Some Things Are Better Left Lost

[Captain Stumpy]

The winter winds howled through the clearings, the tree's and bushes did little to buffet the roar. But even with the cold biting Serpent felt very little of it thanks to his thick old coat and mane. Though the cold didn't bother him this eyes were. Snow had already dusted the countryside, without much colour Serpent could now only see in black and white. He half hoped his vision would improve with the season. The old stallion was in a moral conflict, as much as he hated Dagger, he was king of the Strath, as much as he loved Lyric. it was his duty to bring her to him. So why did it feel so wrong? was it because he was returning to a festering war? he never faught in a battle yet he'd leave his grand-daughter in won and lead his love into a war-camp. The thought of this was enough to unsettle Serpants stomach.

He looked back at his love, "I think this looks like a safe place to rest" He said smiling warmly. of course his words were nothing short of a lie, how could this place look safe when he couldn't even see it? He nuzzled the ground with the tip of his nose, the snow was soft and only a inch or so thick. He took a swift bite of cold grass before raising his head to Lyric again, through his eyes she was a pale grey and white, he new she wasn't when he closed his eyes to dream she was the golden mare that made her so famous when the Strath ruled the vally.

He opened his eyes again, a smile warmed his face he walked up to Lyric's shoulder to rest his head. "Thankyou for being with me" he breathed into her shoulder.

[Swede]

Lyric followed Serpent mostly in silence as he guided the way. He might be half blind, but she had no better idea of where to wander, and perhaps his hooves carried their own mental map of the world and the best places in it. Other things than navigation kept her mind more preoccupied; the palomino mare had come to realize that she did not enjoy being pregnant at all. Oh, perhaps the end result would be worth it, though she hadn't really planned for this and it was all an accident and a mistake; when she wasn't frustrated and frightened, there were still glimmers of expectancy, where she was curious and eager to see what this foal would be like. But this entire process itself was far from comfortable. No matter how much grass she managed to find in the snows, her stomach was tight with hunger as anything she ate seemed to go to whatever was growing in her womb. Her joints were stiff and sore. She was no longer swift or graceful; just tired and aching all over.

She halted at Serpent's indication, heaving a blank sigh as she lowered her muzzle to nibble a little at the frigid grass. The days had been growing longer lately, and the air wasn't quite as cold; winter would pass soon, very soon. Or at least, Lyric hoped so. Raising her head, she peered around with a slight frown, scenting the air. Something perturbed her, though she couldn't quite figure out what it was; perhaps nothing more than hormones. "Where are we?" she asked, swinging her head around to look at the ever-affectionate stallion.

[Captain Stumpy]

Serpent felt a twinge when Lyric asked where they where. "Somewhere in the Far Away Feilds" he said taking a step back and smileing. "Its a pretty flat grassy land, perfect for raising a family" he commented with a smile, touching Lyric's belly with his outstreched nose. He looked round more out of instinct, because doing so didn't help him see any threats.

The wind didn't seem to be biting half as hard, the sun was begining to warm his back. the season had changed into another. Serpent walked a little way away from Lyric. Just trying to focus on there round about location, but he just couldn't things all looked the same in black and white. He sighed rather misserably lowering his head he started grazing rather greadily. soon enough Dagger would know they were close, then he'd be able to see Roamling again.

[Swede]

"Far away fields," she echoed to herself, gazing across the grasslands. She still couldn't shake that uneasy feeling, but without being able to pinpoint its cause, she couldn't come up with an actual reason to be wary of this place. Strictly analytically speaking, the region seemed quite ideal for supporting equine life; spring had brought the fields into a symphony of vibrancy and vigor, with flowers swaying in the breeze and songbirds darting through the skies. It was pretty. She couldn't see any signs of predators, or any immediate safety hazards. There's nothing wrong with it, you're just being silly Lyric concluded. She glanced towards Serpent where he grazed, and decided to follow suit. Occasionally the mare would feel a twinge in her belly, but that had been a fairly common occurrence over the past few weeks, and she figured it was nothing to worry about. When the time came, she would know, she was certain of that.

As time passed, Lyric continued to graze; though her thoughts might be on other things, she was almost always hungry these days, and it was something she frequently needed to occupy herself with. To think that a tiny unborn foal could be so demanding... now she had a better understanding of why the few mares who survived the original disaster that befell the old valleys had been so sluggish and weak during the Strath's migration in search of better lands. Such intense winter travel might be feasible for seasoned warriors, but the pregnant mares had suffered for it, and she remembered that several had either miscarried or lost the newborn a few days after birth. Luckily, she and Serpent had been taking it fairly easy- it was difficult to maintain a very harsh pace, with her pregnancy and his diminished vision.

Abruptly, her thoughts were interrupted, though it took a minute to figure out what precisely had set her on edge so suddenly. Lifting her head, Lyric scrutinized the surrounding areas, before detecting movement across the meadow. Not a bear, too heavy for a deer; definitely a horse. No, two of them. The pieces fell into place easily now: the scent had been too faint earlier to be able to consciously detect, but it had made her anxious nonetheless, and now she could place it without any difficulties.

Saber had been wandering the fields quietly, as he often did, keeping an eye on things like his father asked; Hero couldn't be trusted, after all. It hadn't been long before the young stallion had caught Serpent's scent. The old spy was back it seemed, and thus Saber had quickly returned to report the event to Dagger. The younger stallion remained behind with the others, and Dagger had set out himself to greet his subordinate. Ivory accompanied him as always, his snowy white shadow. Upon seeing Serpent up ahead, Dagger was extremely pleased to note the familiar golden figure beside him. "Good old Serpent, took him a while but he gets the job done," Dagger said quietly to Ivory with a smile. The mare nodded pleasantly; when Dagger was happy, she was happy. Being queen was nice, but it was even better when her stallion had such loyal compatriots.

