+N o t h i n g+ Else {Matters}

[Swifthoof]

He knew he wasn't supposed to be here. He knew that he could most likely be killed if he was caught, but he didn't care. He hasn't really cared about anything..not since...Stop he thought sternly, his blue eyes turning into two small chips of ice as he fought internally with himself to not go back to that memory. Even now, it hurt him to his core; leaving him shaken and almost to the point of running into the rushing river that he could still faintly hear in spite of the thick forest he resided in now.

A small, shaken sigh escaped his muzzle and he watched as his breath shimmered in the silver light of the moon before it was taken away by a light wind. Suicide probably couldn't help his pain, not to mention that if he did, his soul would never find peace. Your soul will wander the Earth forever if you were to take your own life. Never would you be found by our god, Tarva is what his parents had told him numerous times after one of their herdmates had done so by jumping off a cliff. No one had known the reason and right now, Graystorm couldn't blame her for offing herself the way she did. It had been quick, painless and easy.

If only I'm brave enough he thought as he looked in the direction of the rushing river, remembering the time he had fallen in when he had tresspassed the Darksun lands for the umpteenth time. Karma really did pay back. He had to pull himself out while another mustang had only stood there, laughing. Who knew it would be a Darksun that I would fall in love with... he thought as he went back to the image of Coldheart, her sneer evident while he had pulled himself out of the river. A few days later, he had wandered in the Darksun lands again and Coldheart had caught him..again. But it was different that time. It was then that they had shared their feeling for each other only it was interrupted by another member who had threatened to share their secret with Alasdi, the leader of the Darksun herd. Scared for her life, Graystorm had stayed with her despite her order to go back to his herd. After a while, he had relented and left, promising to return a few days later. Only it never came.

Last fall was when he had heard the news. That Coldheart had died from a disease that was spreading throughout the teritorry and she had been a victim. From what he heard, there was no pain and she had died in peace. But it still broke his heart and shattered his world. He would never see her again..never enjoy her company..never see her smile or laugh..or run with her. Never again.

The stallion shut his eyes, trying to block out the memories that made his heart tear and bleed until it was raw. Even now it still hurt just as it did when he first heard the news. How he missed her...Drawing in a shaky breath, he looked around and seeing that no one was there to spot him, he laid down where he was and fell asleep. For a while, sleep had been his escape from his pain and sometimes it worked..sometimes it didn't, but he always tried.

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[[R].ebel]

A prisoner of love; trapped on her homelands for fear of running into the one whom she truely loved. The small bay mare stood by the river that flowed through the land, the wind caressing her black mane against her neck. Soft eyes gazed longingly at the one area she could never go to; the Cimarron. It was where her forbidden loved one was and, from what she heard, the rumor of her death had reached him, but she hadn't learned on how he took it. Coldheart hated the thought of what she had done, but she was afraid that Alasdi would surely kill Graystorm if he found out, or even use him against her or vice versa. Alasdi would just love that, Coldheart knew it.

With a soft sigh, the small bay turned and walked into the forest, her eyes to the ground. She had wondered the entire Darksun herd, edge to edge, since she had told of her death and now knew every corner. Coldheart was sick of it by now, but the strong love for Graystorm kept her locked away here, unable to bring herself to put him into danger.

Upon looking up after going some distance, Coldheart stopped and froze. There, a few yards before, slept Graystorm. Her first instinct was to run up to him and wake him and embrace him, as this was the first time she had seen him in a long while, which felt like years, only it had not been that long. Coldheart didn't know what to do. What would he say? How would he react? Perhaps, he had lost the scent of her and Coldheart could pull off a deciet. Though she did not want to in her heart, Coldheart still feared what Alasdi would do to Graystorm if he found out about them.

With a snort, Coldheart stamped a hoof, glaring at Graystorm in a threatening manner, ears pinned. It wasn't too hard for her to put on a show as this was really how she acted to anyone other than Graystorm, except for now. Would he recognize her, and what would he do? Coldheart could only wait to see.

[Swifthoof]

It was then that he hated sleep. It seemed that everytime he closed his eyes, images of his lost love would enter his dreaming mind, no matter how much he tried to block it out and not think about it, but it was to no avail. Her petite but beautiful form would enter and sometimes he wanted to block it out but others he wanted to hold on to it and never let it go, wishing with all his being that she would suddenly turn real and come back to him. But alas..he knew she was gone and was never coming back.

