoulder but Pageant stood her ground and did not flinch " No Lona she was stolen-taken away from us all. How do you think your brother feels? My best friend lost her son!" Pageant's voice had calmed but Lona still was anger and when Page tried to confront her she pushed her away. " Get away from me your nothing- just some mare my brother uses" This time Page flinched at her words and a smuge grin came upon Lona's face. Page launched forward and bit the mares shoulder hard enough that she squealed in pain. For a moment they both stood there frozen before Lona took a step back and turned and ran. " LONA! wait I am sorry" Page called after and she suddenly felt sick.. how could she do that.. Lona had just made her so mad! She lowered her head and closed her eyes and tear falling down her eye Fire would hate now what if Lona never came back? Page took a step forward prepared to fallow Lona.

Fury was about to take off after Flame when her mother intercepted he eyes widened at the screaming match going on between the two mares but she already knew what side she was on as she nudged her mothers side but she did not respond. She was ready to fallow her mother when Lona took off, she could feel her mom's mood change and did not like the thought of her being upset.

Flint jumped upon a stump and turned back to see where Flame had gone, he had stopped to talk to queen Lona and he waited prancing on the stump before slipping and falling onto the ground with a thud. "oof" he grumbled rolling from his side to his front and working his way to his tiny hooves agian. He froze when the shouting shouted and looked out towards his mother.

Payton closed her eyes and let the pleasure of the moment take a hold of her, she bit her lip and when Trace finished she caught her breath.. they would have another foal.. She hoped so much. The thought of Sketch always on the back of her mind for a moment that it seemed to always torment her. She turned to Trace and smiled nickering and letting muzzle touch his neck in a thank-you for still loving her and giving her the chance to have another foal. " Our foal will be strong and brave like you" she said softly an image of Sketch running across a field she pulled herself away as the buzzing in crazy mind.. slowly Payton was gong mad and it was not going to stop until she knew if her son was alive or dead.

Sterling ran forward when he saw Lona run off her had missed most of the fight but had caught Page nipping his daughter. He stopped just in front of Page and called out a long sad call. Then he squared his shoulders and turned to Page " What did you do to my daughter-you-you cow!" he growled. Page lifted her head helpless "Sterling I'm sorry- I didn't mean to"[/b] Sterling bobbed his head " I don't care you upset her and now she as run off she better come back!"

Fury raised her head up higher and walked forward " Hey dont be mean to my mommy! Lona was mean! She was even mean to you!" Her words came off a bit sqeaky as she was nervous and hand never yelled as an elder horse before she had always been respectful.

Fiery was shaking by now through all the comotion, was there danger? She was not sure she took a deep breath and pushed her face into Flammables scruffy mane as they both cureled up hiding in the long dry grass. Flammable sniffed the air they would stay put until their mother came and got them making themselves as small as possible.

Tear stood back watching the herd with amusement this kind of fighting had happened back where she had grown up the more they fought the weaker the herd got and the easier it would be for Hero to wipe them out.

[Swede]

Flame paused and looked over his shoulder as his mother arrived on the scene to take over the job of yelling at Lona. His ears flicked back as the two mares snarled at each other; why couldn't everyone just get along? Sure, he was a bit of a hothead himself, but when colts had a problem with each other, they beat each other up and were friends again afterwards. Mares and fillies... they waged wars of words rather than with hooves and teeth, and somehow it always got dragged out more that way. "Come on Fury," he called softly, figuring it probably wasn't too fun for her to be mixed up in the adults' arguments. Then he turned and continued trotting towards Flint. "Hey clumsyfoot," he teased, nipping at the younger colt's shoulder, "You know... if you can't stand on the stump, just go over it. Like this!" Flame bounced in an efficient though rather graceless leap over the stump. "Betcha can't do that," he grinned.

Strong? Brave? Trace pondered the words in silence. He did not feel strong, or brave; those who are fierce and courageous win their battles. The scars on Trace's body were marks of shame, when either enemies, the desert, or his own failing mind had defeated him. But perhaps his failures would prove useful, at some point down the road. They hardened him, and instilled a fresh refusal to be taken down by anything. Whatever the world threw at him, he had probably seen worse in his battles or in his dehydrated hallucinations, and that at least was something he could consider an advantage. But this foal... it would be better if it took after its mother. Payton was easily the toughest mare he had ever met- if you wanted strength and bravery, she fit all categories.

