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 Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 3:09 pm
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 3:35 pm
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 A great figure circled the lush alpine valley, great wingbeats driving him in a relentless circle. Where as most soquili anxious and helpless paced, Balrog took to the skies to try to find consolation in the rushing winds and dizzying heights. Still, he never let his eyes off of the the dark mare who had taken to ground in the soft grasses of the foaling grounds.
Stormwild had gone into labor, but it had been hours ago now, and he was worried and anxious. Every twenty minutes or so, the anxiety was too much and he would land, nuzzle Stormwild, and ask if there was anything that he could do.
The baskets had already been acquired in which to place the newborn foals from the shaman who lived nearby, but Balrog didn't want a two-leg to interfere with the birth of his foals. This matter was too delicate. He was worried, and after the loss of their last children, Balrog wasn't going to take risks. They needed assistance, and even those with unicorn blood in the herd were not practiced healers. So he had sent his son, Thunderbird, out to find assistance. He hated to do it, but his son had proved himself young but capable. And the one shining light from the tragedy that was their last foaling.
He angled his wings and touched down once more besides Stormwild, his muzzle going to her neck, hot breath exhaling in her ear in a reassuring gesture. For all his strength, he could do nothing to help her with this matter - with something as vital as the birth of their children... HIS children. Secretly, he worried that even though she seemed healed from her battle with the monsters, that something unseen might still be broken.
"How are you doing, Storm?" He said, his typically thunderous voice barely a whisper as he nosed her gently. "Thunderbird... he should be back soon..." |
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 4:00 pm
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"Of course," He intoned, trying to sound supportive, but the fear was evident in the typically stoic stallion. He would stand in the face of a raging cougar, mercilessly defend the herd from even skinwalkers, and fly into a surging storm, but this, this was almost unbearable for the elder stallion. Fears kept rattling in his mind. What if they lost the foals? What if he lost her?? Childbirth was a difficult process, and certainly not a stranger to many mares - especially once upon a time in Balrog's old herd. Not just from predators that those ground soquili were susceptible, but a mare's own body could turn against her... breaking things inside and killing both mare and unborn foals.
He tossed his head, shaking his crimson mane and focusing on the soft eyes of his mate. "I'm here," He rumbled, taking her weight and helping her down to the ground, eying her bulging stomach before turning his eyes again to the heavens. The skies were empty save for a few dark clouds and a circling bird. His ears lay back, hoping it wasn't a vulture - surely a poor omen.
"These foals will be the strongest yet," he said, trying to put more optimism into his words than he felt. "You and I, we have grown strong these years, my love. And these foals will surly be evidence of that."
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 4:23 pm
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Balrog's mouth made a flat crease across his mouth as he shook his head. "Of course I forgive you." There was utter honesty in his voice, though it was a difficult period for him to discuss. While it was on his mind more often than he would like, he almost never spoke of it.
"You could not have foreseen such an attack... It was not your fault. I blame the skinwalkers. And Firestorm." He added spitefully. She had gone to find him, after all. To protect him from skinwalkers in the area. He wasn't even her biological son, and still she had taken it upon herself to help him, heavy with foal. "I should have never let you go." He added resentfully. Not that he had known she had taken it upon herself to go. But still. He found many targets for the blame for the death of his foals.
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A dark form shadowed the gravid skinwalker, piercing eyes closed to aide in this stealth mission. Cerberus was not used to such tactics. He was a brute - a warrior - a guard whose duty it was to be as intimidating as he was fierce. A bold stance and ferocious visage could be just as effective as sharpened teeth and powerful claws. But he did as his mistress commanded, and followed her silently up the twisting, maze-like paths that lead into the herdgrounds of the winged soquili that lived in the mountains. Occasionally, a shadow would pass overhead and he'd crouch into the shadows, splaying his dark wings over himself and his mistress to hide from any watchful eyes.