The stamp of a hoof sent vibrations through the Earth and the sleeping stallion felt it althoug it took him a while to wake. Actually, he felt it immideately, but was only taking his time to raise his head. Better enjoy my living moments while I can he thought, as he opened one eye to flick around his surrounding and then both snapped open as he saw who was standing in front of him.

Was it really her..the one he had loved in spite of their differences that was standing in front of him? His breath quickened as he slowly raised his head, his blue eyes never leaving her as they were wide with shock. It can't be..get a grip of yourself..She's gone.. he thought, the reasonable side of his mind trying to take control. But the bigger part of his mind, the one part that still wanted to believe that she might be alive was driving him now. His gaze studied her, comparing this mare that was standing before him to the one he cherished that he had in his mind's eye. They were the same looks, but he still had doubts. And who could blame him? He was led to believe that she was dead and then suddenly Coldheard, if it really was her, appeared, very much alive.

A small breeze then blew through, carrying with it the scent of this mare and he froze. He could have been seperated from her for days, months or even years, but Graystorm could still recognize her sweet scent despite her being a fierce fighter with a no mercy attittude. And this, he realized was what she was doing now with her ears pinned back as though ready to fight off an intruder. For a second, he wanted to just let her take him to the leader, and that he had foolishly believed that this mare was Coldheart..but he couldn't. Her body and scent told otherwise no matter how much the logical side of his mind told him otherwise. Here goes nothing... he thought, as he stood up, his muscular form guiding him to his hooves, his eyes never leaving her as he began to speak.

Hello...Coldheart... his voice was merely a whisper and he feared that if he spoke any louder that she might dissapear and it was only a fragile image that he had conducted in his head. But now..all he could do now was wait and pray. Graystorm had never been much of a believer in Tarva, but now he begged the horse god to let this mare be Coldheart even if it was just for a day.

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[[R].ebel]

Those fiery-spirited eyes never left the stallion as he slowly started to show signs of waking. For a moment, Coldheart was tempted to turn and run before he could see her, but it was too late now, as Graystorm's eye caught her, his other soon following in a gaze of disbelief. Besides, Coldheart did not run from anyone. She was a fighter, no doubt. The bay never relaxed her position, ears still pinned and she ready for a fight.

Graystorm seemed to be in sheer disbelief, as if trying to decide if it really was Coldheart. Half of Coldheart really wanted him to recognize her, but her protective side, told her no, it was not safe for him. Coldheart never let her gaze leave him, much like he was doing. The two hadn't seen each other in too long and it took all Coldheart had to keep away from him. She thought that she may have fooled him, but the moment the wind shifted was the moment she lost her secrecy. Coldheart was alive and now Graystorm knew it.

Coldheart snorted as Graystorm slowly stood, his eyes never leaving her, she knowing that he was no longer questioning whether it was her or not. He knew and yet Coldheart kept her ready-to-fight stance. And then, he spoke, allowing Coldheart to hear his voice for the first time in over a season.

'Hello...Coldheart...'

The bay mare snorted, tossing her black head and rearing, slamming her hooves into the ground before Graystorm. It was rather a way to prevent Coldheart from rushing to him. He had called her out and for the first time in the most of Coldheart's life, she didn't have a plan on how to get out. All she could do was stare into his eyes with her own fiery ones, a fight itching at her hide. The only thing she could think of was to bold face lie to him, and thus that is what she did.

"You must have me confused with another... She is dead and gone..."

Coldheart's own heart sank with every lie she breathed, but she forced it out and forced herself to say it with no trace of sorrow. How badly she wanted to feel his touch, and yet she couldn't risk it. At the thought of that, Coldheart's eyes quickly glanced for any herd members around, but could see none at the moment, her eyes returning to Graystorm.

[Swifthoof]

Whoever had said that sticks and stones may break bones but words would never hurt was a godforsaken liar and he had often wanted to go find its source and beat it to death. His eyes never left her face even when she reared and stomped her hooves, her eyes aflame.

You must have me confused with another... She is dead and gone...

Her words tore into him like a claw and for a brief moment, pain flashed in his eyes before it was replaced with a boiling rage. His body shook and it seemed as though a demon had taken over his body, threatening to take over and attack this one who even dared to disrespect his love. He wanted to attack this mare and tear into her, giving him a chance to let out his pain. It was better than screaming and crying which he had never done. When he had recieved news of her 'death' he had simply stood there, his body as still as a stone before he had turned and walked off. Tears had never left his eyes ever since his loss. He had refused to cry. Crying was for the weak.

