Beauty Indescribable

[Saz]

The young golden stallion crossed the thin, submerged path with care, he could feel the power of the current flowing against him and he knew that if not for this rise in the river bed they wouldn't be able to cross. He turned, checking that his friends and herd were there, he nickered softly to Brook before continuing on into this beautiful haven that they would from now on call home. He led the way carefully through the dark forests, making sure there were no predators as he did. Finally, light seemed to filter more thickly through the canopy as the leaves thinned out and the trees began to become more spread. He sped up into a trot, eager to search this new land and claim it for his own.

He breached from the seemingly endless dark forest and immediately had to squint against the bright, glorious sunlight. He let out an amazed laugh as his finding. "Wow." He murmured, before turning and whinnying to his friends and herd. "Guys! Come take a look at this!" He called, rearing up in coltish excitement. Eventually they all filed in, one horse after another until they were all here. Smiling proudly, Inferno turned slightly before rearing up as he had seen his father do once before and claiming the land with a stallion's scream. "I, Inferno, hereby claim this land for my herd and my friends. And anyone who seeks to endanger my herd and offspring will be sorry!" He roared, his forehooves lashing out at the air before he landed with a satisfying thud.

Orion snorted softly and turned to Maple, his eyes soft as he watched her. "Maple, are you okay with this, we can seek out somewhere else if you'd like." He whispered to her, gently nuzzling her cheek as he did. The patched stallion was scarred from where he had gotten on the wrong side of Hunter in the days leading up to their escape. The black mammoth of a stallion had left the young stallion with numerous nasty bites and bruises, but over time they were healing and just leaving slightly raised patches on his coat where they were located.

The young silver stallion slowly followed after his friends, tail lashing to and fro to rid his dark pelt of the buzzing menaces that seemed so attracted to him. He had left his home territory to wander and had bumped into Inferno and his small herd, so he decided to join them, it was about time he found his own place in the world in any case. He had just about recovered from his sickness, but he was left with a nasty cough which came out if he ran for too long or did any strenuous exercise. The silver dapple stallion shook out his mane and watched the others for a moment before turning and moving toward the sound of a rushing river. He wasn't disappointed in his findings either. A large river that was about 10 feet wide and goodness knows how deep rushed through part of the territory, splitting it directly in two. He could see on the other side that there was another meadow, it seemed big enough to hold another herd the size of theirs at least. Snorting softly, the silver dapple stallion lowered his head and drank deeply from the cool river. Relishing in the feeling of the icy waters soothing his ragged throat.

[Snappin' Turtle]

Rippling Brook followed after her stallion, her thoughts golden and happy as Inferno's coat yet dark as the surrounding forest. She was glad to have a stallion and herd of her own, but she couldnt stand being away from her family. Sure, Inferno had agreed to let her go see her family eventually, but she still missed them. Especially her father. Ash had always been there for her, taught her how to take care of herself and be strong. She took heart from these fond memories and kept trudging on, a soldier to her depression. The painted mare was shaken from her thoughts as they came into a clearing. She quinted and binked, getting used to the sudden light. Brook watched Inferno claim with adoration and a smile upon her maw. She looked around after they settled down a little and began to graze, enjoying her new home.

[Priceless]

The graceful Arabian trotted dutifully behind the procession, her brown orbs traveling across the beautiful and spacious land of which they would make their home. She thought back on her desert life, deciding there would never be anything quite as beautiful as the changing sands, but this place was a close second with it's rippling brooks and twisting forests. The princess mare hadn't seen anything quite like it, and felt herself awed by her surroundings. She followed the herd quietly, strongly pushing through the vicious river with a tad of trouble but with smooth grace.

As the herd moved, she wondered how she would live in this new place. It was so much more then what she had hoped for when agreeing to travel with the stallion Inferno and his dutiful band of mares and stallions. It was true that she did not know anybody save for a brief knowledge of Inferno, but that was not enough to build relationships with the rest of the herd. She wondered absently about Brook, their queen, and the rest of the mares. What were they like? Would they accept her among themselves or throw her out of the herd because of her rather strange upbringing as a fine horse and later as a princess? The Mare shook her head; such dark thoughts like this dark forest were not to be welcome in her mind.

Just as she made this decision, they finally broke through the dark canopy of trees to find the beautiful land that which Inferno had chosen. She broke away from the procession after witnessing the claim made by their stallion, making her way to the sounds of what be the divider river. Another had the same idea, and she gave the stallion a nod before taking a spot somewhat down river and drinking from it's crisp and clean waters. She eyed the other side, wondering what herd would soon tak up that place as their own.

[Captain Stumpy]

"It couldn't be better" Maple said nuzzling into Orion's mane playfuly. She new to be gentle on his tender spots, soon they would heal and Hunter would just be a horrid memory. The dun appallosa took in the sights, a bright huge world was beyond that island. She couldn't believe how much she missed that. She smiled as she watched Inferno make his claim. "Guess its offical then" She nickered to Orion. "This is our home" She smiled it him with all the love and gratatude a single filly could muster. Maple giggled knocking Orion on the neck with her nose before cantering off into the grasslands, she kicked up her heals playfuly watching as insects flew from the grasses around her. She stopped with her tail still raised, she snorted at Orion to play with her.