He knew the task at hand. To steal the baskets of the mare whose wicker baskets and newborn foals had protected and nourished his whelps once before. But then, she had been alone in the woods, exhausted from birth and weakened. Now, they were leading an attack against her in her territory. Something... didn't' sit quite right with Cerberus. It wasn't fear. It wasn't a sense of guilt. But he understood the importance of territory. And invading someone else's domain was ... against anything his old master had ever stood for.
But it wasn't his place to think. He trusted his mistress, and followed silently on padded feet, waiting for her next command.
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 4:55 pm
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The grand stallion nearly jumped as Stormwild called out in obvious pain. His own heart raced with hers, and he wished desperately, for the first time in his life, that he were something other than a wind - that he could have magic to heal her pain.
He cast his eyes once more to the skies, and nearly cried in relief as he saw three spots growing larger in the skies, the beat of two-sets of wings already obvious on two of the figures that led the way.
"Oh thank the spirits!" He exalted, booming a whinny towards the arrivals that spoke of relief and earnest urging their speedy arrival.
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Thunderbird's wings beat as fast as they would allow him, casting glances back over his shoulder nearly every other flap to make certain that the two were still following him.
Inviting other strange soquili into their herdgrounds who were not coming to ask to join was almost unheard of... but this was an emergency. And, Thunderbird was relieved, he had managed to find one blessed with the healing gifts who also had the birthright of wings.
He knew this was an emergency, but he suspected that even with Stormwild in such a delicate situation, he would never allow a wingless soquili into the herdgrounds. He couldn't imagine what it would do to the old man to personally permit one of the 'lessers' into thier herdgrounds... let alone what it would do to his mind if one were to save Stormwild's life.
But even besides that, time was obviously of the essence... and there was no fast way by foot into the herdgrounds. Every foal was taught how to follow the twisted maze through the woods that led up the mountains and back home, but it was long, arduous, and included more than one narrow pathway. It had taken some discussion, but one way in was left unblocked in the case of emergency - extreme weather or injury.
But still... he worried about his mother. Often, Thunderbird felt a little uncomfortable with the responsibility that had been thrust upon him from a very early age - from the omen of his mere survival to simply being angeni. He heard whispered doubts of his origin or parentage from some other members of the herd. But all in all, he was seen as some blessing from the spirits themselves. But he looked for opportunity to prove that he could live up to these seeming vaulty expectations. So finding help for his mother when she had been in labor for far too long was nearly as terrifying for him as it was for his father. Her life was in his hooves.
Once more, he cast a glance back and saw the uni-angeni still following behind him - Chandra was her name - who had been willing to help. And the break in the mountains and the green summer pastures of their herd's foaling grounds.
They were there.
"This is it!" He called over his shoulder as he dipped his left wings and started a spiraling descent towards the two dark figures staring up at them. |
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 6:50 pm
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Chandra's eyes fell upon the Angeni Stallion that had asked for her help, she predicted they were of a similar age, yet their lives had been so different from each other. Until recently Chandra had had little to worry about outside of her work helping mothers on their birthing beds, not that that particular responsibility was an easy one, and not always a happy one either. That was why she was here now, the stallion, Thunderbird she believed had been frantically seeking anyone who could help his mother. She was worried though, from the littler information she had been given it sounded as if the situation was critical, making time of the essence. With every flap of her wings she wanted to ask how much further it was, her whole body itchy to reach the mare before anything bad happened, before it past a point beyond help. She was worried. Turning to look at Crown she took strength from a fellow herd mate being with her... plus, it was a promise she had made to her mate after the incident not to long ago. She wouldn't risk her own life or those of her chargers or children again. Burnt once, twice shy.
Her eyes drifted to the landscape below, she didn't really get to appreciate the pure beauty of them, her mind occupied elsewhere, but some part of her did acknowledge the soothing nature of the place. Her eyes were more interested in frantically looking for anyone that might fit the bill to the job at hand... part of her did fear, though it was only a small part, that this was a trap.... it was simply because the one leading them was an Angeni that it soothed her. She knew all too well how an Angeni could not intentionally bring harm as it went against their very nature... at least, that was what her Grandfather, Maion, had told them all time and time again. Given her aversion to fighting and anything that caused pain she had to agree.
