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She could see the swamp up ahead, the river that she had been following for the last few days started to thin as it encountered the vegetation that grew in this area. The ground was getting moist, her hooves dipped in a little and she could feel the bottom of her legs getting wet with each step she took. The plants that grew in the swamp were different from what Nevena was used to. She had grown up in a forest and once she had left home, she ended up finding a new forest to live in. It was strange, seeing trees growing in the water. Back home, the trees only grew near the water.

As she came closer, she could see that the vegetation was lush, though the water was murky looking. Her large ears pricked with the sounds in the distance: the rustling of leaves, water splashing, and birds chirping. Her large ears were useful, especially in new places that she didn`t know much about. She didn`t know what could be lurking about, waiting to strike. With her light form and quick legs, Nevena felt she would be able to escape, if need be.

It was quieter than she had predicted it would be. Nevena had expected to come across someone by now, anyone who called the swamp home but, she had seen no one. It was unfortunate because Nevena only wanted to spend a few days here before returning home. The mare didn`t like being too long and far from home, she was very protective over it even when trusted friends were keeping an eye on it. Nevena frowned but she started to walk again further into the swamp. She had to start gathering information at some point.

Nevena was looking down, inspecting a plant. The grass was taller here and from the grass there were these other protrusions, they had a thin stem and at the top was what had to be the flower though it was brown and thick. It had a rounded shape and Nevena wondered what its purpose was. There was so many of them growing here that they must be important, perhaps food for the animals that lived here?

Nevena would have to come back and study it more but for now she would move on. She was thinking again about how quiet it was when a dark coated animal hopped right past her. Nevena backed up, startled. Her pale eyes looked at the animal, taking in the fluffy whit tail and large ears. A rabbit. It was a little darker than the ones she was used to but it was reassuring that there were similarities between her home and the swamp. She thought about calling out to it but by the time she made up her mind, it was gone, disappearing in the tall green grass.

She continued walking near the water, eyeing the thin trees growing in the water with interest. She would have to inspect them further though she was reluctant because she couldn't tell how deep it was nor what lay beneath it. Nevena studied the water with her pale eyes, looking for anything out of ordinary. Left and right, up and down. She passed over something white and froze. She squinted, taking in what she thought was hair. Whatever it was it had pale eyes too, like her. The white stood out against the darker water. She studied the creature, was he dangerous?

Her eyes narrowed as she watched the creature creeping ever so closer to her. She decided to stay near the water's edge, keeping her ground despite her wariness. Nevena knew that if she had to she could still take off. As he came closer, Nevena could make out the equine ears and face. He was a soquili but quite different from her. Her pale eyes took in the sight of the fin protruding from his back. His body was murky in colour, allowing him to blend in well with the water and the other swamp surroundings. She was pleased to see that she had been right about the white she had spotted from far away, it was hair.

He finally reached her and Nevena could see the form of a lengthy tail with another fin protruding near the top of it. She also had a different tail though hers was fluffier and smaller. This stallion's tail, however, looked sleeker to her, with no fur. Though she was still wary of him, she now was very curious. Back home she typically saw tails like her own or just hair. Nevena wanted to know more about him. He was still in the water and she wondered if he even had hooves like she did.

She had been encouraged by Hollie to leave the forest and come here to gather knowledge about swamp plants. But, seeing this stallion now, Nevena wanted to question him. Perhaps, if she was so lucky, he might live around here and even be willing to hear her questions about the plants that grew in this area. Nevena's eyebrows raised in surprise at the compliments he gave concerning her mane and possibly body. He appeared friendly enough.

"Good day." She responded. "I thank you for your kind words." It was better to be polite and appreciative, it would do Nevena no good if she caused him to leave quickly. She needed him to stay until she got her answers. The information was important to her. "It is good to be able to blend in with your surroundings, it would be unfortunate to be bright in colour. I can see you also blend in well." She pointed out.

Nevena wondered if it would be too soon to ask if he lived here. She hadn't even given her name yet, but then he didn't give his name or even ask for hers either. "Do you typically live in the swamp?" Nevena questioned. She decided to ask, after all she didn't know how long he'd stick around. Nevena didn't want to spend all her time standing around and asking pointless questions.