Once they were within just a few strides of each other, Dagger halted and said warmly, "Long time no see, Lyric. I can't tell you how delighted I am that you're back with us... I know you were quite close to Torna, and her loyalties were a bit questionable, but I'm glad that you still feel that you belong here. Excellent work, Serpent."

"Dagger?" Lyric said, seemingly frozen to the spot, "What are you..." Technically, she had seen him leave the scene of the last battle together with Ivory, but somehow she had just assumed that they were dead, or at least lost to the brief memory of this world. A foolish notion, she knew; of course he would still be alive. But it was odd seeing him again; and how did he know Serpent? "What's going on..?"

The painted stallion blinked; he hadn't expected this reaction. "What do you mean?" Then he narrowed his eyes, flicking his gaze towards Serpent. "You didn't explain to her?"

Lyric took a step back warily. "Serpent? What is he talking about?"

"He didn't mention me? The Strath regrouping?" Dagger was quiet for a moment as he observed Lyric's blank expression, but then his eyes brightened in disbelief and he chuckled with a shake of his head. "Oh don't tell me... you didn't even realize he was Strath! Serpent, you sly dog, you... how on earth did you manage to convince our lovely princess to even give you the time of day while masquerading as an Outsider... and even get her in foal, too," he added, glancing at Lyric's blatantly round sides. While Lyric had often quietly vouched for a more peaceful way of resolving the conflict with the Dalt, she was generally not any more open to the idea of associating with a Dalt or Outsider stallion than most Strath mares were. A pacifist Strath, but a Strath at heart nonetheless. It spoke volumes of Serpent's clever nature that he had managed to seduce the headstrong palomino in such a manner.

"Very well then, cousin dearest, allow me to explain and clear you of your confusion. This here is a territory in Dalt possession; only the stallion who runs it has gone completely round the bend, and is attacking his own kind. Thus, for the time being he is a useful ally, until we don't need him anymore. Now now, I know you would rather we just ignored them than wipe them out; but they are so few left, and it is better to exterminate them now, than wait and let them grow stronger and have them turn against us first. If you’ll give me a few minutes to explain, you’ll understand why it is important... Besides, I'm not the one spearheading this campaign, I'm only lending a helping hoof to the traitorous Dalt who lives here. My main goal is the vitality of the Strath themselves. We are rebuilding, and will one day return to the glory of the ancestral lords... but the bloodlines are dangerously thin these days, after the war. I need your help, Lyric; the Strath need you. And this is where you belong, to be treated like the nobility you are, rather than wandering the lands of Outsider mongrels." Dagger paused, and nodded his head towards Serpent. "Serpent here used to be one of my father's foremost spies; I suppose that is why you wouldn't recognize him, since he spent so much time snooping around among our enemies, away from the main herds. Thus he was perfect for the job- namely, to find you and bring you back to us. That's why I sent him. Lyric, your foal will be of pure lines, a founder of the new age of the Strath, and you… you’ll be the mother of the future.”

Lyric inhaled deeply as Dagger’s words sunk into her stunned mind. It all made sense now. “So,” she said slowly, turning her piercing gaze on Serpent. “Just another job, then. I suppose you have all sorts of tricks up your sleeve. And to think that I fell for it… I actually fell for the sweet words of a stallion trying to curry favor with whoever the current Strath leader happens to be. I’ve heard it all before, and I still fell for it! Tell me, are your eyes really so impaired, or was that another trick too, to win me over with pity?” Abruptly, the palomino mare turned on her heel and stormed off across the meadow and into the trees.

“Lyric, wait- that’s not all!” Dagger called after her, but she didn’t turn around. “Ivory, go keep an eye on her, will you?” The white mare nodded and quietly trotted after Lyric. Heaving a sigh, Dagger watched her go, and then shook his head. “She has quite a temperament, unfortunately… I’m sure she’ll have kinder words when she’s calmed down, but she’s always been hotheaded. I hadn’t expected her to be angry. I doubt she enjoyed wandering around on her own in Outsider lands, though; once she gets over her initial reaction of being obstinate as soon as something happens without her input, I think she’ll be happy to be back again. Well done on finding her, though, it’s a big world out there, but if anyone could do it, it was you.”

After a couple minutes of weaving through the trees at a furiously rapid walk, Lyric became faintly aware of the fact that she was being followed. Of course she was; Dagger wouldn’t just let her wander off. She hadn’t expected anything else, and she didn’t care. Soon she became winded, and slowed to a stop in the shadow of a large tree. To be tired, after just walking… would her irritation really affect her so much?

Ivory slowed her pace when she noticed Lyric stop up ahead; there was no need to rush, she was easy to catch up to. The palomino couldn’t slip away from her. Ambling along quietly, the white mare halted, standing a few steps away from the sweaty and panting Strath princess. Her keen senses could detect what Lyric herself did not understand, and she smiled softly. This short-lived chase was over. “He means well, you know,” Ivory said after a few moments of silence, in a deceptively kind tone. “He’s been quite worried, not knowing where you were or if you were happy, or even alive… it will be wonderful to have you back, if you choose to stay.”

“Do I have a choice?” Lyric muttered, flicking her eyes up slightly.

“I don’t know. Do you?”