Aspen had remained in the shadows, Her mind was lost in darkness. She looked back, she'd been looking back for days. Why hadn't BlackThorn cought up? She sighed, she side-stepped so she could lean her shoulder on a pine-tree and rest a back leg. She kept playing their escape again and again. She could do it now without sheading a tear. She couldn't help but think that she might produce a foal with a stallion that might have killed her brother. That thought was enough to mess with Aspen's usually possitive attitude, But between her rap and possibly BlackThorn's death what did she have to be possitive about? She wondered if BlackThorn could see the good in Orion in the end. She'd accepted the young stallion was prefect company for Maple, He was protective, loyal and strong. All the things Maple needed, and she could see He made her happy.

"C'mon BlackThorn, for us please be okay" She murmered to herself as she looked back again. Orion said he would return for him. Aspen was begining to doubt Orion would. Afterall Hunter or any of his Minions would kill Orion on sight. It took a miracal and blood-splatter to get off the island, thats after it took death to get on it in the first place. Was there a safe way back on the island at all? And return to what? Last thing she saw was the back of her crippled brother in a 'last stand' pose infront of Hunter. Aspen couldn't bring herself to think about what could have happened next. She sighed, bringing herself slowly out of her thoughts, He did it for them, BlackThorn sacraficed himself so they could escape. If they came back wouldn't that go againced BlackThorns last actions? She shook her head. but her mind refused to stop. The Red-Dun couldn't see the beauty around her, not when her mind was so dark.

[Saz]

Inferno lifted his head from a bite of the delicious springy grass beneath their hooves to gently nuzzle Brook's shoulder. "Are you alright love?" He asked softly, concern for her well being taking the most important spot in his mind. He thought about later on in spring, perhaps he would ask her along to the canyon, they hadn't gotten the chance in autumn, but perhaps she would still want one... Henna was here too, so the invitation would be open to her as well.

~*~*~

Orion chuckled softly and nuzzled her lovingly before snorting and loping after her, spurring up the snow that had settled upon the clearing floor. He laughed aloud, skidding to a halt, tail high and ears pricked as he watched his beloved Maple. He arched his neck, watching her before he bolted past her, briefly touching his muzzle to her shoulder and skidded to a halt once more, grinning broadly. "Tag." He called to her, eyes twinkling joyously from beneath his thick forelock.

~*~*~

The cremello mare stood not far from Aspen in the shadows of the trees, there was still fresh snow on the ground from earlier in the day, but there were buds on the trees and a certain warmth in the air that told her spring had come. She noted that not only was Orion covered in injuries but the red dun was also marked darkly in certain places, and she knew enough from rumors and a keen eye through the seasons that the mare had been forcebred. Cinder bit her lip, about to say something to the red dun but nature decided to make that the moment to interfere and bring her a surprise.

Cinder felt her water break and immediately turned and moved into the darkness of the forest. Thankfully the thick canopy of leaves stopped the snow from freezing the ground, so instead it was just cold and a little mushy from where the snow had melted and the leaves had allowed water through. Eventually she found a nice, dry spot to begin the birthing process, but her heart beat fast and she felt incredibly nervous. What if something went wrong? What if- No, stop that. No thinking of the 'what if' side of things. She thought sternly, her brow creasing fractionally before she winced and lay down on the frigid ground.

Cinder would have shivered if she had just been laying down for a nap, but the temperature of the ground didn't matter when you were covered in sweat attempting to give birth to a foal for the first time. Thankfully it was over relatively quickly, the cremello mare, now stained with dirt, lay panting for breath on the hard ground. She eventually struggled to her hooves and cleaned off the small bundle twitching on the cool ground. "Galadriel." She breathed, watching the filly with soft eyes. She wondered if this was how she would feel with each foal she had. She never knew you could possibly love something as much as she did in that moment. "My Galadriel." She breathed again, brushing her muzzle against the filly's forehead in a loving gesture.

After Galadriel was on her feet and able to take a few steps without falling over, Cinder guided her gently so she could drink the much needed nourishment that her milk provided. Once the mother and daughter were finished bonding, they steadily moved back toward the herd. And when they broke from the treeline Cinder wasn't disappointed by the welcome they got. Inferno let out a sweet nicker and jogged over to greet his first child. He gently nuzzled the sweet filly before touching his muzzle to Cinder's cheek in an affectionate manner. "What did you name her?" He asked, eyes glittering with elation and much more. "Galadriel." The cremello answer, glancing to Inferno before gazing past him to Brook. They had become good friends in their travels and she hoped that the mare wouldn't be jealous of her connection to Inferno through having his first foal.

~*~*~

Phantom raised his head slightly, eyeing the mare with vague interest before nodding a silent hello to her. He turned at Inferno's nicker and gazed at the palomino stallion, the cremello mare and their first foal. His heart ached, oh how he wished to find a mare who would love him like that. Oh how he wished to raise a family and cherish them. That was what he lived for. And Phantom knew he wouldn't rest until he found that special mare.

[Snappin' Turtle]

"Yeah, Im fine." Brook said, nodding. She bent her head and grazed, swishing her tail slightly. The mustang mare watched Inferno race away towards Cinder and something prickled inside her slightly. Why hadnt he asked her to breed? She had given up her family and her welcoming home for him and he wouldnt even give her a foal? The grullo and white mare snorted slightly before turning her rump in their direction and beginning to graze again. She raised her pretty head and sauntered over to the river, taking deep gulps of the cool water. She looked over at the silver black stallion - she thought his name was Phantom- and gave him a nod and a smile. "Hello." she said, swishing her tail slightly and resting her right back hoof.