When they finally arrived she breathed a sigh of relief, eyes snapping to focus on the mare and her partner upon the ground. Snapping her wings to her body to hasten her descent she only opened them to land softly and not disturb the couple too much. She bowed to the pair, looking to Thunderbird for a moment for a brief reassurance before addressing the alpha pair... they gave off the same aura as her grandfather, that elder spark, wisdom with age. It was almost intimidating being faced with two such beings at once.... but she had a job, and needed to focus upon it. "My name is Chandra," She smiled softly, looking more to the mare since she dealt with them far easier than their partners. "It would be my honour if you would let me aid you in your foaling? I have experience...." She hesitated a little, looking to the stallion for a moment before returning her focus to the mare, "Of difficulties as well as straight forward labour." Despite her words Chandra held herself with confidence, she was confident she could help... but they needed to act quickly. Still, Chandra would not simply presume she had permission too, sought or not the decision had to be down to the mare in the end of the day. Birthing was a private matter, and needed to be treated with delicacy and care. It was why she had ordered Crown to watch but not get too close, she wanted to preserve the family's dignity as best she could. Her eyes wandered for a moment to the baskets already prepared... four?! She had never birthed four before. It was enough to make her heart flutter with both excitement and dread.
Crown felt torn, he owed Chandra for helping him and Kyran with their miracle babies, owed her for so much when he had been actively in the herd before going off travelling with his lovemate. He wanted to be in two places at once. With his family... and helping Chandra. Still, he was here right now. Keeping quiet and remembering exactly what Sonnet had asked of him, the older stallion was worried about his mate, something he had certainly come to gain an appreciation of after gaining one of his own. Crown had promised to protect Chandra, and protect her he would.... especially since he knew she an aversion to anything that revolved around violence or fighting, she was too soft for her own good at times, her heart so big he worried others would trample on it.
Landing after her he kept back giving her room. His eyes instead scanning the area, checking for weak points, blind spots and anyone else that might be around. A shiver ran down his spine, he couldn't place it but something felt wrong here, out of place. With a shake he tried to ignore it, turning for a moment to see Chandra bowing to a very pregnant mare. The Angeni mare's movements were graceful and memorising to Crown and it took a bit of effort to tear his gaze away. |
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:03 am
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Stormwild smiled at her son as he landed, bringing the two strangers. She rolled herself into a slightly more dignified position on the ground and brushed her wings along Thunderbird's back affectionately. "Thank you," she whispered to him. "Now go and let the others know I'm still okay, and not to be alarmed that we have visitors today," she said, casting a glance at Chandra and Crown.
Turning her attention back to the new Angenicorn she nodded her head and did her best attempt at shaking her mane into some semblance of order. "Thank you, Chandra," she offered with a weak smile, "The Spirits have found you for me. My name is Stormwilld, and my mate is Balrog. These are our grounds, I know you must have traveled a long ways."
She looked over the more quiet green stallion and offered him a nod, though she was relieved he wouldn't be hovering around quiet as close. "You must certainly be blessed with a gift to have helped with so much foaling," she said. Though she looked over her young, slender frame, while she was certainly not a foal she didn't look nearly as aged as herself, "Do you have foals yourself?" Stormwild new this was a side-effect of growing old; everyone else always looked so young.
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Deep in the shadows of the trees Kumiho's predator eyes narrowed at the arrival of more Soquili to the pregnant mare's aide. She knew attacking Stormwild on her home turf would be a greater challenge, but she was hoping she would find seclusion with just herself and that shaman human that lived close by. Her ears swiveled as they spoke, trying to catch words in their conversation. The skinwalker dared not to get any closer; Stormwild and her mate where barely dots in her vision.