Fire lifted his head as Page stormed towards Lona; for a little while, he stayed by the twins, standing over them watchfully and letting Page deal with things her way; that was mares' business, not his. However, when Lona sprinted off and Sterling confronted his beloved lead mare, the chestnut stallion flattened his ears. He gave a quick reassuring nudge to Fiery and Flammable, and then walked closer to the others. "Sterling," he said sharply, "That better not be a threat under your words. Lona has been acting up, and been far out of her place; a three year old filly should not be backtalking her elders, and she should certainly not be bullying the younger members of the herd. It's Page's right, and in fact her job as lead mare, to discipline those who step out of line and threaten the discipline in the herd." Fire glanced in the direction where his little sister had disappeared, and flicked his tail resolutely. "My mother isn't here. But if she were, Lona would have gotten more than a bite, trust me; perhaps being orphaned in that manner, we let her run wild, which is my fault. But discipline is necessary- you know that as well as I, no disrespect was tolerated among the Dalt. My sister is stubborn, but she isn't stupid; she'll be back when she's calmed down, she needs the herd. In the meantime, I request that you respect this herd's lead mare when she performs her duties." Fire had no desire to alienate Sterling, but he wouldn't tolerate anyone second-guessing the chain of command in this herd.

[minerva]

The stallion had become skin and bones over the winter. He rarly ate,rarly carried his mind was so twisted and snarled these days. His army was growing. His sons were getting bigger and soon enough he would achive what he needed to. However for now he was on a misson to make his favorite victim. His eyes landed onto the chestnut stallion and his nostrials flared.

Devil walked in silently beside him and nodded her head towards the loud dark bay, that was Fire's key that was what would make or break him. Hero nodded slowly his eyes casting over the herd. He lipped at Devil's wither then shifting his muzzle down her back until he bit down hard onto her hip and drew blood. Devil screamed out and trotted forward at a ragging speed. Hero fallowed and nipped the mare again. She kicked out towards him but missed.

Page's head snapped towards her two sons and daughter playing a little ways off. She screamed out with echoing sound that filled the air. She was enraged that this stallion had returned. She bolted forward and did a wide circle around the her children making Devilveer to the left and Hero take hard right turn Page and the buckskin stallions side brushing. He turned his head and manged to catch Page on the neck with his teeth. She ignored it as thrusted in front of her and turned her away from the herd. Page wanted to fight and she knew she should for her herd and children but even that little effort had evaproated her strength. Her stomach swayed and her her foal kicked within her stomach. She attempted to turn away and head back to the herd but her children stood between the herd and she would not risk. She had seen all those years ago when the heartless stallion had taken Smoke,Sketch and Kuma. She cried out towards Fire but Hero drove her hard and fast and into a running stream in hopes of losing their scent along the way.

Payton veered back and looked towards the path that led towards the heart of the herd. She thundered down her heart in her throat. Had he returned? Was Hero back? Did he bring her son. She slid to stop when she came back and saw nothing. She looked over at Fire and Sterling and saw the disblief on Sterling face. He looked like he had seen a ghost. Her eyes scanned the area as she took in all the foals and young stallion and that was when it hit her Pageant was gone!

Lona raced towards the herd heavy with foal that would be due anytime now. She skidded right into Page and was about to say something when she was knocked off her hooves by a buckskin stallion. " Hero!" she spat he was the one who had taken her mother. Her heart then leaped forward at the thought of her brother. She looked towards the two fleeing horses and back to her herd. Her insticts took over her kin. She pulled herself to her hooves and raced back "Fire?" She called out as she reached the clearing.

One moment he was watching Flame then attempting to jump a stump only to fall to the ground in a daze. He scramled to his hooves and raced towards Flame. Fury was shaking like a leaf as she stood frozen on spot.

[Swede]

The sound of Devil's scream pierced the air, and Fire immediately snapped his firm stare away from Sterling, distracted by the immediate instinct to defend his herd. Where was the threat? His gaze drifted towards the youngsters, and beyond them.... the chestnut stallion narrowed his eyes furiously. Hero. But before he could move, Page suddenly darted ahead of him, dodging around the younger members of the herd. "Page, no!" he shouted, his heart leaping into his throat. It all seemed to go so quickly; Flame, Fury, and Flint were in the way, he couldn't see what was going on, neither could he just charge away from the twins in the grass; but then he saw Hero sprinting to the side, his filthy teeth clenched around Pageant's neck. Vicious anger flared up in his heart. "Watch them!" he roared at Sterling, tossing his head in the direction of the twins. Then, with a savage scream, the chestnut stallion dug his heels into the earth and took off at a thundering gallop after Hero.