[Captain Stumpy]

Monster
(Does cinder think Orion forcebred Aspen?)

Maple squeeled playfuly as Orion touched her, She wheeled round, kicking up her heels and chaised after her stud with a smile from ear to ear. She slowed down quickly when he stopped ahead of her. But instead of tagging him she hastily put her neck over his and nuzzled the other side of his neck. "Tag" she whispered lovelingly.


Aspen was sour, the plague Hunter had given her had not died out on the cold winter, she could feel it hurting her now spring was round the corner. Out of the corner of her eye she watched the white mare leave for the shadows. She returned not too long after being followed by a golden filly.

This didn't improve Aspen's mood, Maple and Orion seemed to have forgoten about her, and BlackThorn hadn't come. She felt like she'd been outcasted from her own family. It was painful for her to watch the golden stallion greet his daughter. Believeing there was never going to be a horse to greet her offspring like that.


Maple flicked her ear when she heard inferno's whinny. Turning her head towards the tree's she noticed Inferno's cream mare reaturning with a golden filly. "Wow" Maple mused to herself, "c'mon lets congradulate them" She smiled at Orion leading the way to the small foal.

"Congradulations" Maple nickered as she came closer to the happy couple. Maple couldn't wipe the smile from her face as she gaized at the beautiful golden filly. "What a beautiful baby" she commented, "You must be so proud" she continued.


Aspen had just about as much as she could take, watching Maple congradulate the happy couple was enough to make her stomache turn. She turned tail and walked firther into the woodlands. Not far along her stomache turned again making her knee's wobble. She grunted, maybe a drink would help? She meandered off to were the woods met the river. The bank was pretty steep but she crept down carfuly. Her hooves clattered onto the shingle river-shore.

Once their she took deep gulps of cold water but it didn't even numb the pain she could feel. Her eyes were begining to water. She dropped her knee's, grunting as the sharp stones dug into her knee's she then fell to her side. Tears stung her eyes, she thought whatever Hunter had done was killing her. More pain followed it felt like hours before some relief could be felt. Movement from behind made her jump, she struggled to her hooves on the shingles. She snorted in distress as she looked down at a foal. The foal looking back at her, Its coat nither like her's or her monsterious sire. "What are you looking at?" Aspen spat, the foal lowered his head. Looking closer at it she saw it was male. "Great your nothing but a mini Hunter" She said, the foal already begining to blank her as it attempted to stand. "Your a Monster" she continued angrily. "Your nothing to do with me, your his all his" Aspen continued walking back to the rivers edge. There she took a slower drink, catching her-own reflection she was greatful to see herself without a pregnant belly.

The Grullo colt had just begun to master standing when he walked towards his dam hoping for a drink. Feeling the foal bump her side made Aspen kick out, missing the younster by milimeters and sending rocks out behind her like shrapnel. "Don't do that!" she spat, her ears pinned, the younster was completely oblivious to the command. He attempted the move again and Aspen scooted sideways, not only did the colt miss his target but he fell over in the process. "Serves you right" She hissed, lowering her neck for another drink. The colt brought his legs under him and once standing again targeted Aspen like a zombie. Aspen's ears flattened but the foal didn't understand. "Oh bugger you" Aspen grumbled turning towards the tree's. She clambered back up the steep back, afue strides into the tree's the colt screamed. it was so high pitched and heartfelt. looking back Aspen could see the feble creature attempting to climb up and slipping back down to the shingle. The Colts eyes glistened as he assumed his dam was turning to come to him again. "Monsters should stay in pits" Aspen said continueing to walk away. The colt screamed again, and again, by the third attempt he'd gone quieter.

Aspen walked back towards the meadow, her belly feeling much more relived and she felt nimble again. Walking out of the tree's she felt like a great weight had been lifted she didn't have Hunter's monster anymore. She felt proud that she didn't have it, one less Hunter. She looked at the group of other horses, but didn't fancy meeting up with them. Instead she lowered her head to graze, a smurk curling up her face, if only Hunter could know she'd killed his colt.

[Priceless]

Henna was quietly sipping at the stream, wishing she was more then just a extra in the herd. She was used to being treated royally, but horses and humans alike. She had been the princess of both lands, and slightly missed the attention. Of course, the mare was extremely happy with her current position; she was overjoyed with the other horses, glad that they all had a safe place to live and to love. The mare lifted her delicate face and watched as their queen, Brook appeared. Her heart had softened towards the mare long ago when they had first met, and she was glad to have such a young and vibrant girl as their queen. However, by looking at her queen, then turning towards their King and another mare, she could tell that something was bothering the dear, and she knew what it was.

She didn't disturb the queen; she knew that Inferno would have to deal with it himself. With a small smile and head turned towards the happy couple and their baby, the mare quickly made her way to welcome the first born into the family, even though she wasn't much of a family member.

Seeing the baby up close made her remember her own child, and a small smile gathered at her maw as she looked at the baby then at Cinder. "Congratulations on the beautiful baby, miss Cinder. Foals are the greatest gift a mare could hope for. They fill our lives with joy, and with sorrow when they are old enough to take care of themselves. Don't ever hold back your love for your child, and all will go well for you."

She turned her gaze on Inferno. The young king would have a lot to learn in the coming years, but she could see he would become a excellent ruler.