His blue gaze that was gentle and kind at one time had darkened a shade as a fire burned within him, his teeth starting to bare, his strong muscles ready to plow into her small form. But then he saw her eyes. How they had flicked around as though they were searching for any other horses. Immediately, the fire in his dispersed and his gaze had returned to normal although his face showed no emotion. He recognized that flick in her eyes, her form, her scent and he knew that it was her right then. It was what Coldheart had always done whenever they met in secret.

He took in air in his lungs and gulped before he slowly started to take a step toward her, not caring if she attacked him. He knew deep down that this mare really was his lost love and if she were to attack him and leave him for dead, he would still love her as he had all along. She could even push him into the river if she wanted, but he would still love her.

Despite his big and muscular form, he was still quick on his hooves. Moving fast and before she had a chance to do anything, he was in front of her, his azure optics narrowed. Before he had time to think and before he could take control of himself, he acted before she could do anything. She was the only thing that mattered now and if she pushed him away, he would stand his ground.

Quick as lighting, he threw his neck around hers and enveloped her in a bone crushing hug although it wasn't hard enough to hurt her but tight enough that she couldn't escape if she tried. A shaky breath escaped him as he spoke, his voice still a whisper as he shut his eyes and buried his nose in her raven colored mane.

Deny it as much as you want, Coldheart. I know it's you...you can't fool me..You should know this by now. To hell with Alasdi and the rest of the Darksun herd...I love you. He could feel his body shaking as well as his voice, but he didn't care.

[/size]

[[R].ebel]

After she spoke, Coldheart thought for sure she was going to be entwined in a battle with her true love, perhaps a battle to death. She could see the anger in his eyes, and she knew that look as Coldheart had faced it many times before and battle almost always reared its ugly head soon afterwards. Her body tense and ready to fight, Coldhearts' heart screamed to cut it out and embrace him, but her head told her otherwise and the bay was ready to fight the larger stallion.

Tail flicking in irritance, ready to lunge into a fight, Coldheart bared her teeth in threat, but something she did had triggered a sudden change in Graystorm. His anger and hate disappeared from his eyes and the familiar gaze Coldheart knew took its place. It took all she had to prevent herself from relaxing her fighting stance, but Coldheart was tougher than the average mare, and she never backed down on a fight.

At the first step the stallion took towards her, Coldheart whinnied and reared back, backing up on her hind legs and dropping back to the ground, now farther away from him than before. Her chest heaved as she blew heated air through her nostrils, that burning gaze to fight never leaving her eyes. Perhaps, Coldheart faltered at some time or another, or maybe she just forgot how quick Graystorm could actually be. Either way, somehow, Graystorm made a quick bolt for her and had her pinned against him in a tight embrace. Coldheart's first instinct was to escape, a shrieking whinny coming from her as struggled against him.

'Deny it as much as you want, Coldheart. I know it's you...you can't fool me..You should know this by now. To hell with Alasdi and the rest of the Darksun herd...I love you'

The small bay mare whinnied, aiming to bite Graystorm on the shoulder, and clenching her teeth shut whether she had anything in her mouth or not. Her eyes shut tightly as she gritted her teeth, her body trembling with anger. Coldheart still struggled against the stallion, not willing to give in, even if he did love her and she loved him.

[Swifthoof]

He could feel her struggling, fighting to be away from him. And with every push she gave only made him feel as though something was chipping away at his heart and soul. It was then that he felt her teeth connect with his flesh, drawing blood. His only reaction was a snort as his teeth gritted, fighting off the pain. Ever since he received the news, he had often been running, so him and pain were more than just friendly aquaitances.

He could feel her body shaking in anger and he could see her eyes shut tight. She was still struggling against him and he held her for a few more moments, taking whatever blows she offered. He was numb to all of it. His blue eyes glowed in determination as he still held on to her, not wanting to let her go. He could hold her all night if she still kept struggling. She could also keep denying that she wasn't the mare he loved. He still knew deep down that it was really her and if she ran, he would follow even if she ran forever. He wasn't going to tire, he wasn't going to falter until she stopped denying.

