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

[Swifthoof]

Her gaze lowered to the snow and he stood there watching, his tail swishing in uncertainty as he wondered what to do next. He had thought she was dead and now that she had suddenly come back, it came to quite a shock to him. It probably would be a shock to anyone if they were find out that their loved one was dead only to find them alive and well a season later.

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

His dark gray tipped ears perked up at her response and he looked over at the other side of the lake, a small frown appearing on his face. She was sorry. He knew that one would probably never forgive her and simply walk out of her life for good. But he wasn't like that. He was so happy that she was alive and near him that the rest didn't even matter to Graystorm. Now it was only Coldheart that mattered.

Blue orbs then noticed the shape of another on the other side of he lake and his eyes narrowed, trying to tell if it was friend or foe. You're in Darksun lands..what else could they be.. he thought, snorting softly. Not really taking the other form in consideration, he turned back to Coldheart. A somber expression crossed his face and he walked toward her until he was in front of her.

It was then that he didn't care anymore if a Darksun saw them or not. He knew that it would put both their lives in danger, but he would gladly take the full blow of it if it meant keeping Coldheart alive. A small sigh escaped his muzzle and he moved his head forward and rested it on her neck, nuzzling her.

You're alive...That's all that matters to me now. he said, his tone soft as his eyes closed briefly still wondering if this was all real. That she really was alive and that this wasn't a dream. But he could feel that the mare in front of him was real and well.

[/size]

[[R].ebel]

The thought of losing him was a terrifying thought for Coldheart. She had started a lie to protect him, only hurting him in the process. Now, the lie could still cause her to lose him. Coldheart couldn't see Graystorm as being that kinda stallion, but the thought that he would see her as a liar and no good to him still lingered in her head, clouding her mind as ears waited in hopes to pick up his voice of forgiveness.

Ears pricked to the sound of hoofsteps and eyes soon followed to see Graystorm coming to a stop in front of her. Instead of lashing out at her for her deciet, Graystorm gently rested his head against her neck and this time, Coldheart did not fight back or shy away. She gladly took in the warmth of his touch, feeling at peace for once, at least since her lie.

'You're alive...That's all that matters to me now.'

His words brought comfort to Coldheart, but she still could not rid that feeling of disgust with herself, although the lie was out of love and concern. No member of the Darksun herd, especially Alasdi, would not stand to have such a forbidden love happen between the Cimarron & the Darksun and she knew the consequences would be grave if anyone was to find out. Closing her eyes, Coldheart rested her head against Graystorms' neck, glad they had reunited. But still, Coldheart felt she needed to explain herself.

"I know you don't care about Alasdi or what he thinks or... what he would do, but... I was afraid of losing you forever. You're so dag-on hard-headed, I didn't know of any other way to keep you from here..."

[[esperanza]]

Summer. A beautiful black filly prances on the forest's border, the sunlight dancing on her coat...

Alasdi tossed his head as if he could rid himself of the memories. He was certain now that the bay mare across the lake was Coldheart, one of his own herd, and that she was supposed to be dead.

Autumn. Winter is early, and two young horses huddle deep in the shelter of a thick cluster of trees to keep out the cold.

Who was that stallion with her, though? He didn't recognize his scent. The bay leader tossed his head into the wind, and then his ears went flat with anger.

What he had smelled was the distinct, disgusting scent of a Cimarron horse.

Alasdi slipped back into the shadow of the trees and started walking, softly, his hooves making only faint sounds on the forest floor. He kept the lake in sight and made his way until he was just behind the other two horses.

[Swifthoof]

At first he expected for her to shy away and fight back at his touch, but this time she didn't. Feeling her touch against his neck, he felt his body relax as his ears pricked at her words.

I know you don't care about Alasdi or what he thinks or... what he would do, but... I was afraid of losing you forever. You're so dag-on hard-headed, I didn't know of any other way to keep you from here...

Opening his eyes to her voice, he stepped back a little and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the form that was across the lake had dissapeared. He gave no further thought to the other, seeing that it was pointless. As long as they weren't seen together, he was okay with it. Of course, he knew of the consequences that would happen if they were found out. It surely mean death for him and Coldheart would probably be banished from her home if she wasn't killed first. He knew that being thrown out of her only herd would probably crush her and he was set on never letting that happen. Sure, he contemplated on the fact of asking her to join the Cimarron herd, but he could also tell that she was too dedicated to her own homeland whether it was owned by a corrupted leader or not. Besides at least he could still see her even if it was in secret and in enemy lands.

Getting back to the present a small smile crossed his muzzle as her words still rang in his ears and he took a moment to think of what to say. He understood why she had done what she did even if it did hurt him in the process, but now he didn't care. The only thing that mattered to him was that she was alive.