"You have been given a great gift, do not waste it, Inferno." She simply stated with a rather cryptic voice before turning and trotting away, head held high. She wondered what the pair's reaction to her words would be; she knew she probably spoke a bit of nonsense, but she said what she felt was needed. She had seen a lot of human woman and mares alike reject their children of not give them all they had, and Henna wanted nothing of that around her. She hadn't the chance to see her own child reach adulthood, but she had had one long enough to see the joy they brought. She made her way to the river again, but this time she found a spot alone. She laid herself down and closed her eyes, enjoying the sound around her. Off aways she heard the shrieking of a foal, and absently wondered what was happening to it before closing her eyes. Maybe she would check it out later, after a rest......

[Saz]

Orion chuckled softly and linked his own neck over Maple's, drawing her close and inhaling her sweet scent. He was about to speak to her but she then caught sight of Cinder and her new filly and insisted they go and greet them. Smiling softly at her excitement, the painted stallion followed loyally after his beloved and halted a little after her, gently nibbling on her withers before leaning his muzzle on her back. He would ask her about the canyon later, yes. When they were alone.

Inferno smiled grandly, "Galadriel..." He murmured the filly's name with joy and pride in his voice and then lifted his head a little as Orion, Maple and Henna made their way toward them. He smiled at their compliments and then arched his eyebrows at Henna's cryptic words. He followed the mare with his gaze before turning to see where his queen had gotten to. A lump formed in his throat as he spotted her with her back to him, drinking from the river. Oh dear, he knew he had done something wrong... Cinder gently nudged him to gain his attention and then nodded, "Go talk to her." She spoke softly before returning her attention to Maple and Orion as they greeted her and her first child.

"Thank you, Maple. This is Galadriel. Admittedly, I am a little, but mostly I am just relieved that she is happy and healthy. And also so well protected with everyone here. I think we make a strong herd, especially with Orion and Phantom here for added protection." She nickered back, touching noses with the appaloosa mare before nodding to Orion in greeting. The painted stallion smiled back and then lowered his head slightly to get a better look at the beautiful filly. "She's going to be a looker when she's older, just like her parents." He spoke softly, though his voice carried as it was deep and lovely baritone that seemed to have leveled out as he matured.

~*~*~

The golden stallion approached his beloved mare slowly, wondering exactly what was wrong and how he should approach the matter of going to the canyon later on in the year. He caught Phantom's eye and motioned for the silver black stallion to give them some space. Thankfully, the taller stud merely smiled softly before turning and moving off to greet Galadriel and Cinder.

"Brook... What's wrong, love?" Inferno asked softly, drawing up beside her and gently nuzzling her shoulder before moving his head toward hers and gently nudging her cheek. "If it's about Cinder and Galadriel... I-..." He paused, swallowing and sighing quietly. "I didn't want to ask you because I thought you'd think I was just taking advantage of you... and also because I didn't know you nearly as well as I do now... I'm sorry, I truly am if I offended you in anyway, but just because Cinder had my first child doesn't mean I don't love you any less and doesn't mean I will love our child, should you want one, any less either." He nickered softly, watching her carefully with a deep warmth in his dark eyes.

~*~*~

Phantom lifted his muzzle slightly from the grass he was grazing upon and nodded a silent hello back to Brook. He then flicked his gaze back to Inferno and instantaeniously knew what was going on. Ah... he thought, sighing quietly before nodding to his friend as Inferno moved closer. He then turned and jogged off to meet the newest member of their herd.

He nickered a softly greeting to the small group and nodded to Orion as the painted stallion glanced up as he arrived. "Beautiful." He breathed quietly, his gaze dropping to the golden filly at Cinder's side. "Absolutely gorgeous, Cinder. Congratulations." He added on after a few moments before gently touching his muzzle to the mare's neck. He thought of the cremello as a sister rather than as a love interest, and in anycase, that would be moving in on Inferno's territory.

[Snappin' Turtle]

The grullo paint mare smiled at Phantom, though she felt as if she were forcing it. What was happening to her? She used to so happy, laughing and joking around all the time. Maybe it was the burden of being a lead mare, yes that had to be it. Brook's smile faded as Inferno came over. The mustang mare's bi colored tail flicked slightly, her face devoid of all emotion as she listened to his words and stiffened as he touched her. "Whats wrong?" she repeated, her ears flicking back slightly. "You took me from my family, Inferno. You promised me a home and foals and you dont fulfill your promises!" Rippling Brook trilled, anger coursing through her. "You say your not taking advantage of me, you say you love me but you dont!" the grullo paint continued, taking a step back from him. "You dont love me, you're justing using me so that you can provide a home for Cinder." she said, her heart breaking.

This stallion- all his promises. All broken. Brook had been happy with her family, then a handsome stallion had come along and seduced her, taking her from her happy home with the promises of love and foals. And what had happened? He had lied. Totally lied to her. Now her family was gone, her friends were gone and she was stuck here, with someone who wouldnt even breed her, give her a new family. But no. He had to lie to her, break her heart and force her to accept reality- not her own happy version of it.

[Saz]

Inferno took a step back at her explosion and felt his heart break, no, he hadn't done what he had promised. And he realized that now, but within himself he felt his temper rise and he fought to keep it back. "Brook, listen to yourself. Why would I lie to you about love and foals and just use you to keep Cinder happy? Maple, Henna and Aspen are here to keep her company, so why would I ask you to be here if I didn't love you? Why are you lead instead of Cinder? Because I love you with all my heart. I will give you a foal if you desire, but I didn't want you to think of me as taking advantage. Or being too forward. Because I respect and love you. If you wish for a foal we will go now, I just wanted to be sure it was what you wanted, not what I wished or forced upon you." He sighed deeply, lowering his head and looking away from the mare across the river in a dejected manner.