The palomino was quiet except for the sounds of her heavy breathing. “Not really,” she said at last. “I doubt Dagger would let me go, he cares too much about keeping the Strath alive to let my bloodlines disappear… and I’m not sure I would leave even if I could plausibly do so. It’s not as if I have anything else in my life; Strath is what I am, who I am, and though I may have left, I wouldn’t abandon my identity like that. It frustrates me, but I don’t think I would be capable of leaving my kind to waste away into nothing, not if I could change that fate…”

“I am glad to hear it.”

“No you aren’t… you don’t have to wear your mask of compassion around me, Ivory, so just spare me the theatrics and be honest.” Lyric groaned and sank to her knees, her eyes fluttering momentarily. “I know what you are like… and I know you hate me.”

Ivory smiled wistfully, stepping closer to the palomino. She lowered her head, her voice soft and clear as she spoke to the helpless mare. “Oh, I’m not lying. But I will be honest, as you wish. It’s true, I hate you. I despise you, in fact. I wouldn’t mind breaking your skull right now- I could, I’m no stranger to killing- and you wouldn’t be able to fight back. You’re as weak as a kitten right now. And why is that? Because you carry a foal, which is struggling to join this world as we speak- typical of maiden mares, to not understand what’s going on at first. But it’s true. And Dagger, oh Dagger, he thinks so highly of this foal without ever having even seen it; you would think it was his own offspring being brought into the world. I might be his lead mare, queen of the Strath, but he loved you long before he ever met me, Lyric. You know this. You being here… I will not allow you to cause him to forget me, or my son.” Ivory stared down at the Strath princess with undiluted disgust and hatred in her eyes. Dagger loved the white mare, she knew he did; but he always seemed to get a faraway look in his eye when he spoke of his lovely cousin, and Ivory took it as a very real possibility that her son’s claim to the future lordship would be at risk of being passed over to Lyric’s line instead, should she bear a colt now or in the future.

“But I am not lying, when I say I am glad to hear that you are staying,” Ivory continued, as Lyric sank further to the ground, offering no response. “Though my parents may have been Dalt, I am Strath, and the future of the Strath is in my best interests too. I have been doubted in the past, because of my bloodline… but despite my feelings towards you, I would rather call you my sister in Strath than be reminded of my genetic ties to that disgusting mare Hero holds hostage.” Oh, her icy blood boiled whenever she thought of Smoke; it was a daily exercise in self-control to avoid tearing the black mare’s throat out. Her only consolation was that her very presence caused Smoke anxiety, not to mention that Hero treated her less than kindly, and Dagger, though careful to never physically attack any of Hero’s mares, would often slip Smoke a poisonous word in passing, a snide reminder of the days long ago when she had been subject to his uncaring whims. She was just a Dalt after all; her life and welfare were of no importance. And Dagger had promised, that once all this was over and Hero was no longer needed, then Ivory could deal with Smoke precisely as she pleased…

“So yes, I hate you, Lyric. But I am happy that you are here, because it makes Dagger happy, and because we are fellow Strath, you and I. Keep in your place, and perhaps I may even learn to like you. Your Strath blood is needed if we are going to rebuild, and the Dalt are growing faster than we care to see…” Ivory trailed off, a memory sparking in her mind. “Dagger had intended to tell you this, but you ran off before he could get around to it… Hero, the one who lives here, is not just attacking the survivors of his own kind. It’s a particular herd, led by a young Dalt and flanked by a couple scattered warriors. They have killed many of us, Atira’s murderer is among them for one; but it’s not just our lost fighters we seek vengeance for… The leader of that herd is the son of the mare who dares be related to me. I want that whole line dead, murdered and destroyed for how they treated me when I defected to the Strath, and to erase the memory of those old ties forever. Oh, this does matter to you too, Lyric. You see, the one who leads them, my so-called sister’s son, he is the one who killed Torch. He is the one who murdered your brother.”

Lyric couldn’t seem to lift her head, helpless against the pain that racked her body; all she could see were Ivory’s hooves in front of her face, and all she could hear was the white mare’s voice, echoing from above as if coming from some great distance. But the words hit her soul like a sledgehammer, and instant hatred flared in her heart. Her beloved brother, the kindest and most compassionate creature she had ever met in her life, had been killed by some chestnut Dalt, she remembered witnessing the scene and she remembered the agony it had caused her; the knowledge that this one Dalt had somehow survived the massacre of that battle, and was not only alive and well but happily leading a herd somewhere… Lyric understood now why Dagger was so ruthless against the Dalt. They had killed many warriors in the past, during battles, and she could see past that as casualties of war; but to have murdered Torch was something that required an evil streak, and was something she could not forgive. A faint groan echoed from her chest, as in that moment of fresh grief and hatred, a tiny golden filly slid free from its mother’s body.

Ivory knew her words had struck a chord, as she had thought they would; but Lyric deserved to know, and if she was going to be involved in this everlasting war, she deserved to have a cause to believe in it. The palomino would not be leaving the Strath now, not when she had a face to mark as an enemy. And, as long as she didn’t get between Ivory and Dagger, or Saber and his future rule, they would no doubt get along just fine. She watched silently as Lyric finally brought her foal into the world, guarding this recently returned member of her herd as any proper lead mare should. A filly; that was alright. Perhaps even a future mare for Saber.

