; life is unfair.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

Slender legs carried my delicate frame across the snow coated sand, the beach – formerly an excellent gathering points – had now turned into an ice-cold & unwelcoming place to be. So you might ask why I’m here then. My mind is clouded and confused, filled with so many questions and so much anger – why did my family hurt the poor filly? Why was I born into an environment I do not fit into? I needed a place to relax, to clear my mind before I lost it completely. My limbs had lengthened and strengthened and I was nearing the age of two years – just a few more months to go really, other than having trouble with my family my life was alright; I was princess of one of the most powerful lands, I had an extraordinary flirt – or could I call him love by now? My thoughts wandered off to Shadrik, I had not seen him for a while, yet I knew it was my own fault. The Skewbald stallion had caught my heart and held it carefully, and I desperately wanted to hang on to him – for my own sake, and my family. So why was it that hard then? Because I wished for him to find another crush? One with a darker mind than myself? I knew my parents would be extremely disappointed if I were to sneak out of their plans for me and Shadrik; my mom had taken a good liking to my older cavalier, not that I could blame her – the young stallion had a perfect frame, beautiful colors and an amazing personality.

I stopped for a second, lowering my cold muzzle to the ground. I could almost feel the tiny hairs on my muzzle curl up as they made contact with the ice – some of the object in question, melted as a cloud of mist left my nostrils. Long ears twisted and turned around, trying to catch a sound of something – anything really, the beach was so quiet, so .. dead. Of course there was the silent sound of waves, but the ice had started to spread out from the edge of the water, so the sound was slowly dying. My hot tongue reached out and licked across the salty surface, a grimace appeared on my face – destroying my perfect poker face. Slowly my dark orbs narrowed to slits as frustration and anger flew over me, why couldn’t my life be perfect? My head jerked up in an angry movement as I glared across the ocean. For the last few months I had thought my life over again and again – and had reached the conclusion that it was Snyper’s fault; he had ruined my life, destroyed my confidence and left me broken and battered – he was the monster!

As I thought back on my ‘childhood’ – if you could call it that, I felt regret wash over me, I didn’t want to blame Snyper for losing his mother – for being alone, yet my anger and frustration over this world demanded a victim for my emotions, and they had picked out the young buckskin colt. Could I even call him a colt anymore? He would have to be around my size by now, meaning almost two years of age as well; I quickly cast the thought away as my foreleg hammered down into the cold ground, I hated him! I swung around 180 degrees setting into a leg-breaking gallop down the beach; why did the world have to be so unfair? Why couldn’t everyone just get along? Smile and laugh? Why did the darkness have to swallow all light? Gah, was there really such thing as an equine depression? I must be going crazy, no doubt about that.

In my wild frenzy I raised my crown to the sky, letting out a call of – of what? I didn’t know. My sabino body blended in nicely with the surrounding mist, as I continued galloping down the mist covered beach. [/size]

ooc; I'm sick and bored woo-hoo! Can you feel it? xP

[azul.]

snyper

I still remember waiting for the traffic lights to change,
When I saw your blue T-shirt.

Black stockings contrasted against this powdery white background. They never found a firm spot of footing, thus resulting in many slips and stumbles. So much for delicate. My slender build hardly held any resemblance to my Arabic parents- still, there was some sort of elegance. Not at this moment though. I was walking with some unknown purpose, walking forward calmly across the deserted beach. I'd not been here before, the thought of being closer to the foaling grounds sort of haunted me. However, the silence that was reflected around the scenery gave me some time to think. Why hadn't I gone back home to tell Riku-I'd resulted to not calling him my father; remember, I was trying to escape from my past?- that I returned? So why not face all of my past at one time, like a family gathering? That one was easy. Half of my family was dead, and the other half, that non-blooded side was in a haunted ground. I wasn't normally scared, but the thought of having to face Shadrik and Emira was just too intimidating.

So here, in this forsaken place, I felt I was safe. Safe enough to speak my own gibberish, all the while keeping myself monotone. It was my first nature now, not even an after thought, which was okay. As long as I remained stoic, I could probably keep away from my past, which I wanted to. The thought of facing Emira again, after that winter in Hollow Woods made me shiver. So instead, I stared below my black stockings at the water, its salty scent almost comforting. I let it splash up to my chest; it was chilly, like cold fingers gripping my near two year old slender body. A small smile flickered on my facade, and then I squinted my one eye, puzzled. Why would the sea water not be frozen over? Most of the fresh water where I stayed froze up, and aside from being a threat to my health, it didn't do anything, but still, why wouldn't this freeze? Still squinting, my brilliant blue orbs caught sight of a rampage-or as near as one could be.

"Have fun dying!"

The exclamation was quiet, under my breath, sarcastic, which was surprising because I rarely spoke, let alone snapped. The fog that started to cover the beach made me squint harder and look with concern. I remained stock still as this figure raged past me; obviously they musn't have seen me, even though I stuck out like a sore thumb. I didn't feel any familiararity with this light tinted figure, and so I saw no problem in following her at a long strided lope. Again, since I wasn't dainty as all the others, I found it almost difficult to not lose sight of the light pinto figure. Pinto? It didn't dawn on me, and I continued to follow the equine, aerials pricking forward at her trumeltous roar. I blinked twice. The voice sounded familiar, and so out of a quiet curiosity, I hurried forward, until the pinto markings looked clear. They weren't pinto marks, they were sabino, and there was only one sabino in all of the land.

"Emira.."

I barely breathed her name, and my black legs slammed to a halt, slipping forward a few feet. I remained wild-eyed, my one eyes squinted, almost closed. I watched her form start to draw away, and I wanted her to hurry. It felt like I couldn't move a muscle, I was drawn to her, naturally. She'd grown a lot, and we were about the same size, but I felt so small. Why was she alone? Why was I still here? Muscles twitched, and I siffly wandered forward. No, no, no! I was supposed to run away! Run the other way! I just, couldn't move.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

My frenzied gallop continued as I dashed along the ocean edge, ice-cold water splashed around me but didn’t seem to touch my heated body – at least I couldn’t feel anything. Delicate crown straightened before I tossed it into the air, coming to a halt, before rearing up on powerful hindquarters. The mist covered me; no, surrounded me, as an unknown predator stalking its prey it came closer threatening to strangle me – or so it felt. I kicked out with my forelegs, trying to keep the dangerous invisible enemy at bay, however soon enough my conscience shone through and I landed hard on my hooves. By now my coat was covered and completely wet from water, sweat and the moist air, but that wasn’t what had caught my attention now. Some distance away, I couldn’t quite tell how far, stood the ghost I had tried to escape – my nightmare, my enemy. My auds flickered back angrily, how dare he haunt me even when I was awake? Surely he was just an illusion, a mind-trick to draw more insanity in – so why should I even bother? Damn ghosts.

