The Dark Herd, ii

[sassaboo]

((Please post herd members here now, no need for big intro posts so long as they have already meet the leaders.))

[Horsegirl]

<sub>{~ Continuing from Mystery and Fuzzy's posts..... I'm gonna try first with Chancers. ~}

A snarl escaped my sun-kissed maw as Disaster spoke. I disliked the word choice very, very much. I may be a dark, but I have a conscience as pure as a light-hearted. Well, as much as possible. "Keep your filthy tongue to yourself, Disaster," I growled as I realized who she'd been speaking to, as my crimson beauty, Kayala, loped up to our little group. Her red coat was slightly wet, I could tell, but that was nothing abnormal, considering the condition she was in. Orbs narrowed as the two, one jett, the other scarlet, exchanged more words. Kayala was clearly playing it safe, and as she appraised the other female stock, I knew what she was thinking. "They don't stand a chance," I whispered, a smirk upon my maw.

I turned back to the others, realizing that I knew the callings of all but two. Vlad, Desire, Mirela, Cosmo, Disaster, and Kayala. The only outsiders were the pair: the duller palomino brute and the brightly-hued pinto femme. Brow cocked at them. "Seeing as we've all given up our names, I suppose it's only fair if you give up yours, eh?" My voice was normal, slightly sarcastic, with a touch of menace. Basically, I want your name and I want it now. One dagger lifted, then was grounded, as I waited for the others to speak, in defense or agreement.</sub>

[Mystery]

^{Obviously, my last thought was wrong. Turning my eyes over to Chance, I drew a breathe before opening my mouth. "I suppose so. I'm Prince," my voice wasn't as bold as I thought it was going to be. I had never been proud of my name and right now, I wasn't going to be proud at all. Sure, it would've been better to just make up a name, but I wasn't that fast of a thinker. Glancing once over to Spirit before going back to Chance. This palomino seemed so demanding and yet, I was bigger then him. So the puny ones are becoming more fierce? Rolling my eyes, I shook my head lightly. "If you really think that attitude is going to get you any where with me, you've got another thing coming," I said, voice low and a bit stern. I was not going to take crap from anyone, that was for sure. Swishing my tail about, I looked away from Chance and around the riverbed. The place looked a bit more livelier with more, but also too open for my liking.}

[Spirit Dancer]

'How do you like me now, father? You'd regret banning me if you could see what I've accomplished.'
The thought came unbidden, streaking through my brain as fast as lightning. I knew it was true, though. He would probably be smug that one of his legitimate children had achieved greatness, then feel threatened by what power I held. He was deranged, in so many ways.

Black pools flicker over to the small crimson mare as words were exchanged between her and Disaster. Only at Chance's words, do I snap; literally. Fangs bared, uncaring to the reactions of anyone else now.
"Watch your tongue, Chance. Disaster and I may not agree, but I won't tolerate violence."

My expression remained somewhat pensive as everything took place. The massive blood red brute, appropriately named Vladimir, easily took over as Emperor. Copper audials flickered backwards into my blond and fiery auburn mane as the argument continued, before Vladimir put his words in. I knew he would take action if his laws were obeyed - it seeped from his large muscle bound frame that he would. I frown at Chance's taunting words, fierce blue pools locking onto his vivid gold bode with a glare full of malice.
"Giving my name is pointless. Vladimir already knows it, as does Prince. I see no need to give my name up, and to you of all brutes," I reply, equally showing the malice in my glare and bore the defiance that came naturally to me. I was never going to be pushed around as long as I lived.

[sassaboo]

I scoffed at the golden brute's words, ready to retaliate until Vladimir snapped. I was a fighter by nature, but I was not ignorant. Frowning my dislike of Chance, I kept my mouth shut to keep well enough on the good side of Vladimir to where I wouldn't get myself killed. Hazel orbs eyed the painted one, a bit surprised by her snappy comeback. "Maybe you do belong here afterall..." I smirked, knowing that most of the herd members who knew she was a light understood what I was talking about. Not saying anything else, I turned my back towards the group to steer clear of any more arguements. Peace would not be easily held in this new herd, obviously grudges and fights would be common instead. Now at a good distance from the herd, but still visible to anyone who wanted to know where I walked off to, I stopped. Sticking to the edge of the herd was usual for me, and once again, it seemed I was destined to be the outkast that everyone looked down upon. "Damn it..." Why the hell was happiness so hard to achieve?