A soft snort escaped his nostrils as he looked around his surroundings and seeing that they were still alone, he suddenly leaped back, letting her go, his gaze fiery. Was he insane? No. Heartbroken? Very much so. He lowered his head to the ground in thought although he was still keeping an eye on her, in case she attacked. If she did, he would dodge her blows or take them, but he wasn't going to raise his own hoof and retaliate. No way was he going to hurt her. He loved her too much to lay a hoof on her.

Each moment that passed seemed like years as he thought on what to do next. He considered talking to her on events that happened when they were together, the fun they had even how they met seemed like a good one. But that wasn't what came out of his mouth. Not at all and if she responded, it would only prove that he was right and she really was Coldheart. Raising his head, his gaze met with hers as he opened his muzzle to speak.

If you're really not Coldheart and I know you are then do what you Darksun members normally do...Kill me or take me to your leader. I know he'd love to lay a hoof on me. he said, turning his head and exposing his neck where the his life's blood bubbled underneath. One well aimed bite and his pain would be over. That is if she had the guts to do it. He watched her, a daring look in his azure optics as he awaited his fate.

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[[R].ebel]

The metallic taste of his blood trickled into her mouth, but Coldheart did not reep the satisfaction that should have come with hitting her mark. If anything, it hurt her that she hurt him. She had been hurting him since she spread the rumor of her death, but the fear of his death was greater than she could bare. After a moment of the distaste of the blood, and the crushing feeling in her heart, Coldheart released her hold, still struggling to get away.

It seemed like an eternity that he stood there holding her, Coldheart relentlessly fighting to get free, but her small size hindered her from doing so. It was not that Coldheart did not feel the warmth of his body against hers; she could feel his heart thumping in his chest; feel the security and inner warmth that brought comfort to Coldheart; but still she was afraid to risk his life for thier love. Then, almost suddenly, too suddenly for Coldheart, Graystorm tore away from her, the small bay following the action by stepping back away from him, her ears still pinned flat to her head.

The small bay watched him with her fiery-spirited eyes, angry and boiling, hiding the hurt she felt from her own intentions. Then, after a long moment of silence, neither of them moving, he uttered words that took her by surprise.

'If you're really not Coldheart and I know you are then do what you Darksun members normally do...Kill me or take me to your leader. I know he'd love to lay a hoof on me.'

Coldheart had not expected such a task, but here it was laid before her, with the stallion she loved making it easy for her to rip the life right out of him. Now, those who knew Coldheart, knew that she was a tough mare, both physically and emotionally, but this was something Coldheart had never been faced with before. With an angry snort, the bay mare bolted, sliding to a stop before Graystorm, teeth ready to clamp onto his throat. But at the last minute, she clamped her teeth shut on air before him, glaring at him with bared teeth, in position to open and shut over his throat at any moment. Her expression unchanged, the burning anger, ready to fight nature still there, but as the silent term grew longer, Coldheart making no move to finish the deal, her angry features started to fade away, being replaced with a solemn, hurting gaze. For a achingly long moment, Coldheart remained silent, her eyes never leaving Graystorms'. She didn't know what to say or even what to do, so she stayed with what she knew.

"Leave... while you still can."

Every word cut through her like a knife. If anything, Coldheart wanted him to stay, or she go with him. One would ask why she didn't just run off with him, but she was caught between two loves; the love of her homeland and the love of Graystorm. Evil such as Alasdi or not, Coldheart was still Darksun born and bred.

[Swifthoof]

Cerulian orbs met her angry ones as he stood before her, offering his life. A small breeze went through the area, making his white mane and tail twitch as the bite from earlier started to sting. A few drops of blood trickled down his leg and dropped onto the snow, red against white.

His words seemed to surprise her, but it was only for a moment which was soon replaced by her hard gaze. Silence stretched between them and his ears and nose pricked to the sounds and scents of the forest. Brances creaked in the breeze, a distant mourning howl of a lone wolf, the metallic tang of his own blood and the pounding of his heart. Even if his nose and ears were distracted, his eyes were still on her as she seemed to struggle with the decision to kill him or not.

A heartbeat later, she lunged. A small, gentle smile crossed his muzzle and the very motion seemed to be foreign to him. It was a long time since he had smiled and the muscles around his mouth seemed to creak from abandonement. His eyes then slowly stared to close, awaiting for the killing bite. Maybe he could go in peace.