But did ghosts grow? The young buckskin colt was gone, and in his stead stood a young handsome stallion – did I seriously just call him handsome? Rage bubbled up inside of me, so many confusing emotions, it was easy to blame someone you never thought would return, but how could a light-hearted female blame someone who stood so innocently before her? I turned around to walk away, I needed to forget this – forget the damn Snyper and his unfriendly behavior; surely he couldn’t have changed, could he? My mind kept battling with itself, so many questions, so many emotions – and I kept finding myself being dragged back to the day I met the innocent colt with the bloody face. He had been so – so – well innocent, the world hadn’t been kind to him and I had wanted with all my heart to help him, to save him, but the colt had refused us and tossed us away like useless dolls – and I was still considering forgiving him?
Before I could prevent it, my lyrics had danced across the distance to the young stallions ears.

“Why are you here?”

Wow very intelligent question Emira, way to go! My tones had been slightly wavy, insecure – perhaps even confused? I still couldn’t make up with myself if he was really there or not, and I would feel pretty damn stupid if he suddenly vanished and I realized I had been talking to the air. But he looked so real – so blood and flesh, my dark eyes sought out his face – scanning it over for the mask of blood, did he still have it? His image was blurry and fluttering around like a butterfly, and I realized liquid had gathered in my eyes – why on earth was I crying? I quickly blinked it away, prayed to the dear lord that the young stallion had not seen my little display of weakness. I raised my crown into the air before shaking my body causing a million water drops to fly in every direction, I still didn’t freeze or feel cold though – and I wondered why.

I stared at the buckskin male for a few more seconds, before taking a few hesitating steps forward – while cursing and screaming at myself in my head of course – but I just couldn’t push that curious feeling away, I had to know if he was real – or if I was really losing my mind. I stopped at a good distance from him, why hadn’t he vanished yet? Perhaps I was dead? Drowned perhaps? Tripped and smashed my head against the hard rocks? Confusion was clear on my face as I awaited the ghost’s answer. [/size]

[azul.]

snyper

And still the smile you shown remains unchanging,
Even though it's been 3 years.

For a few panicked moments, Emira looked nothing like the dark heiress I remembered. In spite of myself, I felt a certain awe over her delicate features, the way she suddenly somersaulted into the air, her forelegs crashing against the hazy sky. And then I remembered everything from my past. My face grew quiet, the smile fading into a bleak line. I almost sighed, my breath released in a tense manner, but it caught up as a lump in my throat when I felt Emira's cold eyes catch sight of me. I felt like I was being suffocated, but it may have just been from the thick, misty air. Either way, I just couldn't catch my breath to say something- so I remained silent, the air tense. I caught sight of her ears flattening against her tender skull, and immediately felt a wave of guilt wash over me, covering my already sleek coat.

We both remained still for a long time, her staring at me, and me trying to avoid her eyes, but like a magnet, I was always drawn back to watching her. She seemed so angry, and I could understand why. If I weren't trying to uphold an enigmatic state, I'd probably point out to her that my mother died, but it didn't seem to fit the situation. It also took me longer than I wanted to realize she was speaking; her voice had changed slightly, but it tremored. I dropped my eyes to the powder floor, and sighed quietly. "Why are you here?" I didn't really know how to answer honestly. Why was I at the beach? Or why was I back in Midnight Acres? It was a question even I couldn't figure out. Slowly, I raised my head, and started to speak, perplexed that my voice was still stoic. I'd have thought by now that I would be sobbing.

"Um, I wanted to see my mother."

It was a lame excuse, not to mention almost impossible. She wouldn't understand that I wanted to go to the foaling grounds, could she? Anyway, it was an excuse, so I didn't flat out say, "Well, I wanted to see you again. Do you hate me?" We caught each other's eye, and I realized that she was looking for that cursed mask that I had bore for so long. Silently shaking my facade, I squinted my own eye to study Emira. Why wasn't Intrepid with her? Or Shadrik? It seemed almost reckless, but a head-long gallop down a beach seemed almost like it too. One eye remained wide in disbelief, shocked at the moment, and then I felt the urge to turn and run- but by then, I spotted the glint of tears resting in Emira's dark orbs. Acting on impulse, I wandered forward a step or two, unable to cover the concern radiating from my voice.

"Please don't cry."

I seemed to catch this slip-up too late and sighed, then looked at Emira. She too wandered forward, closer, as if we were both locked away in a trance. I stared at her, sapphire pools bleak. I knew what I could expect. I knew that she'd never forgive me, but I couldn't understand why I was still here.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

I stared at the young prince for what seemed like hours, why did I always find myself acting like a spoiled brat in front of him? I didn’t own the beach, he didn’t need to excuse himself for being here – and now I just felt like a little bug compared to him. Of course he wanted to visit his mother’s grave – regret pumped through my veins like fire, and I felt my wall crumble slightly, god I was an idiot sometimes. I almost missed his next words, but they made my head jerk up in surprise – was that Snyper’s voice? I stared at the young stallion in question with eyes full of disbelief, was it emotion I heard in his tones? This could only be a dream, the Snyper I used to know didn’t hold emotions – couldn’t hold emotions, so surely this was an illusion. Eyes hardened in determination as I stepped forward standing just a mere meter from the ghost, then in a slow motion I reached out to touch the fake picture.

However as my muzzle connected with a hot surface I jumped back in surprise, he was real? My head tilted slightly as I continued to stare at the male with a puzzled expression. This almost seemed ironic really, meeting up with the object I had cursed with all my anger and frustration, and yet no unfriendly feelings were circling around in my body right now. He seemed slightly confused himself – perhaps wondering where my bodyguards were? A smirk crossed my lips – so much like my mothers, she would have been proud if she saw it – I wasn´t a little girl anymore, I could take care of myself; well almost anyway.

“I apologize for asking, you do not need to excuse yourself to me.”

I felt myself rise a centimeter or two, finally I sounded – almost – like a true royal! Truth was that I wasn´t quite sure how to act around him, so many emotions circled around – no unfriendly – but much confusion and frustration over myself. I tried to order my pillars to move, to walk away – to leave and never look back, but they wouldn’t listen, and a scowl slowly emerged on my kissers. What if Shadrik found me like this? Or some of my family? Conversing with the son of the enemy. Truly Shadrik’s reaction was the one I feared the most, and now I had touched him! Why couldn’t I just for once act coldly and walk away? I knew that answer myself unfortunately. I couldn’t just walk away, because somewhere he was still my friend – even though we hadn’t technically ever been friends, he was still a lost soul in need of rescue and no matter how much he stomped on me, I would still try to help him.