Dark eyes watched the ebony mare distance herself from the herd, giving a sigh. I hadn't said much during the whole arguements, nor had Mirela or Cosmo. Good, it'd keep them out of trouble. For now, at least... But I felt sorry for Disaster, sure she was well known and earned a reputation that many frowned upon, but so had the rest of us. So why corner her out? I would not be tried due to my size and position, else someone was asking for a deathwish or banish. Same went for Mirela. And Spirit Dancer had Prince, practically a bodygaurd. And that was the same for the fiery chestnut mare. Disaster really didn't have anyone that would help stand up for her, she had to fend for herself...


I was growing dizzy from looking around at everyone each time they spoke, even though following the arguement was pointless. I was glad that dad ended the arguement, proud that no one was stupid enough to mess with him. But as Disaster left, I flicked my ears back in curiosity. She seemed to be an interesting mare, because she didn't get along with most, and I was just as curious to find out why. Glancing over to my mother, the look on her face showed that she pitied the black beauty, which was probably something that Disaster didn't even want to begin with.

[Spirit Dancer]

Black rimmed audials pivoted backwards, a slight frown tugs at the corners of my charred muzzle as my father speaks - his word is law, and judging by his tone, he'd be quick to enforce it. I say nothing as coal chasms watch the spectacle take place before my father snaps, watching him as he tries desperately to calm himself. Since, after all, if he got angry enough...There would be a blood bath, literally. Somehow I was lucky to skip his brute-ish gene, but it was passed to my twin sister. I was calm like our mother, as Mirela was more like our father - she craved blood and flesh like he did. Maybe not as much, due to the thinned blood, but just enough to be a threat to everyone.

Coal chasms turn to the vivid paint mare, the self-exiled Queen of Avalon. Though no one really knows that except for my parents, sister, Disaster, and Prince, obviously. She snapped back quickly at Chance's subtle demand, with an air of confidence broiling close to defiance. My attention is quickly caught by Disaster's movements, as she leaves the small gathering to isolate herself else where. My dark grey tassels flick behind me, as audials pivot forward as I watch her distance herself before stopping. Sending a quick glance towards my parents and sister, realizing they were too into the argument to really care, I distanced myself as well, but followed Disaster.
"I'm sorry for the trouble Chance has caused," I comment as I got within earshot - stopping just far enough away to keep out of hitting distance. A polite distance, of course, but I was close enough to realize that I was taller than her by a hand, even at my age. I cringed slightly at my voice; it was already deep like my father's, even for being somewhat young still. "And for any future trouble he, or his mare, will cause."

[Mystery]

^{For a non-relaxed moment, I thought Spirit Dancer was actually going to lash out at Chance. Of course, I wouldn't have stopped her, but someone would have. Flicking my ears back, I looked over to her glare. It wasn't a nice glare either, pursing my lips I looked away from her. Maybe I deserved that. I thought solemnly, tail slowly flicking back and forth. Sighing, my body slowly began to feel better being here. Keeping my mouth shut was going to be the best way to keep me alive here, though it was hard. Golden body breathing calmly as everyone seemed to settle down. Disaster and Cosmo seemed to remove themselves from everyone. The next moment, I had a very queasy feeling in my stomach, like someone was approaching. Turning my cranial about, I looked for the new figure. My nostrils inhaled, taking in the new sweet scent of someone. Lashing my tail in Spirit Dancer's direction, I huffed after shifting my hefty weight. Something was going to happen.}

ooc'
I'm still deciding whether to bring Niv in. :/

[sassaboo]

An unexpectedly deep voice interupted my thoughts, a single thorn twitching back to catch the words. Looking back over my shoulders, I was rather surprised that it was the quiet son of the King who had spoken to me. I scoffed at his words, a poor habit I had picked up it seemed. "Ah, don't worry about it. I've got a feeling that brute is all talk, though he may keep digging himself in a deeper hole if he keeps it up." Casually I looked over towards the thinner palomino, a small smirk on my muzzle. If he was nothing but talk, it would be quite a sight to see his downfall. "I don't exactly deserve the greatest of welcomes it seems, apparently my reputation isn't the best around here. Then again, looks like a lot of us don't have great reputations. " I scanned the herd towards selected members with backgrounds as such, before looking back up towards the younger brute.

