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Arden was nosing around through the grass, his muzzle a bit...dirty. But it was all nature. Dirt didn't hurt him. It didn't hurt anyone for that matter. He was looking for a particular type of mushroom to use in healing.

He just needed to find it, then pick it during the full moon tonight. Then it would be useful until the next full moon, bringing the wearer protection from contagions in this cold weather.

Keeping his nose to the ground, he smelt around in the dirt, oblivious to other things.

It had been months since the human had died, but her passing still left scars on the mar. Perhaps that was the reason that Alexander brought her so much joy? It seemed that he was the only one who could ever brighten up her day, or even soften her up some. It was a silly notion really, just to think! A tiny little bird was the only one that could bring her happiness and crack her tough exterior. Zarita shook her head as if to rid herself of the depressing thoughts that threatened to drown her. Maybe Alex was her only friend, but who cared? He was all that she needed.

The young mare was so absorbed in her thoughts and the silly things that her companion continued to tell her, that she didn't even notice the stallion she was about to walk right into.

Arden felt something hard strike him and fall over his back. With an "oof" he hit the ground hard, his legs crumbling beneath him and his muzzle digging deeper into the dirt than needed. Turning his head, his face covered in dirt, he stared bemusedly at...He tilted his head to see the front of what he was looking at--A mare!

Arden smiled, "I'm quite sorry." He shook off the dirt from his face, struggling to his feet. "Are you okay?" He watched as the little bird bounced off him, "I didn't hurt you did I? I was just looking for mushrooms."

How rude! The mare thought. Perhaps she hadn't been exactly polite, but she especially did not like him pointing it out.

"Come on Alex." She called to her bird. "It's quite clear that we're not exactly welcome here. Perhaps we ought to be on our way."

The mare didn't look as if she cared one way or the other. Though something deep down bothered her. With only Alexander ones life did become quite lonely. She didn't particularly want to leave. The mare hesitated a moment, inwardly debating on leaving or staying.

Arden watched her as she moved away then stopped. He flicked his tail as he watched her. She seemed to be coming back, he had struck a nerve. It was not his initial intention. He had only admitted what he observed. "Mushrooms. They're good for remedies for sickness," he stated mater of factly.

Dangerous and forbidden huh? Whatever those were, they were most likely what she would be needing. However, they wouldn't do her any good unless she knew how to use them and what they were. She doubted that this green stallion would tell her, but he might be able to tell her just enough that she could find someone who really could help her.

"Some are forbidden?" She asked casually, careful not to sound too concerned. "Forbidden by who exactly? And what are they?"

"Yes, black-magic type things. I don't speak of them. They...well," He rooted into the dirt with his mouth. Coming up, he spit out a small mushroom. "There should be more further down," he dug a bit deeper.

"Those type magic, you would lose your soul if you use it. Become dark and twisted. Horrible things to do it."

Darkness in his past? The mare wondered what could have been worth so much to him that he would have risked what ever he had. Was that why he cautioned her so now? Hoping to get a little bit more information out of him, she continued her questioning.

"Darkness?" She asked him. "What sort of darkness? And who is this voodoo man?" Perhaps she sounded a little too curious on the matter now, but it was too late to go back.

Arden was torn between saying more and stopping, but maybe...maybe if he could re-iterate how horrible it was, then maybe she would understand.

"Something you're ashamed of, something that you would do anything to have back or get rid of. That's the darkness. This stallion, he's not a Voodoo, he's THE Voodoo. He's been rumored to be coming with his mistress. Pay the price, and he'll do anything."

She softened at the stallion's words. So he had given up whatever he had, in order to save a stranger, or at least she assumed the mare was a stranger. Would she have done the same? Zarita wasn't sure, but she doubted that she would have. The only person that she had truly cared that much for was Shenowa. Would Voodoo bring her back? It had worked on this mare that he spoke about about though she had only been dieing, but it was hope and she latched onto it with all her might.

"What did you give?" She asked softly. She didn't know if he would answer, but it was a question burning inside of her. She needed to know, needed to know what to expect.

Arden shut his eyes, he needed to tell her. But it was personal, and he didn't know if he could. "Too much."

Too much....Too much, but that wasn't exactly true. He regretted the decision, but he embraced it. It had been the only way to save Acacia, he was convinced of that. How could he have done any different? No matter what the price?

"I...I just can't talk about it." It was the wrong thing, he shouldn't be selfish. It was important she knew, but he couldn't form the words.