Only it never came. Auds pricked to the sound of teeth against teeth and he opened his eyes to see Coldheart a breath away from his neck, her gaze still as fiery as ever. The smile that was once on his face soon dissapeared as he met her eyes, hurt and love filling them. He was so confused, lost and hurt. It was almost too much to bear. Moments passed before he watched the anger fade from her face only to be replaced by a solemn expression.

Leave... while you still can

His eyes widened slightly at her words and he looked into her eyes as if staring into her brown orbs would give him the answer. A small sigh escaped his muzzle as he faced her, a small fire burning in his blue orbs. He knew he should listen to her, but somehow the words she had spoken never really connected with him. If anything, he sure was stubborn and hardly anything swayed him once he made up his mind. Like now, for instance. She could literally kick him out, but he would come back. He would always come back no matter if she liked it or not. He was going to be there for her no matter what she said or did.

I'm not leaving he answered, his tone low and determined as he stood in front of her, a determined snort escaping his nostrils.

[/size]

[[R].ebel]

'I'm not leaving'

Graystorm was probably the only stallion in the world to have the nerve to rebel against Coldhearts' demands and live. He was also the only stallion to have a hold over Coldheart that no other could; but it was a hold of love. Relaxing a bit, the bays' ears slowly pricked forward, listening to every breath Graystorm took, her eyes never leaving him. Another moment of silence passed as she collected her thoughts together, her cautious eyes shifting to be sure no one was around, only to meet up with Graystorms' once more, ready to speak.

"Cimarron horses are not allowed upon Darksun lands... And now you are in for some trouble."

A small smile flicked at her maw as Coldheart brought back one of the very first things she had ever said to Graystorm upon meeting him. In truth, it was part of the reason Coldheart had wanted Graystorm to leave, but it also brought back many warm memories to her, and also some not so warm ones, such as when she fought him, but it still lead up to a forbidden love, one Coldheart wanted to fight for, but was still afraid of losing her loves life as the cost. With a soft sigh, Coldheart knew she couldn't play it on any longer. Graystorm wasn't going anywhere, much to her regret, not that she didn't love him, as she did so very dearly. The flicker of a smile fading, she spoke in a solemn quiet voice.

"What are you doing here, Graystorm? You know you aren't supposed to be here..."

[Swifthoof]

His eyes flicked over her as he saw that she was starting to relax and the faintest of smiles crossed his muzzle although he was sure it looked a little strange. It's been a long time since he had smiled. Her ears were pricked forward and her eyes were staring at him just like they were when they had been together. Maybe I'm making some progress.. he thought as he watched her, his gaze curious.

Cimarron horses are not allowed upon Darksun lands... And now you are in for some trouble

This time a small chuckle rumbled in his chest as his eyes narrowed in delight as he recalled that one of the first things she had said the moment he had set hoof on the lands for the first time. He had been a stubborn, playful and sarcastic one back then but he was still one now. It was Deja Vu alright no matter how bittersweet it was. Sure, the circumstances were a bit serious, but he didn't care. He understood now of her fear of losing him because of their love, but he could really care less of Alasdi. He would fight the leader to death if it meant staying with Coldheart.

What are you doing here, Graystorm? You know you aren't supposed to be here...

His eyes slowly blinked as her words rang in his ears and he took a few moments to think of what to say. What could he say? That he had been so depressed over her supposed death that he conteplated suicide by jumping in the river? He knew he couldn't say that. It would just crush her. Instead, he came out with one of his witty remarks, hoping that it would bring them back to the old times.

Just thought I'd take a nap in enemy teritorry he answered, tossing his head as another question burned in his throat. He wanted to ask why she had lied about her death, but he pushed it back down. She most likely had her reasons even if it meant hurting him in the process. But he knew that she knew what she was doing. Coldheart was still alive and that was what matter most to him.

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[[R].ebel]

'Just thought I'd take a nap in enemy teritorry'

Coldheart sighed, shaking her head ever so lightly at his comment, not satisfied with the answer. It was those kind of remarks Coldheart had nearly forgotten about, but hearing his wit now reminded her of why she had fallen in love with him. He just had a way with her no other stallion could claim they had, or any mustang for that matter. Under normal circumstances, Coldheart would have probably nipped him playfully or remarked with her own witty response, but these were not normal circumstances.

"The truth, Graystorm..."

Coldheart met his gaze with one that demanded an answer. She knew there had to be a reason behind him being here, as if he thought she was dead, why come here?