The realization hurt less than I imagined, I was getting used to my lighter side by now, used to that I wasn’t like the others and probably never would be, and even though I had never gotten anything but venomous words thrown in my direction, I couldn’t just change.

“So.. Um.. How are you?”

Again the words crept out, this time in a low whisper – I wanted to ask him more questions, but again there was no guarantee I wouldn’t get snapped at again. The mixed feelings rose up in my bodice for the second time, I still wanted to hate him – to tell him to go to hell and never come back, so why couldn´t I? I kept my gaze locked on his, perhaps he would walk away? Then I wouldn’t feel like the bad guy. Gah, such a pain being a light-hearted dark. [/size]

[azul.]

snyper

I really wanted to say something to you,
But there was someone else by your side.

I almost felt the urge to mention that it was spring, and that was the time when my mother died, just to re-assure myself, but instead, I looked away from Emira's sabino splashed body and stared at the ground. I closed my squinting eye, just so I could study the ground harder- not that I needed to, I was just trying to avoid Emira's accusing eyes. Not everything that I said was true; I was just building up a wall of lies that would eventually trap me in, and when it did, I think I'd go clinically insane. Raising my clouded eyes back to Emira's level, I saw her staring at me with a disbelieving glance. I wanted to bite my lip; I understood her worry, I wasn't supposed to show emotion. I wasn't supposed to plead with her, and tell her not to cry. It was all a mishap that I could have prevented.

Suddenly, as I opened my sapphire orbs, Emira was much closer that before and reached out. I didn't move at all as she touched my warm ebon muzzle, but when she drew back, I suddenly remembered that she and Shadrik would technically be together. After all, Shadrik was a warrior in Hollow Woods; that was a pretty big honor. I shivered at the thought of being attacked again, and made leapt backwards, my crown stiff in the air. It took me a moment to relax, but I started to calm my thudding heart down, but then I caught sight of a smirk spreading across Emira's light flecked lips. The affection that had started to show in my pools disappeared, and I grew flat. I knew it really was too good to be true. My facade hardened even more when Emira replied. She had really gotten arrogant while I was gone.

"Oh."

I muttered without an emotion in my voice. I stared at her with dull orbs and sighed quietly. I closed my eyes and turned my head away, pivoting away from Emira. I was really expecting too much from her. After all, I'd seen her parents; they were probably one of the meanest, self-absorbed... I faded off with those thoughts and locked my golden jaw. It made me miss my mom even more. Blood rushed through my veins as I continued to think about my first day in the world, being ridiculed by Intrepid, Emira chasing me. And then she ditched me for Shadrik. I rested my eyes, connected them with Emira, staring at her in disbelief. That bleak feeling returned, and as I swung back around to face her, I backed up some more, crown twisted at an awkward angle. Then of course, Emira asked me another question.
"So.. Um.. How are you?" Gee Emira. Not very good. How can I put it?

"Um.. Bad."

My reply was faint, under my breath, and I wasn't certain that she could hear, so I grunted, and stomped my foreleg, still staring at her with my eyes blank. I released another small sigh, and then looked past Emira's sabino figure, speaking with a choppy voice, trying so hard to not act like I cared.

"Why?"

I questioned her, taking a small step forward so I could see her clearly. I could still remember her smirk; it just couldn't be possible. She couldn't be a dark, could she? I thought she was different? I felt my breaths coming faster, starting to panic. Did I have any affection for this queen? Against all the laws of her parents? I'd get killed, wouldn't I?

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

I stared at the young prince with a shattered look as he retreated from my touch, was I that disgusting? My frame shrunk a couple of centimeters, and as he turned to leave, I wanted to yell an apology in his direction, but as quickly as he was leaving he returned to answer my silly question. Orbs lowered to the ground, this was kinda awkward wasn’t it? Why would I ask him how he was – when I clearly acted like a bitch towards him? A soft sigh flew by my parted lips as I gathered courage, quickly – before I could regret it – my eyes lifted to connect with his sapphire depths.

“Because I still consider you my friend Snyper, I know I’m a spoiled brat and I’m not very friendly towards you, - you’ve told me numerous times, but it’s complicated and I can´t help it.”

It all sprung out in one quick sentence in a low defeated voice, I was a bad liar – I had always been, so there was no point in keeping it a secret, to pretend that he was just some monster. Would he hate me now? Insult me again for being weak? My eyes dropped to the ground again as I awaited my punishment. As my mane fell down to cover my empty eyes, I thought back on that first day again; I started to wonder about the strangest things, how had his mother been? How could I have been so heartless to not ask about that? A shiver shook through my entire frame, of course, now the cold had to come and grasp my bodice, talk about bad timing.

I sighed at the distance between us to distract myself from it, I knew I had been stupid to touch him, I should just have continued on my merry way home instead of staying. Slowly I raised my crown to stare at the barely visible ocean, it was amazing how far it stretched, and I had a feeling that no matter how long you would swim, you wouldn’t reach the other edge. The few waves that was currently moving, was crashing against a cave wall – sending my mind back to the cave on Riku’s territory – and my façade turned from neutral to pain. I hadn’t believed my ears back then; he had denied our friendship – pushed me away and ripped me open without a second thought. You've just hidden behind your brother and your family. And we aren't friends. Kept ringing in my ears, and still now I didn’t understand what had driven him to that reaction – what evil I had possessed to cause such an reaction, but they had made me open my eyes.

I realized he had been right, I had been hiding behind my brother and family for my whole life – and now it was Shadrik’s turn to watch the baby girl, make sure she didn’t fall and break something. The feeling of being trapped – locked in a small chamber – had suddenly washed over me, and I had been going on small adventures ever since, challenging myself to – well, be myself. It hadn’t been easy, I was too used to company, too used to the fact that someone was watching over me – wait, why wasn’t I afraid right now? I sized Snyper up and down with a puzzled expression, he was old enough to be a huge threat to me, and yet I was here conversing and acting arrogant towards him? Way to go Emmy!

But did I really have to fear him? He seemed so, so, lost? A sudden wave of warmth crashed over me and a soft smile caressed my lips gently.

“Do you when I followed you to the cave on your father’s territory? I was terrified, yet I crossed the darkness for you.”

I remembered the feeling of despair that had washed over me, telling me to turn back and dash out of the cave – but I had defied it and fought my way through the dark cave to reach Snyper. The young colt had assured me that he was going to die soon, that he wouldn’t live for a season longer, yet here he was – wasn’t that a miracle too?

“You lived.”