Flame felt as if he were a foal again; Hero was back, and it felt as if it was only yesterday that the horrible buckskin stallion had been towering over him, attempting to smash the little colt beneath his hooves. Not until Fire's sharp voice cut across his consciousness did Flame come to his senses; he wasn't a foal anymore. He was four years old; a grown stallion. Hero could still hurt him, but he wasn't defenseless these days, and it wasn't Flame he was after. The young chestnut dodged backwards to get out of Fire's reckless path, and just as quickly as the ruckus had started up, it seemed to have passed. He gave Flint a reassuring nudge, before noticing Fury trembling in terror. Carefully he approached his little sister, tucking her against his chest with his muzzle. "It's okay," he whispered, "Dad will get Mom back. You'll see... don't be scared." He lifted his head as a familiar voice called out across the space of open land. Heh, so miss Lona was back after all. But now wasn't the time for snide comments. "He went that way," Flame told her, pointing in the direction with his muzzle before hugging Fury comfortingly close again.

Following Payton with anger in his step, Trace arrived on the scene only to understand that he was too late. Hero was gone; Fire wasn't present either, no doubt hunting down his nemesis. Who else? Pageant was missing as well... no wonder Fire had taken off then. Trace flattened his ears, gazing at the horizon with sheer hatred. He barely remembered Hero, and hadn't ever interacted much with the stallion; but Hero had taken his son, and caused the life of his friend and of his love to be a nightmare. With no Strath left to fight (ooc: as far as Trace knows, anyway, he doesn't know Dagger's still around XD), Hero epitomized the source of all anger and frustration in the roan stallion's life.

Fire ran, ran until he couldn't breathe any longer and then kept on running. He couldn't see them, but there were hoof tracks, if only he could keep following- no! Hero might be cruel and twisted, but he wasn't stupid. The water washed away the tracks, washed away the scent... Fire paced frantically up and down the creekside, but it didn't matter. By this point, they would be on the other side of the lake. And out there? Out there lay the entire world. There was no way he would be able to pick up the trail. Rage boiled in the stallion's veins; suddenly, he reared up, emitting a terrifying scream of frustration as he kicked at the air, before smashing his hooves back to the earth. He gazed down into the running waters of the creek, sides heaving as he panted in his fury.

[minerva]

Lona nodded slowly and turned on her heels. She felt a burning in her legs as she ran faster then she could ever remember running. She could hear Fire up a head her heart in her throat. She slid to stop when she finally saw the chestnut stallion. "Fire" she called stopping at his side she reached her muzzle to his cheek. She hesitated for a moment " I saw them. But I was to worried about you. I'm sorry." She was not really sure about love and how it worked but she knew she had to accepted the fact that her brother loved the bay mare.

She lowered her nose to her stomach and closed her eyes as she felt her foal kick. She or he was not due for a while. She looked back at Fire, she had wanted to tell Fire as soon as she had returned back to the herd.

Lona had had lots of time to think about what happened she had been stupid but she still did not care for the herd much. However she needed her brother to help protect her. The pale palomino turned her head when she heard more foot hooves thudding on the ground.

Payton appeared through the trees they were a long ways from home by now. A thin Layer of sweat crested her chest and back and it glistened of the warming spring sun. " Fire what happened?" She asked as she nodded towards Lona.

The black mare paced back and forth her nostrils flared. Payton was feeling nervous she had smelt Hero but now the scent was here. " he's not going to stop. How did he even find us? Fire your going to have to kill him." Payton declared flatly as she stared off into space.

Lona flicked her tail " Payton shut up. He just lost Pageant." Payton snapped her head towards Fire and instantly she knew how it felt to lose someone " I'm sorry Fire. I didn't know. If it was the old days I would say let's chase that bastard and kill him for everything he took from us. I was a mother and I will be one so I can't go on a wild goose chase. Fire you know Page would be angry if you left the herd now. Sterling is old...Trace he's not like he used to be. We all need you now. Specially your twins will need a parent." She had to be the reasonable one now. The mare shifted and turned away looking back in hopes that Fire would fallow.

Lona shifted her weight and her ears listened to Payton but her heart was with her brother. " I hate to say it but Payton's right. Fire I need you I'm going to have foal. I can't do this without you." She swallowed hard and reached towards her brother once more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One head poked up from the spring grass followed by a second. Fiery sneezed a tiny little one well her brother tugged on her ear. They both let out a small whinny as their friend Sterling neared them. They liked Sterling he could be fun to play with when he was not yelling at mommy.

Flammable stood and hobbled towards sterling. The cremello stallion lowered his head in greeting and gave the yearling a swift lick upon his turfy mane. Fiery jumped to her hooves " Sterling where did mommy go?" She asked in her tiny squeaky voice. Sterling looked up at the direction Fire had gone then shifted his eyes towards the other three children of Fire " I don't know little one perhaps wait to ask daddy when he gets back."