But something was wrong; Lyric’s sides fluttered in shallow rapid pants, her body too tired to breathe properly but still desperate for air, and her eyes were blank and shiny with pain. “Lyric?” Ivory said warily, but the palomino mare did not seem to hear her. “Lyric!” Ivory nudged the mare’s side sharply, and muttered, “I’ve decided not to kill you, haven’t I, don’t make me have wasted that decision.” Lyric’s body convulsed suddenly, and Ivory took a step back. She wasn’t done yet…. Perhaps twins ran in the family. Lyric herself had been a twin foal. It appeared to be taking a hard toll on the mare though; birthing was hard enough the first time a mare did it, without having to deal with two foals at once. At long last, the mare shuddered, and the second newborn tumbled against its sibling. Abruptly, Lyric grew still as a statue; Ivory almost thought she had died, but she was breathing, faintly but steadily. It was best to let the mare rest while she could. The foals would be alright for a little while, and if Lyric was slow to recover from her ordeal, then Ivory supposed she would have no choice but to get them cleaned up in the meantime. But she would rather not do that unless absolutely necessary; these were Lyric’s foals, not hers, and one of them was a colt. Ivory wouldn’t let them die, but she saw no reason to go to extra lengths to help them live.

[Captain Stumpy]

Serpent didn't dare to interupt Lyric in her temper, or speek over Dagger who seemed to find pleasure in not only being the highest ranking strath but also the most knowledgeable present. "I don't think she's going to forgive me" he mumbled watching his golden mare storm off into the woods. It would have looked more dramatic but her pregnancy was hardy lady-like. The Strath spy then looked at the King and Prince. "If you don't mind me disapearing I best go great my grandaughter" He said in a depressing tone. as he passed he couldn't help but glance towards the woods, expecting to see a glimpse of gold, but he didn't.

"Grandsire!" Roamling senced or should she say saw the ergency in which Sabor had uttered something to his parents and as they walked away, she'd followed. Serpents head shot up, and his eyes glowed. "Roamling my dear" He said his voise groggy. "You've been gone forever" the young mare said nuzzling the side of his neck, his dreadlocks falling over his grandaughters fine neck. "i'm sorry my love, but some things cannot be rushed" he said. "I assume Dagger had treat you well?" he said walking back from his imbrace to see his granddaughter a little clearer. He smiled warmly his daughter was a mix of greys blacks and whites, all colours he could still see without taints. Roamling smiled "He's been good grandsire"[/i] she said with a loveing smile. "What happened while you were away?" She asked noticing that Ivory wasn't present anymore. she could also sence the smell of another mare. "I brought back princess Lyric" He answered, causing Roamling to have to think for a moment of who Lyric was.

"She's here?" She said after the silence, Serpent nodded, he was tired of the concersation, and exausted feeling rather guilty for leading Lyric into this situation. He told himself it was for her own good. "Could I meet her?" Roamling asked disturbing Serpents inner thoughts. "If you wish?" Serpent said, seeing no problem with it. "She's in the woods with Ivory, Not in the best of moods I fear though." He warned, but Roamling had already passed him. He gave one more glance to the king and prince before walking uphill his eyes heavy. At the top of the rolling hill he faced a golden mare, his head shot up at first mistaking the pelt for Lyric's. "You?" He asked still a little shock. Machete also shot her head up, she'd been dosing standing up, unluckily for her the Strath group were also in close vecinity. Serpent quickly calculated she was of strath blood, the wound on her knee made him curious, he concluded she'd insulted dagger or his family, or she'd tried to escape and dagger reqired her breeding, but she wasn't pregnant so the first assumption he stuck with. "You lied about your name didn't know?" Machete's eyebrow's raised then she squinted. "My names Dao, old man" She said her temper raised. "Sure it is, and I spose you tripped on your knee?" Serpent chuckled to tired to argue. The mare snorted to angry for words. "I'm not her to cause a fight, I just want a peaceful nap" Serpent said, Machete, snorted again, but she couldn't bring herself to argue with such a old man, he'd probably just gone a little senile. "Alright old man, though you'll be lucky to find peace on these soils" she commented but already Serpent was on his knee's trying to get comorftrble. Machete snorted gazing round she could see Dagger and his menice, in one direction and the Dalt failures in the other.


Roamling entered the woods at a hasty pace, she new Lyric was a golden palomino from the stories. But it was still a hard mare to find. She saw Ivory ahead and was half tempted to keep going entill she remembered the white mare was with the leagendery Lyric. "Ivory" Roamling said monotoned. She then entered the clearing, blood of birth hugged the moist air. Roamling couldn't believe her eyes. Lyric had 2 new-borns. her eyes were wide with surprize. Then she realised these two must have been children of Serpent. It took a moment for her to realise Lyric wasn't moveing. "Ivory what have you done?" Roaming said lashing her tail and assuming the worst from the white mare.

[Swede]

“Oh, she’ll get over it,” Dagger said dismissively, “You found her and brought her back, and that’s what’s important.” He nodded as Serpent left to go find Roamling. The young mare had turned out to be much less unpleasant than her initial impression had given; instead, they had that new one, that Machete… now she was a real piece of work. Hopefully she would settle in sooner or later, despite her troublesome arrival.

Saber had lingered behind after delivering the news to his parents, and watched as Serpent eventually came towards the rest of the group. Lyric was not present, nor were Saber’s parents; no doubt they had many things to discuss. The young stallion frowned slightly as Machete bickered with the old spy, and took a step forward. “It’s good to see you back, Serpent,” he said with a slight bow of his head; he might be the current Strath leader’s son, but ranks of respect were earned, not given at birth. Being Dagger’s son was a bonus, and with no other young stallions left in the Strath to challenge the Strath lord and take over as ruling bloodline, Saber’s place was essentially secured. But Rysen had come to power simply by defeating any who thought himself superior until he was the only one everyone else bowed to, and it was still expected even of highly-ranked youngsters to respect the seasoned warriors who had earned such positions. Choosing to leave the old stallion alone for now, since he seemed to be tired, Saber glanced towards Machete. “There’s no need to be so argumentative,” he said, though without much interest. She was always bitter about everything, it seemed. Saber knew that Dagger hoped she would turn out to be useful eventually, and that he hated spilling Strath blood unnecessarily, but Saber wasn’t so sure she really was Strath. Maybe she had been born as one, but it was an attitude too, and her Strath conviction smelled like one she’d adopted just to save her own skin. Time would tell.