I wasn’t sure if the quiet whisper was loud enough for him to hear, and somewhere I hoped that it wasn’t, but truly it was a miracle, the young prince who defied death itself and fought his way – alone – through his childhood. My heart burned for the buckskin stallion, and I felt tears roll down my cheeks as small balls of crystal. I wasn’t crying because it was sad, no, it was a miracle! A good thing! Good things really existed, so this world wasn’t as dark as I thought – would it be weird thanking him for giving me hope again?[/size][/font]

[azul.]

snyper

As I hid my glances by looking away the,
Sky reflected the same shine.

I saw the deflated look that Emira took on after I jumped back, and it immediately crushed me. I felt my heart wrench like it did when I lost my mother, and I bit my lip, uncertain of what I could do. The last time I tried to do something right, I ran away, and the time before that, I had ended up laying next to a corpse. My body shivered as though a wave of freezing water splashed over me- no, no, no! Why was I still thinking about that? I swallowed hard, my throat choked up as I tried to prevent myself from allowing tears to form at the corner of my brilliant sapphire pools. So I stared at the sky for a little while, ignoring Emira. When I heard her melodious voice call out, I reluctantly looked back at her. My pools were trapped with hers; no matter how hard I wanted to look away, I just couldn't.

Her words made me cringe, and I finally broke her gaze by staring at the ocean. A deep sigh left my strained throat. "I still consider you my friend, Snyper." My jaw trembled, and I gave a silent shake of my head. No, I wasn't anybody's friend, I couldn't even be a friend. I wasn't a friend! I'd never even been friendly to anyone for the past two years of my life, so it was nearly impossible for Emira to consider me as one. Besides, I'd been incredibley mean to her. How could she still say that? I felt more of the guilt creep up onto me, and I stiffened as she continued. Again, I shook my head, and when she was finished, I tried to form the words past the choking lump in my throat.

"That's not true. I-I'm more complicated than that. It's really not you."

My voice was tight, and I clamped my mouth shut when Emira's crown dropped. My pools narrowed and I studied her with caution, and then swallowed slowly, noting the way she shivered. I felt a drop in temperature, but who knew what she was thinking about. Closing my eyes hard, I started to take another step back. My orbs frantically studied Emira; the way she moved, looked to the massive ocean before the both of us, and only wondering about what she was thinking about. I wished that I knew so I could try and explain everything, but I really couldn't. I didn't even believe that I'd be able to tell her how sorry I was. I could certainly try, but I watched her quietly, amazed at how she was dealing with this. Any other time, a year ago I'd expect her to call Intrepid, whom I still hadn't seen, and was glad to have missed his kingly apearance.

I remembered Intrepid's words when I first saw them. "You look a bit young to be fighting, eh boy?" It hurt bad. That blood mask that I had gotten from my mother, who by now, had probably become part of the lovely turf in the Foaling Grounds. So what would it be like in a few years if I ever find a mate? Just then, I felt a particularly cold wave splash over my legs, and I was jerked out of my thoughts, stumbling to the side with clear fright in my clouded orbs. I had no clue why I grew this jumpy, but I even grew upset when I looked at Emira, and she was studying me. Maybe it was the fear of being found out that made me back up, but I launched backwards, nares inhaling slow, rough breaths. Then I found that she was smiling. At first I thought that I had missed something as she launched into speaking. As usual, her voice made something inside me calm down.

"No.. You didn't cross the darkness, Emira. You left it."

I wondered if Emira knew what I meant by leaving the darkness' side. Of course, I didn't think that she would know, but I always felt that if Emira left Intrepid's side, she'd gain something; thus was the point today, but what exactly did she gain? I couldn't figure that out.

"Did you really care, or d-did you just want to pick a fight?"

I questioned her again, and then bit my lip- I hadn't meant for all that to come out. I was left without my breath, and so I gasped for it, looking strange compared to how serene Emira looked. I wasn't sure why, and then she spoke, and it made me smile quietly. I remained silent for a few long moments, and then finally spoke.

"Surprised?"

I let the smile linger on my face, but it quickly disappeared when I thought of Shadrik and Emira together, the only time when I saw Emira happy. She chewed on his aerials, and she looked generally pleased. I dropped my eyes to the ground and started to feel guilty. Why was I still trying to get close to her? Everything would be lost in the end. Why didn't I learn?

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

I watched the stallion’s mouth move and could almost see the words sneak through his teeth, as soon as the lyrics had passed his lips my eyes flew up to meet his again – did he really think that I had acted like that, to pick a fight with him? For a second I felt like jumping forward and knock some sense into his silly brain, but instead I felt a smile spread on my cold lips.

“Silly, of course I cared – I still care about you.”

I considered my words for a few seconds, it was true I did care about him – still wanted to be his friend, teach him that the warmth of another equine’s affection wasn’t something you had to earn, but something that everyone should experience all the time. I liked this ‘new’ side of him; he was so much more open! Perhaps he wouldn’t snap at me this time? He had awakened my hopes that this world really did contain miracles, and now it was my turn to show him that as well – yep, I had to show him life was good. His next word however made me laugh, so the male had grown a sense of humor as well? My eyes shone brightly with life as I answered him in a truthful voice.

“Not really, I knew you would survive, you’re a fighter – a survivor.”

It was only to after I realized he might take it the wrong way, and think of his mother, so I quickly spoke up again – afraid to ruin the good mood that had settled on us.

“So did you experience anything exciting while you were gone?”

Very neutral yet curious question – yes I was extremely curious of the world outside Hollow Woods, but I had always been told that if you crossed the wrong border, I could end up as slave mare for some lusty stallion, and that didn’t quite fit my description of fun. Again my thoughts jumped to the poor slave girl in our territory and my jaw tightened, she had Riku’s eyes – meaning she had to be Snyper’s half-sister, how would he react if I told him? Would he take it out on me? I eyed him nervously; I couldn’t just ignore it and ‘forget’ to tell him.

“Snyper – have you had much contact with your family? Your father and his herd?”

Yes, good way to start the question, nice and slow emmy – high five! If he hadn’t then there was no point in telling him right? Besides what would he do? Storm to HW and demand her release? I felt my frame shiver at the thought of him clashing with my dad – or even Shadrik. I couldn’t allow that, no, I’d have to get her out of there to him, yep! Good plan. Just a good question how to do it.

I broke out of my thoughts and realized Snyper had dropped his eyes to the ground, what had I said wrong? Had I screwed everything up now? I took a few steps forward and immediately regretted it – he had clearly shown me that he didn’t want me to touch him. Instead I continued to walk past him and down to the edge of the sea, it was a peaceful moment – a sanctuary from the dark aura constantly hanging over my head back home, here I could relax and enjoy the fresh breeze that caught my nostrils.
I let out a deep sigh as my eyes closed and I let my other senses take over, behind me I could hear the slow breathing of Snyper, the wind that rustled through the few lonely bushes on the beach – and to my sides; I heard the waves clashing against the caves, the screams of the few seagulls that were left here. Why couldn’t life be this peaceful forever? Did I really have to return? The picture of Intrepid, my mom, my dad, Shadrik – my family, appeared in my head, and I immediately felt guilty for even thinking those thoughts – here I was chatting with the son of our enemy, the one I was supposed to yell and scream at, instead I was afraid to get rejected or hurt. Go Emmy, Go emmy! [/size][/font]

[azul.]

snyper

More or less, many people hide their feelings,
Just giving up and hiding in the passing seasons.