Flint shook his head and narrowed his eyes on Flame " why didn't you help mom!" He growled. He knew he was not being fair since he had done the same thing and ran to hide.

Fury lifted her head and finally opening her eyes. She snuggled in closer to her big brother. " don't worry he scared me too" she whispered towards him.

[Swede]

Her voice came to him as if through a fog; blood pounded in his ears like a deafening roar, and every muscle in his body quivered with indescribable emotion. It was not anger, or frustration, or grief; it was beyond that, and overwhelmingly powerful. Fire's eyes closed as Lona touched his cheek. For a minute, he was silent, heavy breaths sweeping through his chest. "I. Am. Going. To. Murder him," he snarled suddenly, opening his eyes again. Hero had taken his mother, Payton and Trace's little colt, his adopted daughter; he had attempted to murder Fire's eldest son. And now, Page, his beloved Pageant, was gone.

His fierce gaze flicked sideways as Payton appeared. Every muscle in his body yearned to plunge into the lake, swim across and scour the opposite shoreline for even the slightest sign of his nemesis; to turn the world upside down and shake it until that filthy scum fell out, so Fire could squash him beneath his hooves. His ears flattened further as Payton spoke; what did she know? Who did she think she was, coming along and pretending to be reasonable and giving unasked-for advice?

But, after a moment, his shoulders slumped. She was right; of course she was right. It took him a moment to react to Lona's words, and his body stiffened instinctively. If they weren't kidnapping his lead mare, they were getting his little sister knocked up; for a brief moment, Fire just wanted to exterminate every other stallion in the universe. But then he sighed, and moved his muzzle slightly towards her as she reached towards him again, meeting her touch. "For now," he said reluctantly, "For now. But when the young ones are old enough..." His voice trailed off, letting his words remain unsaid. They didn't need a thorough description of the pain he was going to put Hero through.

Trace turned his head as movement caught his eye; ah, Payton was back, with Lona... and Fire. It was rare to see such a look of bottle raged in the chestnut stallion's eye, but though Fire's gaze was downcast as he walked back towards the others, Trace could sense an ocean of fury beneath his controlled demeanor. It reminded him of something that he had been taught, while in training among the Dalt; his teacher had told him of sacrifice, and how it was every warrior's duty to sacrifice himself for his fellow Dalt without hesitation if necessary. Life, happiness, love, health, whatever was required. But though a warrior might be able to take some time for himself now and then, it was the burden of leadership to live for the sake of others, even if it tore your heart in two. Not all Dalt leaders in the past had understood that principle. Once more, Fire would learn the hard way.

Flame blinked in surprise at Flint's sudden harsh words, but then lowered his muzzle in defeat. "I'm sorry," he whispered. Shame flooded through him; he had just stood there and done nothing while his mother was torn away from the herd. What use was he? A grown stallion who acted like a terrified foal. No, even a foal would've had the sense to run. He smiled briefly at Fury's reassurance, but the expression didn't reach his eyes. She was a kind filly, and he appreciated her attempt to cheer him up; but Flame needed to be better than what he was. He should be brave and strong... perhaps the stallions would teach him. Provided Fire forgave him for being so useless, that is. Flame glanced uneasily at his father, but it seemed Fire was lost in his own thoughts, and paid him no mind.

[minerva]

Payton broke off from leading Fire and Lona back to the herd. She was very heavy with foal and would be having hers anyway though the nights were turning cold. She was very late, it worried her but she had enough on her plate with Fire and caring for Trace. Payton never really told anyone her feelings anyway.

The black mare stood frozen her eyes viewing the small herd. She let out a snort and received a few whinnies back before she lowered herself to grazing.

Her head shot up when she felt her foal roll over and she felt a wet sensation down her legs. Payton moved off farther than most mares. She folded into her knees and then laid onto her side. She grunted and prepared herself to push. It only took two pushes and her foal laid out behind her. She lifted her head and smiled with joy as she saw the small colt. Payton had given birth to another fine colt. She lifted herself and began to graze well waiting for the foal to stand.

Lona on the other hoof arrived with her head high. She scratched the ground with her hoof. "Fire, we need to start having these children stay close to the herd instead running off like they please. Plus those two weirdo mares are always huddle together. Sterling and Trace need to become more help then just burdens." The palomino looked around the disarrayed herd with scorn; if she was running this herd she make sure all mares and stallions shared the responsibly. " Also I think it's best if you started showing Flame and Flint some fighting lessons so they are not totally useless like they have been."