"I was going to ask you to come to the canyon with me earlier today, but I was distracted. I am honestly truly and deeply sorry if I hurt you in anyway. I didn't mean to, I was just trying to be considerate as my parents raised me. But..." He paused, heart sinking to his stomach and a lump in his throat as he turned sad eyes upon the painted mare. "If you wish to leave, I will not stop you... But know you will always be welcome here, because I love you." He murmured, taking a careful step forward and holding his muzzle out toward hers. His anger sank down, replacing with a deep regret and sadness but also a spark of hope, perhaps she would forgive his accidental misdeeds, if not he wasn't sure what he would do...

[Snappin' Turtle]

She blinked once, thinking about the other mares. Henna was definitely his, but the other two? Brook had a feeling they werent, just there to have a home. They were the freeloaders. The grullo paint shifted on her hooves slightly, embarrassed by her jealousy though she was still fairly angry. "I wouldnt have come with you if I hadnt wanted a foal, Inferno." she said, snorting. "I wanted to grow up.. my sister was always the responsible one, I wanted to be like her, to be a mother like she surely is now.. though Im not sure if I can handle it now." Rippling Brook mumbled, swallowing. The mustang mare sighed slightly at his words, shaking her head. "I just want you to pay attention to me, Inferno. I want to raise a family." she said, her voice breaking slightly as she watched her golden stallion's facial expression.

Brook shook her head and took a step forward as Inferno held out his nose to hers and met it with her own. "I love you too." she said, taking another step forward to run her nose down his neck and sigh deeply. "I want to go to the canyon." she said, leaning against her stallion, hoping he wouldnt deny her. It was a leap of faith, but what if he said was true then he would take her, regardless of the others. But if they didnt want to, would he still take her, just to make her happy?

[Saz]

The golden stallion almost collapsed in tears as she forgave him, he let loose a shaky breath and inhaled her sweet scent in a joyous, peaceful moment. "I'm so, so sorry, Brook. I didn't mean to ignore you, I promise. And we will leave for the canyon immediately, Orion and Phantom are here to protect everyone else, so just you and I shall go. If the others wish for foals I will go with them later on in the season. But you are my priority, Brook. And I promised you a family, a home, and a foal. So two of those I still have to fulfill. And I shall start now." He paused, a blinding smile upon his face as he took a step back. "Rippling Brook, you are by far the most beautiful and incredible mare I have ever laid eyes on and had the pleasure to fall in love with. Would you do me the honour of visiting the canyon, my love?" He nickered deeply, fathomless depths to his chocolate eyes as he gazed at the beautiful painted mare.

[Captain Stumpy]

Maple enjoyed having Orion so close to her, she could feel his precence like a protective warmth she needed. She smiled happily at the lovely mother and daughter. But that had her thinking this wasn't the only foal due this year. Her eye picked up looking round for Aspen. The Red-Dun mare had become ever more distant, Maple had assumed it was because Aspen still saw Orion as a son of Hunter, even if he wasn't. The Appaloosa spotted her 'sister' beside the tree's, "It was lovely to meet Galadriel, Cinder We'll be sure to see she comes to no harm here" Maple said earnestly glancing a warm smile to Orion as she spoke. She smiled warmly at the beautiful golden daugter before walking towards Aspen.

As the Appaloosa mare walked closer to Aspen she could see by her size she'd foaled. But looking round there was clearly no offspring with her, assuming the worst Maple lowered her head before saying, "Aspen? how are you feeling?" Aspen raised her head, she'd watched her sister walk towards her but chose to egnor her. "I'm Just fine" Aspen smiled, her words sounded polite but her smile was hardly pleasent. "Never felt better infact" She said swishing her tail then returning to her grazing. Maple was a little speachless for the moment, her mouth hanging open. It tool Maple a little moment to pluck up the courage to talk again. "Aspen, What happened to your foal?" Aspen shot her head up, her ears pinned. "It isn't mine" She spat, violently enough to make Maple take a step back. "Aspen don't be so silly of course it was yours" Maple contiued her tone soft. "IT WAS HUNTERS" Aspen Screamed at her, loud enough to course a mild echo from the woodlands.

That was enough for Maple to be put off her whole conversation. The quiet mare took another step back Aspen lowered her head as Maple turned to walk away. "Hunter's got to you" Maple said as she turned, it was rare for the mare to ever make a snide comment, And possibly wasn't the right time to start. Aspen raised her head like a shot, within 2 strides she was beside Maple, Maple jolted, but not quick enough as Aspen sunk her fangs down into Maple's withers. Maple squeeked rather patheticly from fright and pain. "Who's fault was that?" Aspen spat shaking her head causing more pain before letting go and standing infront of her teary-eyed sister. "You hurt me" Maple said, "And you deserve more" Aspen continued to spit her words filled with venom. "Leave me alone Aspen!" Maple screamed bolting from the spot to run to Orion's protective ora.

Aspen spat at the ground as she watched her sister run away, "Typical Maple" she uttered to herself. She then noticed blood on the grass below her. Was that her spit? she had hurt Maple. Why, how could she do that? Aspen got angrier still now at herself. No not herself it was Maple's fault. She was happy and she'd just come to rub it in her face, she didn't care how she was she didn't care about that monster she'd left in the woods. Maple only cared about herself and thats how Aspen ended up with Hunter's Monster. Thats how come BlackThorn was still lost somewere. Tears she hadn't even noticed fell from her chin, once she'd noticed them fall she caught up her emotions again. She gave a sour glair towards the grouped horses before taking a retreat into the shade of the woodlands.