This was almost turning into a battle of wills- If that was the case, I could go all day. The way that I saw Emira's lips spread into a smile made me stiffen. I still didn't have a good feeling about this situation. I expected yelling, screaming, kicking and biting; what I was getting was the complete opposite, and for some reason, that was just as bad. Light pools met hers and I kept her gaze while she spoke. She sounded like she was almost teasing me. Pools narrowed with suspicion as I replayed her words in my thoughts, aerials pricked forward with a delicate appearance. "Silly- of course I cared. I still care about you." Again, I started to speak before I thought about what she said. Slowly, my voice became more open, and it even raised in disbelief as I responded.

"But why?"

I tried to urge her forward into explaining why she still cared about me. There was no logical reason for that. In response to my lyrics, I head Emira laugh. It was a- a good feeling. I had actually done something to make someone feel better, not worse. I didn't do anything else but smile, but it grew larger on my black tipped mug- that still felt weird, to be smiling. I had utterly lost control of the situation, so I had no choice but to relax a little. Maybe it was the fact that I was dreading the spring, and that I just didn't want to fight right now. Whatever it was, it was working, and I looked back at Emira when I realized she was speaking. I listened closely to her, and this time I kept her gaze, but I felt my frame shrink a little bit with unease.

"Not really, I knew you would survive.." I squinted one eye with an anxious feeling, and I let loose a small sigh that shook my entire frame. Her words made me think hard about my mom. I knew you would survive. How would my mother have done? Looking at Emira suddenly, I started to speak in a low voice, trying to prevent myself from pleading.

"But what about my mother?"

I questioned her quietly, then heard Emira question me. That sentence made me feel on-edge again, and I tried to ignore that prickling feeling that crawled up my back. Well, what did I experience over the past year in my absence? Um, fighting? Getting hurt? Being mocked by those who were older and more experienced? Um, what could I say to her? I didn't want to say all that; she'd probably get worried again, and ask more questions, which I wasn't comfortable with. But still, I couldn't lie, so reluctantly, I opened my black rimed mug to speak.

"Um.. I got hurt a lot when I tried to fight.."

Clamping my mouth shut, I stared at Emira, but she must've been thinking about something; her orbs grew hazy, and she tightened up, and I curiously watched her, wondering what the reason was. I still didn't understand when she started to speak. Like all of her other questions, I grew tight, the muscles in my neck beginning to hurt. I hadn't talked to any of my family; Emira was the first one I saw from my past. Why would she ask me that? there had to be a reason for that, right? Still, Emira seemed generally upset, so I cautiously replied.

"No.. Why?"

Giving her a strange look, I moved aside as she started to pace forward. I remained quiet, but I watched with contentment as she stepped to the edge of the sea. I wanted to join her, but the constant image of her and Shadrik flashed into my already complex mind, and I shook my crown with unease. Pivoting sideways, I faced Emira and plunged forward with strange, pacing steps, like I still couldn't decide what I should do. When I reached her russet flanks, I stopped, and, rather awkwardly, I reached out and bumped her splotched barrel, then side stepped. When I finally seemed to settle down, I sighed, lowered my crown, and spoke.

"Why are you being nice?"

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

As I stared across the quiet mist-covered ocean I heard Snyper approach, and I didn’t move as his soft muzzle made contact with my duo colored side. The buckskin male quickly sidestepped through – almost like I was venom! I jerked my head in his direction sending him an annoyed glance, why did he act like that? Was I that disgusting to be near?

“I’m not venomous you know..”

I didn’t know how my tones sounded to his ears, but to me they sounded hurt – and I had to wonder why. I thought through the last few sentences he had uttered; his questions and I wasn’t sure how to answer him. It was a hard situation really – and damn awkward as well, again the thought of just walking away and not looking back popped in my head, but could I do it? Nop. I felt so disgusting really, he clearly didn’t want to be near me still, and I didn’t know what exactly I had done wrong. Home everyone touched each other; at meetings, to show emotions – for everything, so why was he so rejecting? I turned my crown slowly to study the male closer again, it was almost like the roles were turned – like I was the male, and he was the shy female. I couldn’t find a way to answer his question of his mother, what could I possibly say that wouldn’t make things worse? So I turned to his other question.

“You ask me why I care for you, it’s simple really – because I can’t help it.”

That was the truth wasn’t it? I couldn’t help it, no matter how much I had prepared myself for our meeting I had still given in and let all the anger and frustration surge out of my body. I looked his body over a couple of times, looking for battle scars, had he really been stupid enough to go off and fight other stallions? He wasn’t even two yet for crying out loud! Could I tell him of his sister? If he had sought out battles with other stallions, what could prevent him from seeking out one with my father – or Shadrik? My look grew distant as I thought it through; I didn’t want to tell him, but if I didn’t he might never forgive me when he found out.

“a young filly – bay in color with striking sapphire orbs was found on my father’s territory, I think it may be your half-sister but I’m not sure. She’s a slave of the territory now – and she’s not even an adult! It’s horrible.”

My lyrics started out semi-calm but gradually turned up in volume – and tears started to gather in my eyes again. I couldn’t stand the thought of the young filly being tortured both mentally and physically, but what could I do? Sneak her out? It would never work, she had a guard watching over her all the time, making sure she wouldn’t escape. I ripped my eyes away from Snyper’s to escape the judging look I knew I would receive in a minute or two, he was probably wondering why I hadn’t done anything to help her – but what could I do? A shiver ran through my bodice as I thought of next fall – she would be old enough to carry a foal then, but who would cover her? My dad? Intrepid? I felt a wave of dizziness hit me and I swayed slightly, the thoughts made me sick to my stomach, and if I could I would have emptied my stomach right here.

I tried to change my thoughts from the sick thoughts that were currently spinning around in my head, and instead I tried to focus on his last question. How could I possibly answer that without it sounding terribly wrong? That I enjoyed his company when he wasn’t been an asshole? I turned around again, walking towards the edge of the nearby forest with slow strides, as I reached my destination I laid down with a sigh.

“I’m nice to you because I want to be – I´m nice to you because you’re my friend, I’m nice to you because I enjoy your company. There is a lot of reasons of why I’m nice to you, question is why are you nice to me? Why the sudden change?”