Alright buddy, what's the catch? One could practically hear my thoughts, and I'm sure others were wondering the same thing. Why was Cosmo speaking with me? And without looking for a fight to pick? Of course, my own history with stallions of any kind alerted me to raise my gaurd. Many stallions were full of crap, to be honost I expected no less from him. Just as Chance was when I first met him, a 'gentleman' attempting to fool me. But just as I suspected, here Chance was in the dark herd, with a pregnant prize.

[Mystery]

<sup>Curvy figure picked its way over the dry and seeming abandoned land. Hardened daggers dug into the cracked riverbed, the sun drinking up every ounce of water there ever was. Moving up the slope, her movements were more placid and picky, a caution well seen in her movements. With every step, she grew more eager to get away with the brute that she had helplessly let get a hold of her. So should have waited for a prettier one. She thought, most likely in a grumpy mood. Petite bodice got closer to the dark herd, nares wavering in and out, being down south of the herd, she smelt every single one of them. More brutes then femmes so she predicted. Halting for a mere moment, flaxen tresses swished slowly back and forth as she tried to register if she knew any of them. Taking in a deep breath, her auds instantly pinned back. Every muscle in her body froze up, a frown lacing her charred muzzle. Only he'll know. Suddenly, she picked up her trot, muscles becoming gooey and cautious once more as she approached closer to the unknown herd. A devilish smirk curled up her lips, chestnut spotted hide twitching at the horrid, biting fiends.

Stopping just close enough, deep hazel pools looked over each one. The largest stallion frightened her, but only because the look in his eyes seemed to mean he wasn't really a happy boy. Alpha. Coughing out a snort, she paused over the large palomino standing next to a paint, they didn't seem to harmless. Another set paired away from the herd, she didn't give another thought of it. Though, a pure chestnut mare stood next a slim palomino, she looking impregnated herself. Looks like I wasn't the only one. Rolling pools over, she decided that a little suck in with her stomach wouldn't show too much of her previous state. Stepping up, she let flaxen neck locks shake once or twice before glancing over to the Alpha, Vladimir. "Hello sir. Apologize if I seem to be trespassing, but it looks like this is the only dark herd available of a home," her words were calm and smooth, dark was the only word spit out. Hazel pools stayed locked on Vlad, knowing she was going to get some response.</sup>

[Spirit Dancer]

I nodded solemnly in response, my coal chasms flickering over to watch the slim form of the palomino brute quietly as I listened to Disaster. He was digging a deeper hole for himself; atleast with my father, anyways. My father wasn't very tolerant of other stallions, so Chance was really pushing his buttons. Prince seemed to be doing good by staying quiet and respecting my father's wishes - which was very good.
"True," I replied, my gaze returning to the friesian mare, offering a childish grin. "But that makes us all the more interesting."

My fierce gaze looked over to Prince at his sigh, full of questioning as my mood changed from the anger towards Chance. My gaze turned away with a long exhale of breath, to watch the conversing forms of others. With the change, it meant my sons had lost their home. I frowned at the thought, knowing fully well both of my sons were probably dead now. Not that it mattered much, since neither of them were that emotionally attached to me....But, it still hurt slightly to think that the only foals I'd borne in my life so far were dead before I was.

My train of thought is interrupted by Prince's shifting weight, nares flaring slightly at the invasion of a new scent. Another herd member?
'Lovely.'

I wasn't that much calmer than when I ended the argument between Disaster, Chance and his mare. Black rimmed audials remained pinned back into my think black mane as the mare's scent wavered into my nares; my gaze shifting to look down at her.
"No need for apologies. The change was rather...abrupt. You are welcome here, but I need your name."

[Horsegirl]

<sub>My shimmering ears flicked flat back at Vlad's words. "Of course, my lord. Simply defending my family." There they were again, those giant fangs of his. They frightened me; he seemed like he had some disease or something. Maybe coming here wasn't such a good idea. But I'd have only the exiles, who were much, much worse than these brutes; the Neutrals, which could be okay; the Lights, whose constant happiness made them a definite no; and the undecided ones, which could be okay. But I was a dark, and darks go with darks.