Little Monster was now covered in mut from the several failed attempted to climb up the bank. His eyes were tear-stained and his throat sore from all the times he'd tried to call back his dam. He'd slumped out half on the shingle half on the slippy bank mud that had defeated him. He was begining to shiver with cold, his eyes looked round for one last escape. But the youngster couldn't see a easier place to climb. eventully he closed his eyes, his heart-beat begining to relax as he settled into his fate.

[Snappin' Turtle]

The grulla painted mare nodded, nuzzling her golden stallion's neck affectionately. Rippling Brook blushed and smiled, looking at her hooves out of embarrassment. Inferno really was quite the charmer. The mustang mare nodded and touched her nose to his. "It would be my pleasure, Inferno. Both to stay with you, love you and bear your foal." she nickered, shifting on her hooves slightly. "Lead the way, then." Brook added, nibbling at Inferno's pristine white mane cheekily. She flicked her tail slightly, glad he was finally going to breed her and she was going to get the family she so desperately wanted and needed. She would go to her parent's soon, tell them how everything was perfect. Wouldnt her father be so proud to see his little girl grown into a mare, a Lead none the less? And she could see her sister, too. And Cloud surely had her own little one now.

[Saz]

Orion made to intercept the the attack but by the time he was within 6 feet of Aspen the attack was over and Maple was huddled into his side. Glaring daggers at the red dun mare he curled his neck around the appaloosa in a comforting manner, drawing her away from her sister and gently nuzzling her in a soothing manner. "Maple... If the foal isn't with Aspen... and it's still alive... we need to find it before something happens. We can't just let it die." He nickered softly, looking at her with a soft expression, anger coursed through him when he lay eyes upon the mare's injury that was caused by the bitter red dun. And he knew there and then if Aspen hadn't been a mare then he would be beating her to a pulp.

Cinder nodded sweetly to the couple as they left and then began to graze. The sound of a disturbance close-by caught her attention and she lifted her head in time to see Aspen attack Maple in a vicious manner. She frowned and took a few steps away from her sleeping daughter to listen to Orion speak to Maple. Oh, Aspen must have foaled... and it seemed that the foal was the result of a forcebreeding. Saddened deeply, the palomino nickered quietly to Orion and Maple, "If Aspen will not feed the foal, then I will. I will not just stand by if another soul is in need of help." She spoke quietly before continuing to graze, letting her offer sink into the young couple.

Inferno smiled in a breathtaking manner, they would leave at once. He would not ask Cinder nor Henna for the moment, it would just be Brook and himself at the canyon. Then once they returned if either Henna or Cinder wished to go to the canyon then he would oblige. But only once his queen was content. Gently nuzzling the grulla paint, he turned and led the way out of the terra, smiling sweetly to Cinder and then nodding slightly to Phantom as they passed. He knew they would care for the terra whilst they were gone.

[Captain Stumpy]

Maple was still a little shell-shocked, having herown sister turn on her made her a little confused. Even with Orion around her she felt venerable. Maple listened to Orion, he was right, she leaded into him to nuzzle his neck loveingly. "Your right, I hope its okay" She turned her head the other way when Cinder walked over. "Thankyou Cinder" Maple said nodding her head. The Appaloosa then frowned before looking towards the tree's for Aspen. "I can't believe she'd act like this, Hunter must have really got to her" She murmered.

She took a step away from Orion, her head hung low, "I don't want to be looking for a foal in the dark, maybe we should start looking?" She called to Orion. She forced a smile to Cinder, her mind felt heavy somewere out there was a innocent foal, just how long had Aspen left it? or did she hurt it first? it didn't bare thinking about. Slowly the spotted mare headed to the shadows of the tree's. It didn't take long for the mare to realise just how difficult it would be to find a foal between the tree's. Maple was tempted to split up from Orion to cover more ground, but the thought of it put a shiver up her spine. She didn't want to be alone in the woods, especily as somewere was Aspen who was very angry with her. "Orion, I'm thirsty should we search by the river?" Maple surgested but was already moving that way.

Maple hopped down the little bank to the river with ease, getting ahead of Orion she dipped her head expecing Orion to keep looking above the bank. She dipped her head to the water, as her lips touched the water a shadow in the river-bank caught her eye. "Woah!" Maple squeeked jumping into the river with a splash. With her over-reaction done she saw the foals figure. "Orion!" She called before aproching the life-less youngster. Tentatively Maple nudged its shoulder, pleased when it still felt warm. She looked at his face and noticed his dark eye was now open. "C'mon baby, time to get back on your hooves." She cooed. The youngster squeeked weakly, Maple nudged him again. This time the dark pelted youngster climbed to his hooves. Maple noticed just how filthy the foal was, their wasn't a inch of him that wasn't covered in mud. Maple walked back over to the bank, she looked over to the foal. "This way" She said, but the foal didn't move. "C'mon" She continued. The foal continued to stand their. Shivering slightly in the shade. Maple watched him for a moment before walking behind him and useing her chest to push him forward. The foal gained slightly more energy when they got out of the bank, but still needed Maple's support through the undergrowth. He'd missed that important first meal from his dam and was running low on reserves.