I called out in a questioning tone, I was actually quite curious of his answer; would he turn back to his emotionless state or come clean and tell me why? Would he run away or tell me to mind my own business? I stared at his buckskin frame – covered in mist – with almost hopeful eyes, would he come closer or stay where he was? I silently prayed that my words earlier woke him up, I didn’t mind his presence or his touch, so why was he acting like I was poison? [/size][/font]

[azul.]

snyper

Until finally everything's undone and,
Tears spill over, shining in the sun.

At first, I actually thought Emira wouldn't mind that I was still on-edge, but when I glanced up to look at her delicate facade, I saw that she had a sour expression, her cold eyes digging a hole into my bright orbs. I wanted to duck away again; I hated these kinds of things. However, when she snapped at me with those words, I gave her a slight smile, then shook my crown, black tresses swinging and covering my light orbs. The word venom was usually something I'd say about a rattling snake as they slithered around in the sun, but to use this for how I acted around Emira was pretty funny. But still, why did I act like this?

"It's not that, I- um.. I don't know how to, um.."

I didn't know what to say; sure, I could use the mother excuse, but I'd said that a lot today. It was sort of the truth though; I wasn't around anyone long enough to show affection. Mom couldn't teach me, Dad was a nut case, and I certainly wouldn't find it from Intrepid and Shadrik. Sneaking a look at Emira, I studied her facade to see if she believed me, but I sort of doubted it. Emitting a large sigh, I raised my crown a fraction and craned my neck to stare at Emira by the time she started speaking. She can't help it? She can't help but to try and care for me? My face darkened a little bit, and I tried not to think anything of it, but the words slipped out of my mouth before I was able to think it through.

"So you don't want to care about me?"

I couldn't tell how I was feeling, because I didn't even know if I should be caring about what she said. Then again, I really did like Emira, so anything she talked about, even her own family, sounded precious to me. It made me relax around her, most of the time anyway, so I eased closer to her, still unsure of how I should feel. Orbs looked over Emira, and I wanted to step away again so she couldn't see any scars that I'd gotten over the past year, but I didn't want to upset her again. She was scrutinizing me, but I remained still, ashamed that I look so bad- random patches on my back where I'd been attacked, scars on my ebon legs. When she finished studying me, she spoke, and the words that floated to my aerials made my heart stop. I knew that I had a sister.

What I didn't know, is that she was being held as a prisoner. I hadn't met my sister at all, but Jaliya had said that I had one. The matter was made worse as Emira kept speaking. My slender body tightened and I felt my blood rage through my veins, like it had only once before. Twisting my crown to face Emira, I wanted to catch her eyes, but she had looked away.. Why? I felt guilty for not knowing why she didn't want to look away, like we kept going back and forth between angry and anxious. I watched her curiously for a few moments, but then began to respond, my voice hard and bitter.

"Well, who's watching her?!"

I tried not to rush ahead, simply for the fact that I was scared of Chaos. Besides, I was only a two year old. Even if I fought one of the stallions there, there would still be two or three others that I'd have to deal with. Moving forward to see if I could look at Emira's cold chocolate orbs again, I saw them glisten with tears. I bit my lip, and then, almost without thinking, I stretched my dished crown forward and touched her neck, trying desperately to comfort her. We remained in silence for a little while, the lull of salty waves splashing our limbs, and I felt some of my anger subside, until Emira started swaying. I remained near her, but the inexperience nature of my mind still led me into doing nothing.

Then she moved away, and I held my breath for a few moments, thinking that she'd leave my worthless self- instead, she moved off and lowered her splashed body to the earth. Blinking with surprise, aerials flicked to listen to her speak. Of course, that was one of the questions that I really didn't want to answer, but I had to. I parted my mouth to speak, and started to call out, but decided against it, and started to inch forward, where I felt truly exposed.

"Because you're the only thing I have."

Did that sound bad? I silently scolded myself as I came even closer to Emira, and once I was only a few feet away, I suddenly felt like a monster in size to her. I blinked, and lowered my crown some, another image of Emira and Intrepid flashing in my mind. I blinked and shook my head, trying desperately to get rid of that picture. Within seconds of staring at Emira, she grew blurry, and I realized that my eyes were clouding with tears. Furiously, I tried to scratch them away on my black limbs, but it didn't help much; it was just so hard to think that the only other time I had cried was when my mom died on that hellish day. Knowing that my voice was trembling, I tried to re-word my last statement.

"Uh, I-I mean, that you're the only one that I actually care about, besides my mom. But, I don't wa-want to get close to anyone again, since she died."

There, I had said it. Of course, I didn't have a clue of what she'd say back, but I felt better for revealing my actual feelings. I stood still, watching Emira with worried orbs as she mulled over what I had exclaimed. How would she react to that, when I actually said that I cared for her?

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

I stared at the frosty ground with unhappy eyes, how would he react to my words? Would he take it out on me? Perhaps even bring me to his father, to trade for his sister? My head snapped op quickly, that was a brilliant idea! That way they would get the bay filly back, and everything would go back to normal. His answer to my statement about caring for him made my eyes jump to his still frame, his face had darkened and his orbs was staring out into the air – did he really think I didn’t want to care about him?

“Of course I want to care about you”

Next came his answer to my statement about his sister, and I let my breath come out in one big sigh, he didn’t sound mad at me – more at my family, was that a good thing? I thought back on the young filly’s look as my mom grabbed her by the neck, I had watched the blood run down her curly foal coat – before I had turned around and ran for it. So who was watching her? True to be told I didn’t quite know, but I was quite sure it was either Intrepid or my father – I had convinced Shadrik that it wasn’t okay to treat a filly like that, so I hoped he kept his distance from the poor thing.

“I think it’s my dad or Intrepid who’s watching her – or my mom. I know this sounds rather strange, but can you bring me to your father? Perhaps if he had me as a prisoner, they could trade your sister for me?”

I knew it was a naïve wish, but perhaps it was good enough to work, my family thought of me as their little baby girl – their vulnerable little princess, and hopefully that would be enough for them to trade the bay female for me. Sure I could take a few beatings of Riku and his queen; they had to know if their precious baby was in my family’s grasp, she was harmed by now. So really, I deserved a good round of beatings as well, hopefully that would be enough for my parents to open their eyes and regret what they did – or make it worse, my body stiffened, what if I started a war? If they got me back and decided to raid poor Riku’s territory? I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. The soft yet rough voice of Snyper cut through my confusing thoughts, and with a gasp I turned to stare at him with – happy? – eyes, so he did think of me as his friend! I felt my heart warm up and a brilliant smile spread on my lips – all thoughts about the poor sister forgotten.