I heard Prince's reply to my demand, and his mate's refusal. "Then play it that way. I really don't care." With a name like Prince, I could tell why he was reluctant to speak. Then Disaster walked off, clearly she needed some time to pout. But with an attitude like hers, who could blame everyone? No one wanted a mate that ripped you apart when you even came close. Then Cosmo went off after Disaster, clearly intent on making some truce. Good luck to him.

Of a sudden a familiar scent filled my nostrils, and I turned to see the spotted wench that I'd met before. "Clearly you made it out alive," I growled to myself, none too happy to see the femme here. "And you have the nerve to come to our domain? Hah." I gave her a sidelong glance and turned back to the others, not pleased with this newcomer.

{~ Lawl....Chance is taller, but Prince is uber big. ~}</sub>

[Mystery]

<sup>The change of actually looking up at someone made her feel quite not at ease. "I am Niveau," her slight accent brought out as she pronounced her name in pride. It was a different name, one that no one would probably know the reason of. At least she was different. Her eyes moved over to the palomino as she heard his mumbling, it wasn't hard to detect since she saw his lips move. "I thank you for welcoming me," she said quietly before moving her petite spotted bode away from the tall leader. Stepping away from Chance, she tried not to make too much eye contact. I'll go where ever I please and knowing that you're here makes it twice as much fun. Her mind rambled on a bit as she stood toward the outside, lingering somewhat close to Prince, trying not to seem like she was or could cause some kind of drama. Flinging her eyes back to her skull, she nosed at the dead ground before lifting her head up. Looking around with crystal clear hazel eyes, her spotted hide twitched once or twice as she felt stares upon her.

My eyes watched everyone carefully, knowing that something was wrong with this new mare. Looking at her carefully as she moved closer to me, I frowned. She was in foal and how I could tell this early in her pregnancy, I wasn't sure. My ears twisted, hearing someone talking to himself. Chance. Looking over to him, something in deed wasn't wrong. Glancing back over to the mare, I hadn't caught her name when she had spoken to Vlad. It seemed she was standing near me for protection, which was a wrong idea. There would be only one mare I would protect and it would be Spirit Dancer and I knew she could hold her own ground. "Looks like this new girl likes a bit of drama. Or can't think straight," I mumbled in anyone's general direction. Moving my golden gaze away from the petite mare, my compact body shifted a bit before I settled down.</sup>

ooc' Hah, Prince would probably just tackle Chance if they ever fought.

[sassaboo]

I waited for the response of Chance as Vladimir warned him, curious as to know if he was going to back talk, or shut up like a claim. If he were to back talk, he would be idiotic. If he were to simply shut up, he would be a coward. Though I was pleased to see that he did neither, he made a short and simple comment to agree to obey Vladimir, while at the same time explaining that he was defending me. Ah, yes. Looks like I made a good choice in this stallion. But shortly after that, a new mare with a spotted coat approached the herd.

Scanning her over, I noticed the scar that Chance had made his trade mark. My own ears flicked back into my fiery mane, dished muzzle raising slightly. I was not really impressed with her, and judging by everyone elses comments, they was not exactly pleased with her either. Well, that was a good thing in my opinion, Chance and I had made a deal. I was to be his most prized mare above all others and be treated with respect, whilst I would give him the treatment of royalty if he wished for it. Her physical appearance was lacking, I had a feeling competition was something I wasn't going to have with her. A smirk crossed my muzzle as I caught Prince's words, slightly amused. Not wanting Chance to be distracted by the spotted one for long, I casually flicked my long tassle against his flank. But shortly after I did so, I cringed. A sharp kick was thrown against my barrel, pain shot down my spine and my legs nearly buckled. Crap... I fought back grunting against the pain, and I glanced up to Chance, then Vladimir as though to excuse myself from the group. I had to leave, this foal was not going to let me wait...Turning around, I headed towards the ledge that many of the herd used to get into the valley and began to climb up and head towards the foaling fields.

Looking back up to Cosmo with doubt, I gave a slight smirk to his grin. I couldn't help it, even though he was a brute, he was still at an age of innocence. But it would fade soon more than likely, and he would learn. With a sigh, I shook my dial. "Interesting, perhaps. It makes for quite a variety of equines in one herd, but at the same time we have similarities that they can not see. By the looks of it, there will always be an underdog in this herd." I noticed the new mare getting some snarky remarks from the others, and gave a snort. I had left the group to avoid further confrontation, so they moved on to the newest mare who seemed to be minding her own business. Ah well, not my problem at this moment. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see how all this unfolds..."