Ivory turned her head, narrowing her eyes a fraction as Roamling appeared on the scene with an immediately accusatory attitude. “It isn’t wise to show such blatant disrespect towards your superiors, Roamling,” the white mare said in a gently admonishing tone, as if disciplining a stubborn foal. “I’ve done nothing but what any lead mare ought to do for her herd members, keeping watch over her. What her body does to itself isn’t something I have any hand in.” Ivory paused, glancing down at the returned exile who lay upon the earth. “She’s quite lucky, really. Both her foals look to be healthy, and I think she’ll be alright. Twin births are no laughing matter.” She was silent a moment longer, before lowering her muzzle and bluntly nudging Lyric’s head. Rest was important for the mare, but the foals needed attention too and Ivory wasn’t in the mood to take over the job. “Don’t fall asleep now, the kids are waiting.”

Taking a deep, laborious breath, Lyric blinked her eyes open and stared up at Ivory dully. She was too exhausted to even feel her previous anger anymore, though it still lurked at the back of her mind like smoldering coals, needing only a fresh breeze to flare up once again. The empty ache in her muscles made her feel sick, and even the slightest attempt to tense them and facilitate movement seemed impossibly difficult. What was it Ivory said… twins? Lyric was almost relieved by the thought; at least it meant there was a reason for her pathetically weak state. But it frightened her as well. Oh Serpent, what have you done to me…

Summoning whatever strength she had left, the palomino mare lifted her head and rolled up to her knees, noticing the new stranger for the first time. She frowned a little in confusion but couldn’t be bothered to say anything about it; she had more important things to focus on, and didn’t want to waste any precious breath. Lyric turned her head, looking across her back. Huh… Ivory wasn’t joking about the twins. Somehow, she managed to heave herself up to her feet, though her legs quivered as if she herself was the newborn. Ivory stood beside her, wordlessly propping her up; Lyric doubted the white mare enjoyed being so helpful towards her potential rival, but she couldn’t be bothered to care at the moment. She closed her eyes for a minute, but Ivory nipped at her shoulder and said briskly, “Clean them, get them up on their feet and feed them. You can rest when all of that’s done.”

[Captain Stumpy]

Roamling couldn't help but flick her ears back when Ivory used a tone more suitable for foals. Even if Dagger had talked Roamlings mind into believeing Ivory was a Strath, didn't mean she had to like her right? Her ears pricked again when Lyric moved, so did her golden prodigy. Roamling's coat pricked with exitment, rather juvenille to say the least, She was flighting the erge to squeel. "I-I've got to go" She said before turning tail and bolting to what she hoped was out of eye-line before squeel-bunny hopping a couple of strides and cantering rather more normaly out of the woodlands, She'd seen the strath beauty with herown eyes! and the beauty had 2 beautiful foals.


"SERPENT!" Roamling barked breaking into gallop once she was out of the wood's trip hazzerds. "Ugh" Serpent grumbled, Dao couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Serpent opened one eye to give the mare a nasty glair.
"Serpent?" Roamling called again, She'd seen Dagger after exiting the woods, and galloped his way a little to be sure Serpent wasn't with him. "Roaming?" Serpent said getting to his hooves. The Grulla paint turned sharp and bolted up towards him. Serpent felt the erge to dodge, but didn't as Roamling skidded to a halt afue paces infront of him. "I saw Lyric" Roamling said happily. "She's had twins" She said smiling happily, Serpent forced a smile, but pulled his head away Twins are dangious, what had he done to Lyric? "Is she.. Okay?" He said, "Looks that way, Ivory's helping her" Roamling said a little more sober. "What are they?" Serpent asked, "What?" "The Twins, what are they?" He said feeling his exaustion again. "Golden fillys" Roamling answered a little slower this time, not too sure of the answer, but she was going to stick with it.

Dao also couldn't help but ease drop, she was older than Lyric but did recall the filly's birth. And afue of the younger colts looking at her admireingly. She had nothing againced the beautiful mare, and couldn't help but look forward to seeing some youngsters again. On the other hand her hill was getting rather crowded, so to save having to comunicate to anyone extra today she wondered away and back towards the Dalt collective.
"Golden Daughters?" Serpent said, museing the thought he seemed to approve. Roamling also looked pretty happy for her grandsire, these would probably be the last lives he would be remembered for.

[Swede]

Ivory lifted an eyebrow at Roamling's hasty departure, but shrugged and returned her attention back to Lyric. "Well, get on with it then," she said bluntly, taking a step back to make sure the palomino mare and her twin brats had some space. She would have to go inform Dagger of the news soon, but Lyric looked too shaky to be left alone; and Ivory knew it would be disastrous if something were to happen to her. No doubt Roamling was trumpeting it to the sky anyway. Ivory couldn't say she was overly fond of the little mare; luckily, Dagger hadn't shown any interest in her. Ivory didn't care if he bred other mares, but she didn't like the idea of him becoming affectionate with someone else... initially it had concerned her when Roamling first arrived, but that had been dispelled, although now Lyric was here instead and that was a bit of a problem...