Flint blinked slowly before turning away and beginning to graze his ears perking forward when he heard Lona's stern voice. He stood and snorted. Lona was always so mean and being bossy. He looked at his father and wondered what his reaction to being told what to do by his sister.

Devil reached out towards her sister Tear as the younger mare attempted to remove the blood from the ebony mares coat where Hero had bit her "are you okay?" She whispered. "Yes I'm fine you know Hero had to make it all a show" Devil shifted looking back at the herd to make sure none could over hear. " I know. He didn't have to bite so hard though." Devil rolled her eyes and turned her eyes onto Lona. Hero had told her that the pale palomino was pure Dalt like him and she needed her to think her into hating all outsiders. Hero said if she did that then he would allow her and Tear to become Dalt's.

Fury smiled at her brother and sneezed when the first winter snowflake fell onto her nose. " I hope mom and the new baby will be fine wherever that stallion took her Flame. Maybe where Smoke is?"

Sterling gave Fiery a nudge before shaking his body. The first snowfall began to fall harder and the cremello's winter coat was not growing in like it once had. Now it was all patchy and some parts were bald were most of his major scars were.

[Swede]

Fire's thoughts were racing, scrambling to form some sort of plan of action, but one stray idea tumbled over the other, tangling into a mess of unseparated emotions and motivations. Inhaling deeply, the chestnut stallion struggled to calm his mind; he was named Fire for a reason, and being calm and collected was not something he did very well. However, he had no choice. Even in his rage he knew that blind insistence on immediate revenge was foolish. Such things took time and planning, and he had a herd to care for.

Halting as he returned to his herd, he temporarily ignored Lona, instead surveying those around him. He had to protect what was left; nothing like this could happen again, he had to make sure of that. His young sons and daughters were still vulnerable, and with his hotheaded blood running through them, as well as the aloof behavior of Tear and Devil, and Lona's inevitable quarrelsome attitude, meant that this herd spent more time on internal suspicions and squabbles than was healthy. A strong herd was united, with love for each other, and thought only of the herd's best interests. They needed to organize, to prepare, to strengthen themselves and their bonds. The borders had to be protected more rigorously. Once the herd was strong, then he could consider going on a crusade to save their lost ones.

Sighing slowly to make sure his temper was under control, he turned his head to gaze sharply at Lona. "Don't throw stones at the ice you stand on, Lona," he said warningly, "You create more arguments than peace in the territory, and come back here carrying a stranger's offspring. You are my sister, and thus you and your foal are welcome to shelter here, but don't you dare act as if others are more of a burden than you are. You don't have what it takes to lead a herd, and with your attitude, it'll be a few years before anyone would even consider accepting you as a leader." Fire snorted, and turned away from her to address the others. "Payton's got both guts and brains, she'll do a good job of keeping things in order until Page gets back. Sterling, I'd like you to inspect the borders if you please, make sure there aren't any more intruders lurking around; bring Fire with you, and see if you can find Flint as well." Two extra pairs of sharp youthful eyes would no doubt be helpful to Sterling, and perhaps he could teach them a thing or two while they scouted the territory. After all, Sterling and Trace were the ones who had taught Fire everything he knew, and the colts would survive much better in this world if they were tough, trained like a Dalt warrior. He didn't really care much about the stupid old war between Dalt and Strath, but they sure knew how to make you strong, that much was certain. Payton was perhaps not an ideal lead mare, but she was a good deal preferable over Lona who just would not do at all, and she had become a bit more mature since their training days.

"Trace, go find Payton. I don't want anyone to be unaccounted for," he added. It was clear Payton was close to foaling, but that just meant she was even more vulnerable than normal; and though Trace had been broken when he arrived, each day he grew stronger, and no doubt now he could fend off most threats now. It would perhaps take more time before he could fight on a Dalt warrior's level, but many of the locals were a bit ratty without much training; not really a huge challenge. Let's see, that left the twins, Fury, and Tear and Devil. Fury looked to be alright, talking to Flame; it seemed Tear had been injured, though from here it didn't seem too severe. First he would make sure the twins were alright, then check on the mares. Walking towards Fiery and Flammable, he lowered his muzzle, nibbling gently at Fiery's mane. "You kids alright?" he asked.

Flame nodded slowly. "Probably... unless Hero lost her, but otherwise mom will be with Smoke, yeah... at least she'll have a friend," he said, still feeling thoroughly miserable. He missed both his mother and his grandmother. Surely they missed the herd too; it was hard to imagine Hero was fun to live with, he was such a jerk all the time. Glancing up at his father's words, he nodded and shuffled over towards Sterling obediently.