"I don't think those are members of their herd," she whispered directly into the furry ear of her companion. "This will distract them easily... make it easier for us to launch a surprise attack."
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:30 am
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Balrog was on his feet before the entourage touched down. Despite the fact that this was a welcome arrival, old habits died hard and Balrog wore a gruff exterior as he scrutinized the new arrivals. Balrog rarely travele beyond the perimeter of the herdgrounds any more. Their herd was growing and at the same time there became less need to leave to interact with others, and more responsibility to stay. So it was no surprise that the two faces that accompanied Thunderbird were entirely unknown to him. But still, each bore wings. In the case of the mare, two sets - like Thunderbird, and several other additions to his herd over the years. His experience with the 'angeni' as they called themselves was that they could be powerful and trustworthy allies. So that alone eased his nerves. And the fact that Thunderbird had found a mare who had assisted with delivery before? The spirits certainly were shining on them today.
The second - a stallion that had yet to open his mouth, still at least bore the feathered wings of his kind - no batlike kalona wings that had set him on edge, or even the airier wings of the flutters that Balrog tolerated and granted presence in his herd, but had a difficult time seeing as true equals. Given his stance and the familiar shifting eyes and watchful demeanor, Balrog felt an understanding with this stallion without ever having spoken a word. He was here to protect the midwife. It was foolish to assume that whomever Thunderbird found to help would come alone into strange territory.
Still, Balrog snapped his wings once in a fast-mock stretch before returning them folded to his side, displaying their massive breadth and giving an unspoken word of caution. "Welcome, Chandra." Balrog finally spoke in a rumbling thunder of a voice, trailing off as he looked to the greenish stallion, "And your companion..." He added with just a touch of wariness. Despite what he was certain was nothing more than good intentions, it was still difficult to trust two strangers with the life of his mate and unborn foals. He would not be leaving her side.
"Coming to us so suddenly, we... appreciate your help." It was hard for him to admit. But if she were able to help them, then he would owe them a debt. He needed to be gracious.
Finally, he turned to his son, "Thunderbird... thank you. You have done well today." He nodded to agree to Stormwild's command, "Yes, tell the others, and when you are finished, I trust you with the patrol." He finished.
Thunderbird nodded, exalting in the rare direct praise from his father. "It was the good fortune of the spirits that I found Chandra and Crown." He said humbly, giving his father a name for the new stallion. "But I feel in my bones that we can trust them."
He turned to Stormwild, "Blessings be with you, mother. I will tell the others and then I will watch the skies." Truth be told, he was happy to be relieved by his parents. He didn't particularly wish to stick around and watch his mother go through birthing. He and Stormcould had yet to be blessed with foals themeselves, and he did not want this to be his introduction to the process.
He took a few steps back before unfurling his wings and took once more to the skies to travel to spread the news. Overhead, the grey skies darkened and the distant roll of thunder pealed across the skies.
Cerberus crouched by his mistress, the eyes on his face narrowed to slits as he watched more figures join their quarry. His ears lay back against his head. Despite his mistress's assurances, he didn't understand how the presence of more, even strangers, could be a welcome turn of fortune. But still, he kept his apprehensions silent, and just nodded.
Still, their timing seemed excellent. They needed to wait until after the birthing so that their baskets would be full of new life that would feed their own cubs. But if they timed it right, then the great mare should still be weak from the experience. And it appeared that she was about to foal.
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:26 am
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Chandra was used to the more formal speech, she had heard her grandfather use it on several occasions in the past. For that reason she continued to smile, not put off when the pregnant mares mate stood up... though Chandra had to admit the guy was huge, almost the size of her grandfather huge. The size didn't intimidate her though, if anything it made her feel almost safe, reminding her of home and the stallion who had protected her and the herd for so long. "A pleasure, Stormwild and Balrog." She said softly, nodding to each. Chandra was glad she was welcome, but she didn't really want to waste much more time with pleasantries when there was something of great importance to be done. Not just one or two lives hung on the line.... but five!