Gathering her wits, Lyric lowered her muzzle and sniffed at the pair of foals. Twins... she still had difficulty believing it. A colt and a filly, the same buttery yellow shade that she and her brother had been when they were born. Torch... Mother... I wish you two had been here to see this, she thought wistfully. Gone too soon from this world, more victims of the war. But... they would not be forgotten. Not if she could help it. "Come on now, up you get," she said gently, nuzzling the pair. The filly managed to find her feet first- not surprising, since she was the 'oldest' one, and was soon able to nurse while her brother untangled his legs. "Aurelie and Torch. That's what I'll call you," Lyric murmured.


Saber lifted his head when Roamling came galloping, watching her with sharp eyes. He noticed Machete listening too, but it seemed that the older mare was rather less interested in the news which Roamling brought. His grandfather's sister's grandfoals... two of them, if Roamling was to be believed. Interesting. Though Saber had merely reported Serpent and Lyric's arrival, and not been there to greet them himself, it seemed that Serpent was the sire of these twins; it was the most logical conclusion at least, since they had been traveling here together, and the way Serpent reacted made it appear that he was in the role of father. Why Lyric would accept such an old, ragged stallion, Saber didn't understand; he would imagine it was better to have someone younger, healthier... like Roamling. Hm. Come to think of it, she was a rather pretty thing. And so much spirit! Though he was a bit more mature now than as a foal, Saber still disliked and mocked weak individuals. But Roamling... she was strong and vibrant.

"Well, congratulations Serpent," the young stallion said, taking a step forward. He really was the image of his sire- a tad shorter, and a little leaner though perhaps in a few years he'd flesh out more, but in color he was nearly identical, and he carried himself with the same fierce confidence. "The first foals born into the herd since the regrouping... It'll be exciting to see them." He wasn't lying when he said that, either; he was so sick of watching Hero's mares producing new foals all the time, filthy-blooded rodents that they were. Strath foals would certainly raise the standards a bit.

[Captain Stumpy]

Serpent turned his rough-coated head towards the young stallion, His dead-locks falling into place around his ears and very nearly over his eyes. He blinked wearily, "Thankyou young Saber" He said. Though his voise didn't carry the exited tone expected for a new father. Even Roamling couldn't help but notice the lack of exitment from her grand-sire. It sobered her up from her exitment quickly. Looking at Serpent she couldn't help but notice a change in him, His eyes had lost there lust of life, dulled from dark to pale grey. "Serpent, I could take you to her? She's abit tired at the moment" Roamling said, hoping to talk som joy into Serpent. Serpent turned his head to her"Mares can be touchy with stallions near newborns, i'm sure she'll want her space." he said, Looking back at Saber with his washout eyes. Even with his eyes that couldn't see three colours of the rainbow, he could see youthful lust in the young stallions eye.

"Roamling would you wait round here for Lyric? Come get me when she's ready" He said. Roamling looked disapointed but said nothing, instead she just walked back down towards the woods a little. Serpent then drew his attention to Saber, The stallion was maturing quickly, or was it becacuse he'd been gone so long? he was a cocky little leggy colt when he'd left now he was a Dagger clone. "Why don't we take a walk?" The old stallion motioned to the younger taller one. He wasn't going to wait for Saber to verbaly agree, walking beside the young Dagger, Serpent looked up though his dread-locks at Saber. "Now i'm sure your sire has already explained" He said his long teeth gritted slightly. "So just to remind you all the mares here are your sires, not yours" He said bluntly. "Now if you, your sire and I are here who's watching Hero and his foul-bloods?" Serpent said finnishing the bref walk. The old stallion, scruffy and tattered still held his old head with the illusion of strength. His eyes burned at Saber a moment longer than nessissery before looking away, he turned his back on the stallion and walked in the vague direction of Machete in a attempt to gain some rest before the next certain distraction.

[Swede]

Saber raised an eyebrow curiously when Serpent suggested a walk, but willingly moved alongside the older stallion. What Serpent said came as a bit of a surprise, but Saber stayed calm; he was a bit annoyed at being told off, but there was no need to start an unnecessary argument. Technically, Serpent's battle rank made him a superior- for now, at least, Saber ought to perhaps remain as respectful as he could. It wouldn't be long before he could start knocking others down in the ranks, if Serpent even lasted that long- the old stallion was looking pretty battered these days. "Of course," he said mildly, "I've never challenged that fact, nor do I plan to. I don't know what you are concerned about, but I assure you I'm quite faithful to my sire." The young pinto watched as Serpent began meandering off. Then he smiled a little. "Now that Lyric is here, she belongs to my father too... but I'm sure you don't mind," he said softly to himself as he watched Serpent's retreating back. Still quietly smiling, Saber began truding up the hillside, seeking out one of many vantage points where he could have a nice overview of the territory without being bothered by others. It was a pity Sketch was so busy spawning new mongrels; it would be fun to beat him up again- for training's sake, of course. They were allies, after all, and Saber would never intentionally harm an ally. What a preposterous notion!


By the time Aurelie seemed to have taken her fill, Torch was on his feet, shaky but standing. Lyric guided him gently to where he could nurse, running her muzzle lovingly across his back as he drank. "Eat up and be strong, Torch... you'll need all you can get, if you're to avenge your namesake one day," she murmured. Aurelie snuggled close to her mother's chest, and Lyric gave her a fond nudge as well. "Don't worry love, I haven't forgotten you. Torna raised four foals, four fateful lines... only two remain, that of Rysen and that of your grandmother, the one you're named after. Torna, Aurelie, Lyric... the Strath have relied upon and respected your female line for generations. A great destiny awaits you, I'm certain of it."