[Saz]

Orion nodded, gently lipping at her mane as she stepped away from him, a sadness coming upon him as he remembered his promise to BlackThorn, he would have to save him, and soon. He followed Maple without a words, nodding at her suggestion as his keen eyes searched the trees for any sign of a foal; or its lifeless body. He stepped up onto the top of the bank and allowed the height to aid his search for the foal, but only got so far when Maple caught his attention. Her squeak made him react and he was already down the bank before she could reach the foal. He relaxed slightly, however a frown made its way onto his face as he saw the youngster's condition.

"I'll go ahead and get Cinder, let her know she'll need to feed... the foal" He snorted, watching a little hypnotically as Maple mothered the little foal. Even if Aspen didn't want it, he knew that Maple would care for it, and so would he. Shaking his head, the painted stallion moved quickly, thrusting through the undergrowth with his broad shoulders until he burst into the main clearing. "Cinder! We've found the foal. It's in a bad way, really weak..." He spoke quickly, thanking that the mare moved smoothly toward him, Galadriel still snoozing in the shade. "Okay, bring the foal, I will see what I can do." She nickered, watching him turn and begin to move back to where Maple was slowly moving with the little foal.

He saw the two struggling and quickly moved forward, giving the little foal his shoulder for support, though the muddied creature barely reached his chest. "Cinder is waiting for us just in the clearing. Just a little further now." He nickered softly, continuing to support the foal into the clearing until Cinder could see them. "Oh my!" The mare gasped at the state of the young foal and quickly hurried over, nudging Orion out of the way and gently beginning to clear some of the mud and muck off the colt.

With most of the youngster clean, revealing him to be a soft shade of grullo, she guided him to where he could feed, her kind gaze now moving to Maple. "Do you wish to care for him? I am more than happy to just feed him, or if you wish for me to take Aspen's place then that is fine too." She nickered, watching the young mare carefully, not wishing to touch any raw nerves on the subject of her sister. Orion listened in silence, every so often his gaze drifting to the young colt and his brow creasing. This was the spawn of Hunter, but the colt didn't seem to have any trace of the demonic stallion... though only time would tell with that matter.

They were interuppted by Cinder's daughter awaking and gliding over to them, even as a foal Galadriel was easy moving and swift on her hooves. "Mother, who is this?" She asked sweetly, peering round her mother's shoulder to see a young grullo colt, who also seemed to be covered in mud. "I-... Well, Maple?" The golden mare asked, unsure of the name this colt had been given, if he had one.

[Captain Stumpy]

The Foal stumbled along between the two unknown adults, The sents they carried was not that of his birth dam. But his emotion was drained almost as much as his energy, he looked up when he could feel himself being cleaned, a pale mare was cleaning him, the shock of the sight caused him to stumble back, Maple caught the colt as he fell back, She looked up at Cinder, "He's my nephew" she said rather weakly herself as she thought of Aspen, even if they wern't blood she always thought of her as a sister. "I want to be there for him, like a mother would" She answered to Cinder, looking at Orion for support, hoping he would accept the responcibility too, she could understand him disliking the foal for the same reason as Aspen, it was his brother in some ways.

The colt still rested on Maples side, seemingly unsure of itself. Maple smiled when Cinders beautiful young daughter glided over to them. Maple was quiet when Cinder asked for the colts name, She was sure Aspen had named him, but at the same time it was probably a unpleasent name. "HawThorn" She said after a pause, Thinking of her brother BlackThorn. Again she looked up to Orion, he seemed accepting of the foal. Maple felt the boys weight lift of her, she looked down to see him accepting a feed from Cinder. Maple smiled at Cinder. "Thankyou"


Aspen couldn't help but overhear a ruckus leaving the woods, she could hear Maple's voise, but not the words, only leaving the shelter of the tree's by afue feet she could see the muddied monster sucking the life from Cinder, her ears flattened and teeth rasped in temper, how dare Maple bring that plague into the herd? how dare she allow it to feed off Cinder like that. It was too much for Aspen. She took a powerful stride towards the group before laying eyes on Orion, She new she shouldn't have let him become friends with Maple. It was his fault too, but some part of her still had fear for him, and instead of going down there and beating the colt to death like she should have she withdrew to the woods once again, she'd need to dispose of him when the others wearn't around.

[Saz]

Orion sighed deeply, but nodded when Maple glanced at him for assurance. He would support her in any cause, always. Again, when she named the young colt, a pang of guilt hit him harshly, BlackThorn. He would always hang over them until Orion saved him from Hunter's hellish lands. With this thought, the stallion gently nuzzled Maple's shoulder and side. Taking a moment, whilst Hawthorn was occupied by Cinder, he guided Maple away to ask her an important question. "Maple, I love you with all my heart, So I was wondering if you would accompany me to the canyon? It's alright if you don't wish to, but with Hawthorn in our midsts, I wondered if you wished for a foal of your own?" He nickered sweetly, a gentle smile upon his face as he watched her with loving eyes.

Cinder gently nuzzled the young colt as he drank eagerly, before she turned her attention to the young couple, evidently they would be travelling to the canyon later on this season. At least she would be here, along with Phantom to protect Hawthorn and Galadriel. As she thought of the silver black, he appeared from the trees near her, lingering on the outskirts of the herd. unconsciously knowing of the danger presented by Aspen being anywhere near the foals. Consciously, he just felt uneasy whenever he saw the red dun mare, but as she disappeared from his sight, he no longer felt any worry and instead stood a few meters away from Cinder grazing. Galadriel nickered sweetly to the young colt before turning as Phantom appeared from the trees near them. Flicking her tail and grinning from ear to ear, the young filly leapt toward the silver black and reared up, grasping his flaxen mane and tugging it teasingly before releasing him and hopping a few steps away.