"Thank you for the welcome." She said softly, about to offer Crown's name when it seemed Thunderbird beat her too it, good, it was one less thing for her to worry about. As Stormwild's question fell upon her ears she couldn't help but smile. Children? Yes, she had them, wanted more too though she understood her mates desire to wait. Things were unstable at best at the moment and it was no environment to bring a child or two into. Soon though, soon her dream of a large family would be realised. Deciding to use the topic of conversation as a distraction point for the labouring mare she lowered herself to sit down beside the mare. "Please... excuse me.... if I do anything you dislike, please tell me." She lowered her head to the mares belly to listen, as she did so she talked in an effort to make her patient more comfortable and to distract her from she was doing. "I have three children, all girls... can't believe they are nearly grown to adulthood now. Heze, Zaniah and Auva." She said softly, counting the heartbeats she heard before adjusting her position to search for more. "My companion Crown recently had the joy of receiving twins. Rainbow and Wish." She didn't mention that those baskets had been different, magically appearing after a wish upon a rainbow. Still, Kyran had worried that the baskets had remained all too silent and so Chandra had been summoned to check their health. Everything had been fine of course, but it seemed two Daddies lead to extra protectiveness.
One. Two. Three. She was struggling to pick up the forth but that might be due to a number reasons. Position of the other foals blocking the heartbeat. It's heartbeat in sync with one of the others. And the option she feared most, distress of the foal. Time was of the essence but she kept her composure and smiled, trying to reassure the mare with her calm actions. "I am just going to give you a check up.... I am sorry if you find it uncomfortable." She offered a sympathetic smile, more than aware of troubles of childbirth. She hadn't wanted anyone near her, least of all Sonnet, but then again she hadn't experienced any complications either.
A quick check revealed that things were progressing but slowly. Pausing for a moment she thought about the best cause of action, even as her mouth continued to babble on about nonsense; a small part of her mind trying to ignore the ever present hovering of Balrog since it was making her a little nervous. "These lands are very pretty, serene and soothing... but in a very different way to the ones I call home." She really hoped she could help. Unfolding the wings on her right side she tugged at a small bag that had been hidden within the folds. Wasting no time she shook it until several of the leave fell out. Pushing two towards Stormwild she smiled softly, "I need you to chew and swallow these please," She went to say 'my dear', an endearment that flowed easily from her but stalled on this occasion, somehow not seeing it fitting to address an elder as such. "They will help with the pain and help speed things up. We need to get these foals out as soon as possible," Folding her wings back up she stroked Stormwild's side the tips of one of her wings, trying to sooth and comfort despite her words. "You're tired, they're tired." She continued to smile. "So, we will get them out of you as soon as possible, ok? Just relax." Easier said than done.
Concentrating she started to allow he weak unicorn blood to flow, while she was pretty useless with healing she had managed to learn how to use it to take away pain, not all but the edge. Something she hoped helped her labouring mares.
Crown listened but didn't comment at first, not until he was sure he had identified all the key locations he needed to know. Only then did he turn to 'Balrog', as he had introduced himself, and bowed his head in respect. In many ways the guy reminded Crown of Maion, a sense of power and hidden strength coursing through his very muscles. What was it like to possess such strength? His mind wandered to his children and lovemate, he would give anything to be able to protect them so. Still, he watched Balrogs display and saw it for what it was. A warning. With a small nod of his head he accepted it, making no move to flash the birth of his own wings nor to cower and shrivel under the display. He hoped it wouldn't become confrontational, especially since he had never met anyone who didn't like Chandra, but Crown wouldn't back down from the elder stallion so easily if it meant protecting Chandra.
His eyes flowed towards Chandra as she worked, he had never seen it before, but realised that his sister would one day have to go through this. He simply hoped it proved easier for her. Tearing his eyes away so as not to anger the mares mate or come across as rude he watched as Thunderbird took off to complete his fathers orders.