Ivory watched patiently as Lyric tended to her newborns. She couldn't help but smile at the mare's gentle words to the foals; she might have been an advocate for a peaceful resolution between Dalt and Strath once, but she had always been a Strath, and after the brutal deaths of her loved ones, it seemed she was developing a thirst for vengeance. Perfect; then Dagger wouldn't have to argue with her about the ethics of killing the remaining the Dalt instead of just letting them live on in separation. "You know Lyric, you and I are far more alike than you think... with time, I suspect we could become very good friends. I might resent you for attracting Dagger's eye, it's true, but for the good of the Strath, I may be willing to bear that... and I will do everything in my power to help you exact your vengeance. Your son and mine are the new generation of Strath warriors, and I think they will become mighty leaders one day together." It didn't hurt to get on Lyric's good side; it was better to be trusted than hated, then at least it would be easier to get Lyric or her foals out of the way without arousing suspicion, if it became necessary.

Looking up at the white mare, Lyric hesitated, but then nodded. "I haven't met your son... it will be interesting to see how the Strath are looking these days. I suppose there is much work to be done." She fell silent, lost in thought for a few minutes. But then she nudged the foals, and began striding forward through the trees. "Time for the reunion, I suppose..." Perhaps she had been a little harsh on Dagger at first; it would be good to have a talk with him now. If she was going to live amongst her kin again, she wished to be treated as she deserved. Of course, not even Dagger had heard Torna's last prophecy, which rang in Lyric's ears now; but he still had the sense and reverence, like most of the Strath in the old days, to respect the line she was descended from. Ivory strode along quietly behind the palomino, a queen escorting the princess; but it wasn't so clear as to which was really superior. If Dagger were to be overthrown by another Strath stallion and lose his place as the Strath lord- unlikely, Serpent was too old and Saber too young, but still- Ivory would lose her position as well. Being the lead mare of the Strath lord was only valuable as long as he held that authority; in the past, the lead mares of high-ranking stallions still earned some respect from others, but their numbers were so few now... but Lyric, she was practically untouchable. Stallions had sought to claim her in the past, because she was a prize which could achieve them greater status, a member of the family which had held more power among the Strath than any other in years. Ivory was nothing without Dagger; but Lyric was born into natural respect and power.

Alone in the meadows, Dagger had waited and watched, not certain whether to return to talk to Saber and the others, or to seek out Lyric and Ivory himself. Well, all in good time; he had best tread lightly around Lyric, at least in the beginning. It would be a shame to alienate her at such a critical stage when she was already a bit angry at him. No, he had to get on her good side... the Strath needed to be united. Internal squabbles would weaken them. Looking up, he spotted Roamling coming near the treeline; it seemed she was also interested in Lyric and her foal. Thinking for a moment, the stallion began walking towards her, halting beside the younger mare. "It's always exciting with new foals, isn't it?" he said, nodding towards the forest. "I remember back before the last battle, the old valleys were just blossoming with life each year, and life was quite happy, especially when we were able to drive back the Dalt so that they were always on the defensive and we didn't have to worry about them attacking the herds. It's my greatest goal, to be able to bring the Strath back to such happy and glorious days." He nipped Roamling's shoulder gently, almost as if testing her. She had been a bit rebellious in the beginning, but it seemed her loyalties had grown stronger since then; now Machete was the problem one who needed some time to be assimilated back into the Strath. The question was whether Roamling had become loyal enough to be willing, perhaps even happy, to breed with the Strath leader, or if she was still foolish and rebellious enough to refuse.

[Captain Stumpy]

Serpent glanced back at the young stallion only once before buckling his old knee's and laying down to rest. He wasn't in any hurry to see Lyric and his new daughters, he was sure Dagger already had big plans for them. Serpent new not to get to close to anyone. Loved ones are the enemy's greatest advantage, Roamling was enough of a liability, but at least she's a adult able to look after herself. Foals are another matter, naive and vernerable Serpent always believed it was safer to know his children when they were adults rather than while they grew up.


Roamling looked up to Dagger, "Yes I wish I could remember those days" She smiled, looking towards the woods as she thought she saw some movment. She gave a squeek and a half hearted kick to the Strath Leader, as he gave her a nip. It wasn't a 'get off me' kick more like a game. She smiled at him, it made a nice change for the king to take notice of her. Maybe it was the lack of Ivory giving the King a little more freedom? Taking a quick glance round she noticed they were alone. Having offspring looked alot more apealing now Lyric had come into the herd just maybe this would be her oppertunity to have some, and with any luck bend Ivorys nose out of joint at the same time.

"Looks like we've got 5 minutes alone" She said taking a seductive step ahead of the paint stallion. Her tail swished waiting for Daggers move.

[Swede]

Dagger smirked in satisfaction at Roamling's reaction. "Fear not... those days will be recreated in the years to come, and there will be plenty to remember then." Pausing, the painted stallion inhaled the crisp autumn air deeply, savoring the moment. Every passing day, he began to feel more and more like the Strath lord he was destined to be; he was no longer the stallion with just a mare and colt to his name, but a leader, holding the respect of other stallions under his command, and with new foals being born into the herd. Their numbers were growing now, and they would continue to grow, if everything went to plan. He would not be an embarrassment to his ancestors, no no; he was the first of a new era, he would be remembered as the one who brought the Strath back to their full power after Rysen's glorious but ultimately disastrous reign. Perhaps he would be overthrown before he died, but as yet there were no Strath stallions who could defeat him, and if such a day were to come, it would merely be a sign that the Strath truly had grown strong again.