His next words toned me down a little however, and I the smile faded a little, but kept its soft edges. Instead of warming up, I felt my heart cry for him, and yet again tears rolled down my cheeks – this time for him. I could understand he missed his mom, and again I wondered how she had been like, had she been like my mother? No I doubted it, but it was hard to tell as I didn’t know Riku’s personality, so I didn’t know what Snyper had inherited from his mother, other than she must have been a buckskin arabian.

“I won’t leave you Snyper, unless you really want to get rid of me.”

That was true, I would never leave my friends or anyone I cared for behind, not even if they insulted or stomped on me – but that was just me, little sweet naïve and always forgiving Emira. My orbs sought out Snyper’s again from my low position as I prepared myself for the next question.

“Will you please tell me about your mother? How was she like?”

I had to admit sometimes I wished that his mother had lived instead of mine, and every time I thought that I felt like I was betraying my family. But could you really blame me for thinking like that? I had never actually had a mother, she had just been a mare to feed us, teach us the basics and then push us on into the herd to learn the rest, she didn’t understand why you needed love or comfort, a strong healthy equine should care for itself and itself only. So I had this vision in my head that Snyper’s mom had to be an angel, not because I thought she was, but because I wanted to believe that other mothers was better than the one I had, and especially Snyper deserved an angel for a mom.

[steph]

OOC: my first post over 1000 words... and this is his new pic.

[glow=blue,2,300]Shadrik[/glow]

All this Time I Thought We Where Ment To Be…


Winter had brought some tough times, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if some of the later foals died from lack of nutrition, from there dams milk. Today was a warmer then the past few days and the heat from the suns raise felt good on my pinto coat. I was on my way to find Emira I hadn’t seen her today, and I was seeking her company. The sabino youngster had definitely captured me, but where she came in I was still somewhat reserved, for I knew that there was something holding her back. But what was it? Deep down I knew the answer but I didn’t want to believe it. It was that spawn of Riku but his name escaped my being, for I had only meet him once almost a year ago now.

As I traced Emira’s scent my mind wondered to that day. I was a few months shy of my first birthday, and I had finally found where I fit into at Hollow Woods. Emmy helped me along with that. So the two of us where in one of the clearings just talking and bonding we had really taken a liking to one another over the last few months and I loved her company. Heck I still do. It was peaceful and we got along great, some might have said that I just went with her feelings because she was after all the heiress of the land, but I would never to that to any one especially Emira. I had sensed the presence of another and I found the intruder in the bushes he was spying on the two of us, on our own home land. You would think that a foal who would intrude would be somewhat impressive but the buckskin that emerged was below the swamp rats. Now I wasn’t going to base my judgment on him by appearance and so I was open to him, but when he started to insult my sabino companion I put him in his place. Snyper, his name just came back to me. I had not seen the rodent since and that could be because I had wondered off, but I had a feeling he had fled, how pathetic, and he the son of Chaos enemy. Surly Riku could have produced better spawn, to challenge Intrepid. But, ever since that night Emira has seemed to distance herself from me and I am trying everything to get her back.

I stopped suddenly realizing that I had not been paying attention to where I was going but was just following my nares. Scanning the environment around me I realized that I was close to Coco Bay. The salty air floated over my coat and filled my nares, I liked the ocean, it was a nice place to come and think, and I wasn’t surprised the Emira had come, here. I quickened my pace as her scent became stringer my pelt was now covered with a slight sweat from the travel, but it was good to keep in shape. My body came to a sudden halt and the loose sand below me spread up in a cloud and stuck to my damp coat. It couldn’t be. My darker side came out, it was another effect that Emmy had on me she had made me softer, and my eyes glazed over. He was back, and she was talking with him. How can I say that, you ask, how am I sure that he is not holding her captive? He’s not for if he was fear would be in the air, and she was calm, in fact her scent gave off happiness.

Taking a deep breath I calmed myself. I needed to remain level headed in order to deal with this rat. As the wind came over me again I realized how lucky I was, they wind was not traveling towards them therefore my presences was undetected. But, would I do what Snyper did and spy? Ya I would, hell that is exactly what I was going to do. However, I was not stooping to his level for Coco Bay was even ground, and Hollow Woods was my home.

Moving forward I made sure my pillars made no nose, and thanks to the soft sand any nose I made was absorbed. I hid in a cave, from here I was able to both hear and see them, but that was not the only reason I had chosen it, my main reason was that there was an entrance into Coco Bay behind the cave so it would appear that I had just arrived. But, I would most likely let them know I had seen what happened. What I saw next insured my last statement.

Snyper had reached out and touched Emira and she seemed like she enjoyed it. How was that possible? After all the things he had said to her. He had called her a monster and yet she liked being in his company. I wanted to jump out and attack him or was it her? I was outraged, I mean we were still together, well at least I thought we were, and she was gallivanting with someone that she had had a potential future with. I wanted to attack Snyper for touching her, for putting his filthy muzzle on her pure being, and because I never got to give him what he deserved on our first encounter. Emira… of course I didn’t want to hurt her I loved her, well do I now? I don't know, but seeing her accept and seem content with the touch of another felt like a stab in the heart and the back. Shaking my body I got rid of the sadness that overcame me. Stay calm Shadrik stay calm. How am I supposed to do that, when I wanted to scream? How did equines stay so calm, like Chaos and my mother? What was I missing, had I not paid attention during the lesson that this occurred. No, staying calm was a virtue and I needed to master it, and heck what’s a better way than doing it over a cracked heart. My heart was not broken it but it was well on its way, I just hoped that Emira only thought of Snyper as a friend for if it was more it would surly break.

Hearing the next words that where spoken I knew that it was my time to come out. But did I want to, for I knew that Emmy was sick of having others protecting her, but I was protecting us, hell I was protecting myself. I wanted Emira; I wanted to start a family with her to claim our own land. But, now I wasn’t so sure, I had a feeling that I was just a stand in until Snyper came back, and that caused me more pain then I had ever experiencd. Even more so then when my dad was killed. With Emmy’s next words my assumption about Snyper seemed all more real, “I won’t leave you Snyper, unless you really want to get rid of me.” I felt my heart lurch, this couldn’t be happening. There was no way that I was coming out now I couldn’t face her… I was going to go back to the yearling band, and forget about Midnight Acres forget about Emira. Hell who was I kidding? That was impossible. When my auds picked up in Emmys next words I knew I had to come forward, there was no way that I would let her go into Riku’s land. I would die before I let anyone harmed her.

Sighing heavily I closed off all my feelings, expect for the pissed off part, and I came out of the cave. My stature was demanding and dominate. I was older then the buckskin by three or four months and I easily out weighted him, I came from a line of larger arabains. Coming to a stop behind the two I snorted to get their attention.