[sassaboo]

Dark brown eyes were narrowed in a bitter attitude, Chance better be damned proud with his new daughter. Occassionally I would glance down at Risque, making sure she was following safely. Approaching the ledge, I advised her to stick as close to the rocky wall as possible. An untimely death was not exactly on my list of activities, at least not for her. Reaching the bottom, I let out a gentle nicker to alert Chance that I had returned with a bit of a surprise.

Not waiting for him, I picked up my pace into a graceful trot with my tassle carried high. I knew I would be coming into my foal heat soon, and instincts strengthened my already flirtatious nature. And I was going to use it to hopefully tick Chance off, yet at the same time have him chasing me. That was, if my plan worked. Approaching the golden stallion, I flicked my ears back and delivered a harsh nip close to where I had bitten him before. It was obvious I wasn't happy that he had left me alone, and for now that would be enough as a mild punishment."Meet your daughter, her name is Risque." I looked over my shoulder for the young beauty, smiling softly at her. "Say hello to your father..."

[Mystery]

<sup>My eyes turned away from Spirit Dancer as Krimzen re approached the herd. I looked at the foal, quite surprised by the color. It wasn't what I had expected, but it wasn't really my business either. I also had half a mind to congratulate, but it wasn't like he loved her or anything. Sighing softly, I averted my gaze and just looked up. There was a silent moment, nothing that I could really think or even want to say. The puny little foal made me a bit jealous that I didn't have one of my own. Well, I did, but that he or she was in a far off land never to meet me. Looking down to my own peach colored hooves, everything seemed to slow down a bit; like the world stopped spinning. Maybe something was missing in my life and I didn't know it. Yeah, love. It popped up before I could stop, appalled at myself, I frowned. No, I didn't need love.

The lost look on her face was clearly read. What was she doing here? Though, she had nothing else to do, no where else to go, the foal with her was better then just being lonely. Feeling a sharp pain in her stomach, Niveau bit at her bottom lip. No one would care even if they did saw her expression. Closing dark colored eyes, she moved out a bit farther from the group. A good thinking session was what she needed, a friend would be better. Opening her pools, she shifted over to look at Krimzen nip at Chance. What a whore. Niv thought without hesitation, eyes looking down to the mare's foal. Her foal is just has horrid looking. Curling upper lip up, she looked away and scuffed at the ground. Unsure of her life, this was the best place for her at the moment.</sup>

[sassaboo]

I smirked at the spotted mare who sneered at Krimzen and her foal, rolling my eyes at them. I watched the herd for a few more seconds, before making my decision. I wasn't happy here, apparently the others weren't happy with my being here, so why not leave? Looking back up to Cosmo, I smirked. "Do me a favor, will you? Tell your parents that I won't be a bother anymore..." With that, I turned to leave the young brute with the herd. I was off to see if I could find a better home to stay in...

[Spirit Dancer]

My fierce blue gaze locks onto the crimson mare as she re-enters the herd, a foal in tow. The gears turned in my brain as I watched the mare interact with Chance, knowing the foal was his. It was painfully obvious; just like the other pregnant mare was probably carrying his seed. The colors thrown from the both of them, though, was interesting. Chestnut like the mother, with locks of flaxen from the father. The mixing of their lineage was interesting, to say the least.

Though the attractiveness of the foal left me a little jealous. Sure, my sons could of beaten the filly with their own looks; blue eyes from me, black and white tobianos from a mixture of myself and their bastard of a father. They were my pride and joy, even if we never had a close bond. But they were gone, one dead, the other missing. It had left a hole in my heart, knowing I'd never be able to watch them grow up. And seeing the filly just made me want another one. I could restrain my wanting, though. There was no way in hell I was going to just let a brute have his way with me so I could have another foal. Call me stubborn, or foolish, but I wanted a stallion that was mine and mine alone. Something I'd never had.

My coal chasms looked away, as audials pinned themselves back as I nodded.
"Sure, sure.." came the muttered reply, slightly sarcastic as she turned away and left. Now I was stuck, again, with no one to talk to. Great.