Still his bad feeling remained, refusing to fade, even as he tried to allow his mind to listen to the conversation taking place behind. |
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:30 am
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Crown's respectful, but not frightened demeanor in response to Balrog's display seemed to sit well with the old stallion. He snorted a brief note of respect and with a flick of an ear plodded around to be closer to his lifemate.
He eyed the leaves warily, but said nothing. However, he continued to pace, obviously anxiously, in a circle around the three of them, ears canting to and fro.
"Of course not," He finally rumbled to Storm. "Our age has brought us nothing but strength, and stability within our herd." Even if the question wasn't posed to him, Balrog adamantly refused to believe that they were anything but stronger in their advanced years.
Meanwhile, the skies overhead continued to darken, the peals of thunder coming closer together. But Balrog paid it no mind. Perhaps it was the influence of Thunderbird; the storms always seemed closely tied to the emotions of the young angeni - and he certainly was agitated. Or perhaps it was the spirits themselves blessing the pending arrival of their children - after all, it was the thunderbird spirit that they paid homage to. |
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:16 am
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Chandra found herself giggling at the older mares reply, from her experience three girls were more trouble than three boys, boys seeming to be far more likely in the herd than girls. She had been blessed. "I am not there yet," she said in response, though she was not naive enough to not see that it had started... Heze had brought a stallion home after all, even if they seemed more friends than lovers right now she was sure she spied a spark between them, they just had to explore it still. "Though it is strange to think that some of the foals I helped deliver have had their own children now, or are expecting." It was strange on so many levels, since in many ways she considered each of the foals she helped bring into the world has her own in a small way, holding a special place for each of them in her heart and wishing with all her heart that they lead long and healthy lives.
Chandra was a little surprised when the stallion seemed to answer his mates question, she had been so consumed in her job and the mares condition that she had almost forgotten he was there. Sonnet was right, she really did become overly absorbed in her work.... perhaps it was a good thing she had brought Crown with her; while she didn't expect trouble she didn't know this land or these soquili.
Shaking her thoughts and smiling in agreement she nodded softly, "I think your mate is right, it wasn't foolish if it was what you truly wanted. All we can ever do is follow our hearts... and if we don't we only live to regret it." A small part of her did fear that age would play a factor in this though, especially with there being four babies involved. She couldn't imagine birthing four foals herself now, let alone at this mares age. Still, it spoke of her strength that she wasn't just giving up. Admiral really. The thunder cracked across the sky and it caused Chandra to jump a little, while she wasn't afraid of thunder she usual sought cover when it rumbled... that wasn't possible here, this mare was in no condition to move. She focused for a moment and listened once more to the mare belly, one of the foals kicked her cheek and she laughed, "One of them is spunky." She chirped with delight before trying again. Part of the reason she loved this job was because it was unpredictable, each experience as unique as the children being brought into the world. Against her cheek she felt the womb contract and nodded, it seemed something was finally happening, she just hoped the mare wasn't too tired for the most crucial part. "Soon you will feel the need to push," It was habit to explain everything, despite knowing this mare had birthed (from the sound of it at least) many foals before.... still, Chandra knew that in many ways you forgot about it, forgot the true intensity of the pain, gave into nature and simply went with things as if it was happening to someone else. "When you feel the need I want you to just go for it, I will be here, and I will help with the delivery if they need it." She smiled softly, falling completely into 'business' role. She needed to focus now. "Are you still in a lot of pain? I can aid that with my unicorn magic if you need it." Not all mares wished for the added pain relief, some felt as if they would die without it. A personal choice, and not one she would take away while the mare was still in the frame of mind to decide herself.
Crown kept himself to himself, looking every now and then to check on Chandra but not allowing his gaze to linger too long. Especially not with the protective mate hovering the way he was. He didn't want a fight to happen simply from a harmless glance.
The thunder rolled and roared over head and he couldn't help but wonder if they were being cursed. The moon that their herd held in such high regard was missing from the sky. |
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