Stepping forward, he nipped at Roamling's flank again, undeterred by her kick; he knew he was reeling her in, and even if she mocked him with minor protests, his more relentless advances would win her over quite easily soon enough. He laid his head against her back for a moment, testing her reactions once more; then he reared up and took what the Strath lord demanded, gripping her mane firmly to maintain his balance. Feeling thoroughly proud and victorious, his front hooves hit the ground again, and he gave Roamling a semi-affectionate nudge. "You'll see. There are bright days ahead for those who are loyal to the noble Strath," he grinned.

A few moments later, there was movement in the shadows of the trees, and Lyric stepped out, closely shadowed by Ivory. The white mare cast a glance over Dagger and Roamling, but said nothing, instead simply stepping forward past Lyric to stand beside her stallion. "Lyric! I am glad to see you are alright. And... oh my, twins, such lovely things. Must run in the family, eh? What are their names?" Dagger was still sharply conscious of Lyric's less-than-desirable reaction earlier, but if she had come here voluntarily and didn't seem to have caused Ivory any trouble, then perhaps she had calmed down a little... he could only hope, at least.

"Aurelie. And Torch," Lyric said, her gaze almost challenging him.

Dagger, however, was unaffected by her veiled aggression; it was important to stay on her good side, and in any case, she had nothing to worry about. "Well, I'm sure their namesakes would be proud. Don't look at me like that, you know I never cared much for Torna's nonsense, and in any case, even if I did, I'd say the prophecy was intended for Rysen and died with him. Strath foals are safe in this herd."

Lyric snorted softly, temporarily appeased by his reassurance. "Strath... how many are there now?"

"Myself and Ivory, of course, and Saber- our son, you never met him but he is a grown stallion now- as well as Serpent... there's a mare called Machete as well, she's having trouble adjusting to being one of the Strath again though, spent a lot of time away and has been a bit tainted by Outsider ways. And then this here is Roamling, she is Serpent's granddaughter. We are still small in numbers, but time will solve that."

[Captain Stumpy]

Roamling smiled wildly at the sight of the two palomino twins. Coming round to stand on the other side of Dagger, "Wow your foals are beautiful Lyric" She said to the golden mare. "Hey little guys, I'm your niece, But you can call me Aunty Roamling" She said smiling down to the twins. Her own eyes wide with joy. When she heard the names she realised she'd gotten the genders slightly wrong, but hey-ho she was pretty close. she'd gotten one right.


Serpent opened his eyes after he got a uneasy feeling of being watched. Sure enough not 20 strides away was Machete, The diluted mare almost confused him as Lyric for a moment, but Machete didn't have Lyric's beauty or perfection. She did however have a Knee scar at his eye-height making it quicker for him to see the difference. A uncomfortable amount of time passed. "What do you want?" He grumbled. Machete withdrew a step, "Your palomino's brought her offspring out" She said, her tone loud as if speaking to a typical elder. "Don't use that tone with me" He grumbled, grunting to stand. "S'pose its only right to go see them" He said turning his back on the other palomino. He then paused, "Go find Saber" he instructed the mare. "No" the mare retorted walking away from Serpent. Serpent only grinned as he walked away. Dagger was right about something Machete certainly had the attitude of a outsider. He flicked his tail, good luck to Dagger in reminding that mare of her place as a Strath.

Serpent ambled back towards the woods, he didn't have to walk far before seeing the gathering of horses in his limited colour vision. He quickly spotted the two foals. twins always looked weaker, he reminded himself of how Lyric was a twin, she turned out beautifully. And so would his daughters. He whinnied as he got closer, though he wasn't sure whether Lyric had or would forgive him for returning her home. But surely this was better than solitude? Through the dread-locks he could see the smile on Roamlings face, It brought a smile to his-own as he got close enough to Lyric to speak. "Are they named?" He asked quite quietly, Looking round at the other faces present. Serpent wasn't a great fan of the younger Dagger, but he had grown into a young legend-worthy stallion. One Serpent was willing to follow now without question, it had taken a while for him to get used to leadership again, but it was beginning to feel worth it.

[Swede]

Dagger observed with satisfaction as Roamling showed such positive interest in Lyric's foals. Such encouragement would no doubt help the palomino mare feel more comfortable and welcome in the Strath fold again, and it also spoke volumes of how far Roamling had progressed since coming here. The twins themselves seemed a bit shy in the presence of so many other horses; Aurelie huddled close to Lyric, Torch almost seeming to squish her in his eagerness to be just as close to their mother. They gazed up at Roamling with a mixture of caution and curiosity, shuffling their hooves in the grass occasionally to crane around Lyric's chest and peek at the others.

From the corner of his eye, Dagger could see Serpent approaching in the distance. "Ivory dear, could you perhaps go find Saber? It's high time Lyric met him, and no doubt he would love to see the twins," he said mildly. A swift nod of consent, and the white mare ambled off. She knew Dagger had always had eyes for Lyric, both for her beauty and status, but also knew Lyric would probably never accept him; but Lyric's little daughter might be a handsome catch for Saber in time. And the colt... well, he'd surely be useful somehow. Cannon fodder if nothing else. As long as he made no attempt to surpass Saber, he'd be fine.


Lyric turned her head as Serpent appeared. She couldn't help but feel irritated at him; she might belong here, but that didn't changed the fact that he'd tricked her, and used her; just another mission for the old veteran. "Of course they are," she said, her tone a tad frosty. "Aurelie after my mother, and Torch after my brother. Though I'm sure you already knew that... you do seem to know everything else about me, after all."