[Horsegirl]

<sub>My mother walked ahead of me, forcing me close to the ledge from time to time. "I'm fine," I complained, somehow knowing perfectly well what lay below. When we had first started, I'd looked over the edge and seen the deep drop below. It had half scared me out of my wits, and I was happy with staying close to the wall of rock. I almost had to move at a trot, just to keep up. "Anxious, are we?" I muttered, my voice barely audible. Except to a nonexistent bug on my nose, maybe. Soon she broke into a trot herself, and I had to canter to keep pace.

Soon we'd arrived at the others. There were so many....and so big. Five big draft types, one split from the herd. The first was a bay, who looked very dangerous somehow; he towered over me. I wasn't sure, but he looked big enough to be the "big kahuna" of the group. Next to him was a lightly dappled gray mare that might have been his mate. Then was a buckskin, haunches dappled as well, like who I assumed was her mother. The fourth big one was a palomino, with him a copper and white mare, apparently his mate as well. A spotted mare was with him, too, her belly extended more than Mother. I wasn't exactly sure what that meant. I looked behind me to see the fifth, his bluish gray hide different from all others but the gray mare. He seemed to be missing something. I turned to see Mother talking to another stallion, this one a glittering palomino, though much lankier than the draft one. As I listened, it seemed that this one was my father.

I walked forward as Mother called me to his side. "Ummm.....hi, Dad?" I wasn't sure what she wanted me to do. He wasn't there when I was born, sooo..... Um, what was I supposed to do? Clobber him in love? Be all standoffish? What? I followed her lead and stood close to them, a bit closer to my chestnut mother. I could tell I looked more like her, my only identifying factor with Dad being my lighter mane and tail.


I looked as Kayala returned...with my daughter in tow. Silently I cursed myself; I had wanted a son, and this was what she had given me....and I had given myself. Oh well. Time enough for an heir later on. I smiled as she came up to me and gave me a nip; apparently I was a magnet for teeth. "I'm sorry I didn't come, Kayala," I apologized. "I...I have no good excuses." But I'll be there next time," I told myself, watching as my daughter--Risque, was it?--came up to me.

Ummm.....hi, Dad? I nearly laughed at her hesitation, clearly not sure what to do. I settled for a small chuckle, and bent to nuzzle her. "Hello, Risque." I raised my head up, and turned back to Kayala. "Thank you. She's beautiful." I turned to see Niveau turn away, clearly upset by me. I'd better be getting a son for this treatment. Prince's mate watched us, too. My lip curled barely, but I went back to my little family.</sub>

[sassaboo]

His apology was enough, and he admitted that there was no excuse for his absense. I would let it go for now, watching as we got a couple looks from various herd members. Easily ignoring them as I did most of the time, I brought my attention back to Chance and Risque. "Yes, she's very intelligent as well." Although I had a feeling that Risque knew she was very intelligent for her age, and that occasionally she may get herself into trouble with it. But once she learned the rules of the game, it wouldn't surprise me if she'd become quite manipulative into getting what she wanted.



Following everyone else's glances, I looked down at the young filly at Kayala's side. Not really caring, I lost interest quickly and looked up at my brother. One aud flicked to the side, Disaster had left him alone. Actually, Disaster had left the entire herd by the looks of it. Couldn't blame her, but now it seemed Cosmo was a bit on the lonely side. Interesting how twin siblings could still be alone most of the time, sometimes it was a good thing though. Since I had gotten my first 'episode', I didn't want to end up attacking him, or anyone in my family. I had a reason to isolate myself, no matter how much the loneliness angered me.

Flicking my ears back, I narrowed my gaze and frowned. But as I glanced around the herd, a strange feeling overcame me. But I recognized it instantly, I was starting to be able to tell when an 'episode' would come over me. Especially since mine were a lot more random than my father's. Clentching my jaws shut, I stepped back from the herd. I kept my gaze on the ground, avoiding looking at anyone. I needed to get away, my hooves silently shuffling nervously. Another trait I had gotten from father, despite our large size, we could move quickly yet quietly. But I didn't know the lands, I didn't know where I could go. I just had to back up from the herd, forcing myself to avoid looking at anyone and grinding my teeth together while still backing up. 'No, no, no...Not right now....'