[Swifthoof]

He awaited her answer, but he could tell that she didn't buy his own. But what else could he say? He didn't want to risk hurting her and some would say it would be fair for what she had done to him. But to him, Coldheart always came first before anything else. A small snort escaped his nostrils as his ears pricked at her response.

The truth, Graystorm...

His eyes lowered and his gaze went to the snow below his hooves as he thought of what to say. Flicking his eyes back to her, he could tell that she wanted an answer, but he wasn't ready to give it to her. Not yet at least. A long sigh escaped his muzzle before he looked at the bay mare in front of him, still silent. His gaze then went to the direction of the lake and he slowly started to head toward it, his pace slow as the crunch of ice beneath his hooves rang in his ears. He wasn't sure if Coldheart was following him or not, but he would come back if she didn't. He always did.

Coming to the lake shore, he lowered his head and dipped his whole head into its icy depth, welcoming the cold shock that traveled throughout his body. Lifting his head out of the water, he tossed his head, droplets scattering. Looking back toward Coldheart, he watched her for a moment, wondering if he should tell the truth. In the end, he gave in. Drawing in a shaky breath, he spoke, meeting her eyes.

I-I thought you were dead...so I decided to come here and think back on the old times we had. I lost track of time and I guess I just fell asleep.. At least part of the truth was better than a lie, he guessed deciding to leave the part about killing himself out. She didn't need to know that.

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[[R].ebel]

Coldheart watched Graystorm in silence, awaiting an answer, although she expected it to take a while. She was in no hurry and would wait for him. Her eyes never left him as he seemed to search his mind for the answer and then, ever so slowly, Graystorm walked off. The bay watched her loved one leave, her hooves planted in that one place. Eyes searched where Graystorm had once stood, seeing a patch of blood on the white of the snow. Coldheart had caused that, she knew, but it seemed to mock the once pure and innocent snow white form of thier relationship, now tainted with a lie she had started.

Unable to restrain herself, Coldheart walked quietly after him, keeping quite a few yards of distance between them. She did not know if Graystorm wanted her to follow, but she would. Graystorm was heading for the lake, this much Coldheart knew, but she did not know if she would get an answer. As he came to a stop by the lake shore, Coldheart stopped in the shadows of the trees, keeping to the forests' edge. She watched him, waiting for a reply. She watched as he submerged his head beneath the freezing cold water, Coldheart immeadiately concerned that it was something suicidal, but her concerns were soon settled when he raised his head. Waiting with her solomn gaze, she listened for an answer and it was soon given to her.

'I-I thought you were dead...so I decided to come here and think back on the old times we had. I lost track of time and I guess I just fell asleep..'

Coldheart lowered her eyes to the snow, knowing that he had learned of her rumor, spread specifically for him to hear, and it had done so. It sent a pain through Coldhearts' chest, but it couldn't be helped. Coldheart sigh quietly, looking out along the edge of the lake, not looking to meet Graystorms' eyes.

"I... I'm sorry, Graystorm..."

She doubted that he knew she had started the rumor, but it was all she could say.

[[esperanza]]

Alasdi had never believed in ghosts.

It was moments like this, however, when he had doubts.

~*~

Although spring was lurking around the corner, ready to pour out new life upon the plains, late winter mornings were still frigid and cold. Alasdi had awoken before the dawn, and had been trotting around his territory since then, making sure nothing was amiss. At first everything had appeared just fine, but he knew with the strange inner sense of a lead stallion that something wasn't quite right in the Darksun territory.

His search brought him to the forest. The fresh scents of thick pines nestled together were interrupted intermittenly by a cluster of horses huddling together, out of the weather, their shaggy winter coats not yet shed. But as he ventured further into the heart of the forest, he encountered less horses.

He came at last onto the shore of the lake. The outer edges of it had melted, but the middle of it was completely still, crusted over with ice. The white snow coupled with the dark deep greens of pines and the still air was beautiful enough to break one's heart. The bay stallion tried to subdue the ache that now penetrated his heart, but it was in vain. He gazed across the lake, and saw, to his surprise, two horses he didn't recognize at first.

Sometimes he thought he saw ghosts here. It was here, on the shores of the lake in winter, when a beautiful young filly had died of fever so many years ago... But these two horses weren't ghosts, well, at least, one of them wasn't. One, though, was a mare who was supposed to be dead.

And it wasn't Lenore, either.

Alasdi froze, but watched them, waiting for the wind to shift and carry their scent to him. They hadn't noticed him...yet.