No Emira, you will not be going to Black Lake in order to free the slave. The youngster is not being mistreated, and you would know this if you where home and not with our enemies. Plus, do you really think you would be there long? That your plan would work? There are three stallions that would give their life to save you and Blake Lake has one stallion.

Ya I was being bossy, and perhaps a little too protecting, but to bad. Emmy needed to learn, if she was going to make plans to free Riku’s latest spawn, she should have come up with a better plan, there was no way hers would work. While I spoke I didn’t make eye contact with the young mare for I knew that she would be able to see my emotions, she knew me well enough. Instead I watched Snyper waiting for his reaction to my appearance.

And Then You Go And Prove Me Wrong…

[/center]

[azul.]

snyper

So my little baby, smile, please, don't be sad,
There are times when you think but can't really understand.

Sapphire orbs remained distant, staring out at the hazy nothing-ness, the silence drawing on between the sabino princess and myself; I still wasn't sure what I should call myself- enigma wasn't a name, and besides, I was strangely enough, relaxed, and opening up. I could never be sure of what she was thinking, but it had to be about my sister.. Why couldn't I remember her though? I couldn't remember anyone in my family; their names, yes, but I could barely relive the coloring of those self-proclaimed loved ones. It gave me a moment of panic, like I had some small form of amnesia. My facade creased into a scowl as I continued a black stare into the distance. I really didn't remember a sister, but I know that Riku had two children; me, and obviously, someone else. It had to be my sister. I felt almost embarrassed that I was going to have to ask Emira for my sister's name, but when I looked back at her, her crown had shot up into the air, and she was staring at me with an expectant expression. I blinked a few times and remained quiet, surprised that she started to speak.

"Of course I want to care about you." Although the scowl still remained on my facade, and I was only partly listening, I nodded mutely, appreciating that Emira actually wanted to care- despite what I said over the past couple of years. Slowly, that warm feeling returned to my heart, heating up the blood pumping through my veins, and I smiled, the corners of my mouth lifting at it's edges. I wanted to find a way to reply to that, but nothing that I could say would make it better; if anything, it would only dampen the pleasant mood that had spread over the two of us. Instead, I started thinking back to the day when I saw Emira with Shadrik. I was a natural born pessimist, but this wasn't even a thought; I knew that, even if I stole Emira away, I'd always lose. That was just how I was made. I wasn't supposed to be a winner.

Aerials flickered, barely stirring in response to the outside sounds in the world. I couldn't even register the audible sounds of the waves, their lilting sounds trying to lull me, and only swallow me up in the end. It was a dangerous thing. Sapphire pools widened with surprise when I heard Emira's plan for getting my sister back. Before she even finished, I starting shaking my dished crown.

"No, Emira. That won't work. My dad, he doesn't have any pris..."

I couldn't remember that either. What if my dad did have a prisoner in his land? It had been almost a year and a half since I last saw him. Although, when I saw him, he didn't seem like a bad guy. I never knew though. Again, I was always wrong. Sapphire orbs tilted slightly, and I squinted, staring at Emira in a faint bemusement. I was glad that she was trying to help, but, like me, she had a vivid imagination. It probably wouldn't work. Not at all. I didn't even have an inkling of hope. After all, there was Intrepid, Chaos, and Shadrik, whom would all be feuding, and not to mention, my father would more than likely have a foal on the way, or at least a weanling by now. It would place everyone in danger.

When I looked back at Emira, I saw that she was crying again, this time, when I spoke about my mother. I didn't tell her to stop, and I wanted to join her with my own tears, but I felt on edge, not able to get a feeling off my broad back. Usually, I felt like I was watched, but I always assumed that it was by my mother. Of course, this time, I felt strange, and didn't know what to do, so the smile that had started to appear on my black tinted mug flattened. I kept my gaze on Emira, her sweet, pale facade, aerials flicking around, growing unsteady by the minute. My muzzle jerked with a start when Emira started to speak, and I tried to stare at her intently concentrating on her. Forgetting the previously nervous feeling fluttering away from my insides as I translated her sweet words. "I won't leave you Snyper, unless you really want to get rid of me." I felt my throat tighten, and I pushed out a few pathetic words of gratitude.

"Thank you, Emira."

Swallowing back a wave of hardened emotions, I looked towards the sky, licking my lips, trying to sort my frazzled mind out. I blanked out completely, unable to really imagine what was going on, when my mind kept wandering to that shivering feeling. I blinked a few times, and my sapphire orbs wandered back to Emira's sabino stature, cautiously lowering my black dipped mug to her level, and bumping her crown gently. Drawing back, I caught her hesitant words, and gave her a comforting nuzzle, but then realized that I wouldn't be able to really tell her how my mother was. There was nothing to describe it to, really. See, my mother, she was an angel, but I reall couldn't tell Emira that, because she wouldn't understand. Would she? I was on the verge of dumping out my mind, and explaining everything when I finally scented that edgy feeling that had been tainting my mood. Shadrik.

Sapphire orbs raged, and they whipped around to where the skewbald prince stood. Immediately, I lost my graceful outline that had been brougt upon me, and I snatched my crown up, my body tense. I had no hope of looking regal, like some natural born king, but instead, I twisted my crown to one side with a confused anger, directed at Emira. Did she plan this? Then I realized, that she obviously couldn't. My appearance to her was a surprise, so she couldn't have called back-up. Sapphire orbs narrowed, and I stared at Shadrik, thick forelegs stomping the frozen sand before me. Aerials flattened against my crown, but they still caught the sound of Shadrik's mature voice carrying out to Emira. The sound made me shiver, and second-guess my decision to follow the sabino princess today.

Shadrik ignored me completely, and I listened with a taught facade as he shot down Emira's foolish plan. "You would know this if you were home and not with our enemies." I held back the urge to close up my heart, and return to my dull identity, but I've already admitted so much to Emira; I'd probably ruin any chance I had with becoming normal if I did that. With a start, I heard Shadrik's hardened voice carry out about Emira's protectors. Sliding my eyes away from the skewbald beast, I looked quietly at Emira. Didn't she want to be free? That was the one thing that I could side with, but my cold heart was already devising a route. Pivoting in front of Emira, I raised an aggressive stance, sapphire orbs drilling into my enemy. As if my double identity was gone, I spoke, rage making my voice tremble.

"One is plenty."

Disheveled tresses lingered in front of my glinting pools, but I still kept eye contact with Shadrik's amber pools, as if just the sight of this hated equine was enough to get rid of him. I snorted, blood pumping through my veins, adrenaline making me lose my touch on reality, the one thing that I needed to cling to. All thoughts were forgotten, and I closed my pools momentarily, then stalked closer to the painted hide of Shadrik's, my crown level with his, etched with fury.