It's alright, Coldheart...I understand why you had to do it, but you're not going to lose me. Ever. I'll always be here for you he said as he reached forward and gently nibbled her forehead before resting his forehead against hers. I love you.. he murmured, oblivious to his surroundings except for the bay mare in front of him.

[/size]

[[R].ebel]

As he stepped away, Coldheart looked to Graystorm, seeing his eyes carry somewhere off across the lake. Quickly, her eyes searched the area he was looking at, afraid someone had seen them, but she could see no one. Her fear was soon forgotten when the stallions' words brought the bay back.

'It's alright, Coldheart...I understand why you had to do it, but you're not going to lose me. Ever. I'll always be here for you'

Coldheart smiled softly, pushing her forehead against his as he did the same. Even though it had happened a few seasons ago, Coldheart still couldn't believe that she had fallen in love; and to top it off, with a Cimarron stallion! She knew none that new her would believe until they saw it, which was comforting for her, as Coldheart knew she could easily keep it a secret. Not that she wanted to. Coldheart wanted to scream it to the heavens that she loved him with all her heart.

'I love you..'

As if reading her mind, he spoke the exact words she was thinking of. Oblivious to the snake that stood so close, Coldheart let the following words slip from her mouth.

"I love you, too..."

[[esperanza]]

The calmness with which the Darksun's leader watched the two lovebirds was a lie. Inside he was furious. It took all his self-control to keep his ears from lying flat against his skull.

'I love you.'
'I love you too...'

This was sickening. Coldheart, a traitor? He wouldn't allow it.

"Well, isn't that sweet..." he said quite suddenly, a smirk tugging at the edge of his muzzle, a murderous gleam in his eyes.

[Swifthoof]

Feeling her push her forehead against his own, a small smile crossed his muzzle and he nuzzled her cheek with his nose, his ears pricking to the four words that warmed his heart and did away with the coldness that was there.

I love you, too...

[/color]

In the back of his mind, the stallion still could not believe that this was all real. As if this was still a dream and that any second now he would blink awake and find himself still alone in the leftover grip of winter. Another sigh escaped his muzzle, filled with bliss and love before another voice made his ears prick and a cold chill run down his spine.

Well, isn't that sweet...[/color]

His eyes widened in shock as he turned to see a horse deep in the trees, a murderous look in his eyes. No, no, no... he thought as his mind whirled with what to do now. But what could they do? He couldn't say that Coldheart had caught him on his turf and chased him to the lake could he? But he knew that the bay stallion had stood there long enough to see that Coldheart hadn't and was very much a traitor.

Blue eyes flicked to Coldheart and back to Alasdi, his muscles tensing up as he wondered what to do. He knew that attacking the leader would get them in even more trouble than they were in now. But what else could they do? Could they run back to Cimarron teritorry and hope that Spirit would take Coldheart into his herd?. Flicking his eyes around, he looked for a way out, any way out, to get out of the position they were in, but was still ready to defend himself in case the bay attacked. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

Lost in the warm feeling of love flowing through her veins, Coldheart just wanted to stand like this forever; him with her and her with him. Not caring about the barrier that seperated them, not a care in the world to worry about; no Darksun or Cimarron; just two in love.

'Well, isn't that sweet...'

Ears pricked to the familiar voice of that evil soul, eyes widening at the thought of being caught. At the thought of Graystorm being caught. Coldheart didn't care what happened to her, but she wanted nothing to happen to Graystorm. There was no hiding it now, there was no need to. Alasdi had caught them red-handed and now, the only thing left to do was face him. Eyes returning to the fiery spirit ones that everyone knew of, Coldheart whipped around to face Alasdi, ears pinned and teeth bared, ready for a fight. There was no use in explaining herself or talking. She was ready for a fight. Every muscle tense and ever fiber in her body showing the unafraid attitude to strike, whether he was leader or not.

[[esperanza]]

His smirk widened as Alasdi started walking slowly toward the pair, stepping out of the shadows and into the sunlight that was now shining brilliantly on the surface of the lake. He had caught them off guard. The gray stallion was panicing, and that was exactly what Alasdi had wanted him to do.

What he didn't want--or expect--was Coldheart's suddenly fierce behavior.

The bay stopped a few yards away from them. "Now, Coldheart, calm down," he said, his voice patronizing. "Where have you been? We all thought you were dead."

[Swifthoof]

Graystorm watched as the bay stepped out of the shadows, his smirk widening. A feeling of unease settled within the stallion as he watched the leader of the Darksun herd in a careful manner. Now that he knew of his relationship with Coldheart there was no telling of what he might do as punishment.

His eyes then flicked toward his love who was now looking as though she wanted nothing more than to attack her leader. A small snort escaped his nostrils as he stepped up beside her. Glancing at the bay, Graystorm could tell that Coldheart's hostile response wasn't what he was expecting. Wasn't what I was expecting either.. he thought, seeing the bay stop a few yards away from them. Lowering his head, he pinned his ears back as he waited Alasdi to attack.