I felt the presence of my daughter leave my side, looking back over my shoulder to see her backing away from me. Just from looking at Mirela, you could tell that something was wrong. Her muscles were tensed, her dark gaze fixated on the ground, ears flicked back and if you tried to listen you could just barely hear the grinding of her teeth. 'Crap...' I knew what was happening, I'd seen it before in both Vlad and Mirela. But we were in the middle of a dried riverbed valley, with nothing but the herd around as far as I could see. Looking back to Vlad, I whispered for his attention. "Vlad...Mirela..." At the moment, he was really the only one who could at least try and help her.

[sassaboo]

My ears flicked forward to easily catch the whisper that my mother sent to my father, but he didn't respond. My jaws were sore from being forced shut, every muscle in my body tense beneath my dappled buckskin hide. Every little sound seemed ridicoulously loud, even if it was just someone taking a single step. It seemed most of the herd stopped to see what was wrong with me, but I could still hear movement. I tried to keep my dark gaze fixated on the ground, staring at the dirt with a silent fury. My own rage was growing, frustration of not knowing where to turn to was not helping.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the vibrant chestnut mare staring at me like I was some sort of diseased creature...But at the moment, I was. My own father passing down this...this bloody curse! As an adolescent it was still difficult for me to control myself, if I could control it at all. But aggrivation was rising with Krimzen, and I could hear my mother try and tell her to stop staring. 'How can I not stare? I mean, look at her...She's becoming quite the freak...' Krimzen's attempt of an excuse as to why she was staring was insulting, my ears pinning back before I shot her a glare from where I stood. My head had snapped up so quickly, one would have missed it if they blinked. The arabian mare only raised her dish muzzle, like the scrawny wench thought I was of no danger to her. But she kept her gaze on me, and soon spoke the one comment that sent another wave of infuriation and bloodlust that I couldn't control. 'What the heck is wrong with you?'



I watched in fear, as Krimzen refused to head my warnings. I wasn't exactly afraid for Krimzen, she asked for anything that would become of her. But I was worried what Vlad would say or do once Mirela was under control...The tension was heavy in the air, and I held my breath as I waited for the moment Mirela would snap. One final comment from Krimzen did it, and I cried out to Mirela to try and stop her. But I knew it was too dangerous for even myself to block the path of Mirela. I had seen her father only once so angered, but I knew it would have been far worse had he not had such control over himself. Mirela on the other hand...She was blinded by it...


All of what had most recently happened was only in a matter of seconds, before I had thrown myself towards Krimzen with much more speed than anyone could have anticipated. My mother's cry warned the arabian vixen, and I had never seen anyone turn around and run as quickly as she had. But I didn't care of anyone trying to stop me, right now I had become nothing more than a hunter, a predator. I was not intending to change my victim of choice, but my jaws would willingly snap shut tightly against anyone who tried to block me. Chasing down the arabian mare, I could hear the herd becoming more distant, and the panicked breathing of Krimzen more rapid...Closing in on the mare that thought she unstoppable, I let myself lose all rational thoughts and barreled the mare towards the ground...Everything became a blur, happening so quickly that I could hardly remember just exactly what happened. My muscles began to relax, my dialated eyes focusing on the beaten carcass before me.

I shut my eyes tightly against the view, shame never even crossing my mind until now. My muzzle and front hooves were tainted with red, and I could taste something almost metallic over my extended teeth...I knew what I did, not exactly how I did it, but it was over now. At least, for Krimzen it was...I cringed momentarilly, her shrill scream echoing in my mind, my thoughts racing back towards the herd. What would they say? What could they say? I remembered the newborn Krimzen had just recently brought back, and I knew that Dangerous Chances would eventually trying to plan his own revenge...While the filly, chances were I was imprinted in her mind as nothing but a monster... But so what of the herd...What about my family? What would my father say? He didn't tolerate violence in the herd, with or without my excuse... Would he punish me? Or exile me? What would Cosmo and mother think?

I shook my dial furiously, wishing that hadn't done what I just did....I wasn't even a fully grown mare, but I had already taken the life of one... Head hung low, I retraced my steps back to the herd slowly. Now that I wasn't running, I realized the we had gone quiet a ways away from the herd...Winding my way back through the riverbed, I paused when they finally came into view. I couldn't go straight to them, and I knew I would be stared at for a long time after this...So I just stuck to the edge, watching and waiting to see if I could return. I wanted comfort, though I didn't deserve it...Patience was all I could have now...