Phantom laughed deeply, chasing the golden filly at a slow trot, gently tugging on her tufty tail before breaking into a lope and leading her a few yards from Cinder before he turned and carefully grabbed her ear, tugging gently before releasing her and allowing her to knock him over. "Ooft, you're so fierce, Galadriel." He chuckled, nipping at the filly in a teasing manner before he glanced up and saw Cinder watching him with an amused smile. "You should have your own foals, Phantom." She snorted softly to her friend as he extracted himself from Galadriel and approached the mare. "Hmm... I would if I could find a mare that wanted an old hag like me." He smirked, shaking out his long mane and grinning gently. "Hmph. Any mare would be lucky to have you, so you just need to get out there and show yourself off." The pale mare spoke easily, rolling her eyes at the faces Phantom was now pulling at her daughter. "Maybe, we'll see..." The stud easily deflected any continuation of the subject and continued to pull faces to amuse the young filly.

[Captain Stumpy]

Maple nuzzled into Orion, "I wouldn't refuse anything for you" She said lovingly. Standing beside him she nibbled his think mane smiling up at him. "I think we should go now" She said glancing to Cinder and Phantom, "Little HawThorn's Got Cinder and Phantom to protect him for a while" She said with a smile.

HawThorn finnished his meal with a loud burp, wagging his curly tail he stumbled backwards, a smile on his milk-stained face as he looked at Cinder. "Thankyou" He smiled, his little belly bloated. Already new energy flowed into him. He wiped his mouth on his knee, before noticing a dark horse playing with the golden filly. He took a couple of strides towards them ready to play, then almost instantly his tiredness kicked in, His eyes got heavy and he yawned. Turning back round he looked for the most stationary horse who seemed to be Cinder, He walked back to her Yawned again and curled up in the blue eyed mares shadow.

[Saz]

"What the lady wants, she gets." He nickered deeply, bowing playfully before moving off at a slow pace. A sudden thought struck him and he glanced behind him toward Maple and then to Hawthorn. "Maple, could you meet me there? I have one thing I need to do. I won't be long though, I promise." He nickered sweetly, smiling at her before heading off into the trees. As soon as he was out of sight and hearing distance from the herd, he inhaled deeply, pinpointing Aspen's scent and following it directly until he spotted the red dun mare. "Aspen. I need to talk to you." He called, speeding up and cutting her off so she couldn't run from him. He was rarely aggressive toward mares, or anyone really, but this was an exception, Aspen was dangerous, and he needed to let her know just what would happen if she ever laid another hoof on his beloved, or harmed a hair on Hawthorn's head.

"Right. You are going to listen to me now, and you are going to listen well." His tone turned silky and dangerous, a lot like Hunter's had been whenever he had spoken to the mares. "If you ever, and I mean ever, harm Maple or Hawthorn, I will not hesitate to beat some sense into you. I will chase you out of this terra and make sure you never ever come near our family again. Is that clear?" He growled, tail swishing fiercely as he took an intimidating step toward the smaller red dun mare. "And if you take even a step toward Hawthorn I know that Cinder and Phantom will have something to say about it, so don't even think about threatening him when I'm not here." He snarled, bareing his teeth in an aggressive manner before turning and leaving the mare be, satisfied that his threat had gotten through her thick skull.

--

Cinder smiled gently down at the little colt and nodded, "You're most welcome, young Hawthorn." She nickered sweetly, gently nuzzling his fluffy forelock before continuing to graze. She watched him out the corner of her eye as he took a few steps toward Phantom and Galadriel before deciding against it and settling down for a nap. Galadriel quickly grew bored of Phantom's antics and glanced around for her next source of amusement. Catching sight of a sleeping Hawthorn, the filly yawned, blinking tiredly before deciding the grulla had a good idea. Shaking herself free of any loose strands of grass, the little golden filly jogged over toward Hawthorn and promptley folded into the grass beside him and snuggled up close. Linking her head over his, she gently nibbled his mane before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

[Captain Stumpy]

Aspen had a face like thunder as Orion prevented her from leaving the unpleasent conversation. Her tail lashed impatiently, her ears were pinned so hard it hurt. "Oh wouldn't Hunter be proud of his prodigy" She spat after Orion had apparently finnished. Confidently Aspen Strode a ring round the larger stallion, her fear apparently lacking after the stallions threats. "Threatening Mares, Lying and protecting Hunters feble offspring" She continued finnishing her lap and standing infront of him again. She was festering a rotten temper, unluckily for Orion he was the first horse she could lash out on.

Maple was very happy, the thought of having a baby of Orion was making her blush to say the least. She caught sight of Cinder, carmed herself down abit and started to walk over. She lowered her muzzle to the two sleeping foals, brushing over HawThorn's vertical mane fluff before doing the same to Galadriel's. She continued on to Cinder. "Me and Orion are going to the canyon for a little bit" Maple said, she couldn't help but smile. "I'm sure Hawthorn will be safe with you" she continued. The smile dropped from her face. "Aspen won't like him though, but don't be mad at her she didn't want to have a foal with Hunter" Maple said looking away a little misty eyed. She looked back at Cinder forceing one more smile before passing Phantom and heading out of the territory.