Let The Waves Take Me Down ;;

His words brought an overwhelming relief and sense of comfort to her soul, which had been struck weary by her recent exchange with Altus. It agitated her immensely that she had allowed it to trouble her to such a degree, yet her stress was well-founded; for it was highly probably that a life, an innocent life, hung in the balance. She would decide the fate of another with her success or with her failure. However, over the course of weeks since her fateful meeting with the Air God, Labyrinth had built a hardened resolve, a determination as daunting and imposing as the task which had been laid before her. She would throw her mind, her body, and her soul into this mission… if she was to fail, it would not be for lack of determination, or for lack of trying.

And so it came to pass that all of these thoughts of sorrow were swiftly evicted from Labyrinth’s mind as she absorbed the discourse of her lover… if only for a moment. A momentary reprieve was better than naught. And so, she relished in it, soaked up every last drop of love there was to be had. The Game was her beacon of hope; a light in the darkness. The spirit of Hoof Prince had been dampened as of late, foreshadowing the eerie things to come; but in these few moments of solitude with her lover, Labyrinth was immune to this sorrow’s heavy grip. In these moments, she was freed from her strife, if only briefly. His words brought that charming smile once again to Labyrinth’s façade, causing a glint of happiness to flit briefly in her mochas. These words, though rife with kindness and love, were not the only reason for her lightened state… Labyrinth had recently become a sacred vessel, carrying a most precious cargo. Labyrinth, it would seem, was pregnant. She and The Game had culminated their love for one another, and had conceived a new life, though it was very early in her pregnancy and her physique did not show her state as of yet. Though Alcatraz, Labyrinth’s first born, had been begotten out of love, it had not been the deep, binding love she now felt for The Game. Labyrinth had loved Capone, yes, but her love for him (and his love for her, too) had been the love of dearest friends, not lovers. This foal, however, had been conceived of two lovers whose feelings for one another could not have been plainer; they radiated love, glowed with its brilliance.

The Game spoke of her kindness, her generosity towards her fellow equines. Labyrinth, ever since she had been very young, had given of herself to those in need… with little thought of what her actions might have held for her. She did not consider the benefits, or even the retributions, of her actions… she merely performed those acts which would bring peace to others. Her dam had shaped her demeanor to reflect this, and Labyrinth had never forgotten the lessons she had learnt from the beautiful Arabian minx. The bay-toned steed also mentioned Scarface, the youngster who had arrived at the foot of the Caverns, alone and depressed, dejected by his own dam… and repulsed by his sire. Labyrinth’s heart had been struck by the colt’s dire circumstances, and she had sought to improve his lot in life, regardless of the costs. No youth should be exposed to such loathe, and the dainty Arabian had taken him as her surrogate. She had cared for him as if he was her own, and had come to think of him as such. Breaking herself away from her reminiscence, the charred sphinx allowed her tones to flow so that she may tell him so.

I find it flattering that you think me pure, Game; but I must say that I see the same tendencies in you. We have both found fortune in each other, for I count myself just as lucky as you consider yourself to be. As for the young Scarface, I could not allow him to be abandoned… it is against nature for one so young to have felt so much pain. He is extraordinary, and one day I hope he will discover this for himself.

She paused a moment, her heart jolting for second at the thought of her son; knowing that someday he would have to leave his home, and his surrogate. Though Labyrinth placed trust in others rather easily, she was uncertain how the unique little behemoth would be received by others; she mourned the possibility that they may not take to him quite so warmly as she herself had. Until such a time, she would bask in the glow of his company; however briefly it may last. Her thoughts also flittered to her eldest offspring, Alcatraz, who, quite recently, had departed from the Dark Caverns… to do what, she did not know. He had placed himself outside the aura of her influence now; it was all up to him what path he should choose.

Her resolve wavered then, weakened slightly by the emotions brought about by thoughts of her sons… and once again, she was flooded with worry of her imminent mission, her unavoidable treachery. She could bear this burden by herself no longer, and yet the only individual she would trust such information to was The Game. And here they stood together; there was no time like the present. So, concentrating briefly on her element, Labyrinth conjured a rather strong breeze, which blew swiftly from behind the duo and grew in intensity, encasing them in a kind of vortex, a veritable wall of air. The harsh whistle of the wind would serve to drown out their words, ensuring that no inquiring ears would be privy the information she was about to divulge. And then, her delicate form heaving with a deep, exasperated sigh, she spoke once more to her love; of very different matters this time.

I am weary, Game. I visited Altus a short while ago, in an attempt to gain his favor. He bestowed upon me a most daunting mission; and only upon successful completion of this mission will I gain his favor. Altus told me that I am to locate a lone mare, named Ayumi, and secure her a home in the Northern Kingdom; after such a time I am to take her to Galadriel. All the while, I must keep this mission and its specifics from the knowledge of Rapier, though I am sure I will be discovered whether I should succeed or fail. I will be named a traitor, Game, both of Rapier and of the Southern provinces. I can only expect to be thrown into exile for my treachery. However, I cannot knowingly allow an innocent life to be taken; and it is for this reason that I must succeed. I do not expect you to cooperate, nor even to agree with my mission, for that would place you in a most unsavory position; but I feel I must inform you of my intentions… you must know that you are in love with a traitor.

Her discourse ended abruptly, a deep knot having formed within her larynx. She was unable to meet his eye, for fear of what she may discover there. Loathing? Disgust? The towering behemoth could have been feeling any number of unsavory emotions towards her at this moment… each would cause her heart to ache. And so, the darkened Arabic minx maintained her stationary position, the wind all the while swirling around them. Alas, she would not forfeit her mission, as much as it grieved her… a life had been placed in her hands, and she would protect it at any cost.