Now, Coldheart, calm down

[/color]

The stallion blinked in surprise as he heard Alasdi's words, knowing it would take more than that to calm Coldheart down. Really, she looked on the brink of attacking Alasdi.

Where have you been? We all thought you were dead[/color]

He felt his eyes narrow at the bay's question and he waited what Coldheart would have to say about it. He knew that she had spread rumors about her death so that it would reach him, he just didn't know that it would reach her own herd. Nevertheless, he was still ready in case things got out of hand. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

'Now, Coldheart, calm down, Where have you been? We all thought you were dead.'

Body stance unchanged; ears pinned flat, teeth bared threateningly and that fiery look for a fight burning in her eyes. This was the Coldheart everyone knew. Taking a defiant step towards Alasdi, she challenged him right there, taking yet another, as her teeth gritted, yearning for his blood. Leader or not, she wasn't going down without a fight and his patronizing was only lengthening her suffering. Through clenched teeth, Coldheart spoke out against him.

"Shut up, you twisted old fool! Stop toying with me and fight! There's no hiding my secret now, and I will no longer! I hope this hurts your own ears: I'm in love with a Cimarron!"

Boiling anger burned through her, but Coldheart dare not leave Graystorm. She knew any chance he got, Alasdi would surely to try to use Graystorm against her, so for now, she was bound at his side, not daring to make the first move, but oh how she wanted to, and it was clear that she wasn't going to back down.

[[esperanza]]

{OOC//Actually Alasdi's a year younger than Coldheart. xD}

As long as the Cimarron horse was still afraid of him, Alasdi had some control over the situation. He started walking again, circling the pair.

'Shut up, you twisted old fool! Stop toying with me and fight! There's no hiding my secret now, and I will no longer! I hope this hurts your own ears: I'm in love with a Cimarron!'

Coldheart's words sickened Alasdi, but he continued circling without losing his cool. "Deceit...disloyalty...this isn't like you, Coldheart." He continued to circle them until he was next to Coldheart again. The blood bay lifted his head and stared across at Graystorm, a warning in his eyes.

[Swifthoof]

Every cell in his body told him to attack the bay leader, but the gray stallion stood his ground, watching as Coldheart's anger seemed as it wanted to boil over. Her hostile stance didn't change as she took a few steps closer to Alasdi, ears pinned and teeth bared.

Shut up, you twisted old fool! Stop toying with me and fight! There's no hiding my secret now, and I will no longer! I hope this hurts your own ears: I'm in love with a Cimarron!

[/color]

Ears pricked at her words, but his eyes remained on Alasdi, awaiting his reaction. He knew that the leader would use any means to make them suffer even using them against each other and Graystorm was determined to not let that happen. A small snort escaped his nostrils as he watched Alasdi circle them, following the bay with his eyes as his muscles tensed, ready to attack if Alasdi made the first move. So far the bay hadn't really done anything, only talked and Graystorm wanted nothing more than to sink his teeth into Alasdi and throw him into the lake that was behind them.

Deceit...disloyalty...this isn't like you, Coldheart[/color]

Ears pricked to Alasdi's words as he kept circling them until he came to a stop beside the mare. Meeting the warning look in the bay's eyes. Graystorm pinned his ears back, the same warning look in his own blue eyes as he dared him to do anything. Tired of the patronizing from the bay, he spoke, his voice low and filled with warning.

Enough Alasdi..either walk away or fight he growled, baring his teeth. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

'Deceit...disloyalty...this isn't like you, Coldheart.'

Coldheart just wanted to tear foreward and rip through Alasdi, but she didn't dare leave Graystorm's side, figuring sticking together would save their necks sooner than seperating. Eyes watched the stallion as he circled, posture never changing. Oo, she was ready for a fight, not caring if he was leader or not. Coldheart's new leader, was her heart.

"You don't know me, Alasdi... You haven't seen the wost of me yet..."

[[esperanza]]

'Enough Alasdi..either walk away or fight.'

"My, you Cimarron horses are a violent bunch," Alasdi replied with a twisted smile. He wasn't read to fight yet--he wanted to prolong this as long as he possibly could. To see the two lovebirds suffer was his main goal, and he wouldn't dare to make the first move in an attack against a Cimarron horse. No, his plan was more complex than that...

'You don't know me, Alasdi... You haven't seen the wost of me yet...'

Alasdi drew his head back, away from her, his ears twitching slightly backwards. "I know that you were one of the most loyal horses in our herd--this Cimarron horse must be very persuasive to make you switch allegiences so easily." As he said this, he cast another look of disdain upon the dapple gray.