The Valley

Charger watches as a strong, yet young looking mare come into view. She introduces herself as Nekana. He nods his head in greeting and listens to her. Her age could be deceiving to some, but to Charger there was something different about her. He listens to her qualifications. She then corrects him they are from the Falls. Charger has mistaken from which kingdom they were from. He smiles as he speaks.

I'm sorry that I misheard, I did not wish to offend, Nekana. When she first arrived I thought perhaps you were relocating your kingdom like we were. I'm sorry to hear they are attacking your home. Did you see Bubble? My lover, the former Queen of the Deserts, I saw her headed in your direction before the disaster.

Worry flashes across his face as he takes in the possibilities. He is spoken to again and he speaks, while his mind is distant and he scans the horizon for her.


I will help guard as will the men when they return. Anyone willing to help guard would be greatly appreciated, my brothers have been scattered, but hopefully will soon arrive.

He looks to the mares that continue arriving and the young child. He nods his head to all of them, always the proper gentleman. Then Vivette arrives and speaks to him.

I will be sure to speak with your rulers, but I just wanted to come and tell you that we are not a threat to you and I am sure that Black Sabath will agree with me that we will help protect you as best we can.

He smiles at her and then watches as the other ladies arrive, many of them are pregnant. Then a new female arrives and next to her is a foal. Her words are sincere and his smile is forced as he remembers his previous frozen home. Her muzzle touches his shoulder and he feels slightly uplifted by her. Bubble and his son still resting heavily on his mind.

Thank you, have any of you seen Bubble?

He pauses, sighing as it has brought to the forefront of his mind the open wound on his chest that is healing over, but only a hard, dried matting of blood, the skin has yet to mend. This is nothing compared to the worry that courses through him. Bubble could be in the midst of all the fighting, she is strong, but she shouldn't be alone.

He listens to her concerns, nodding his head distantly.

I have spoken to Black Sabath already in the field, I'm sure that he will not disapprove. However, what other option is there? If we are to occupy the same space, I figured that an understanding would be best.

He is glad that she asks him this. But how can he answer? What would show her that he is trustworthy and will not deceive the falls or her family. He sighs and his forehead creases slightly.

I am glad that you asked me this.

He looks her in the eyes, allowing his eyes to soften from the hardened gaze of the Tundra Captain/King. He thinks over what he could do, but other than giving his word he can think of nothing. He thinks about asking one of his family to stay with them as insurance, but what if they betray him?

Yes, alliances and friendships are shattering, but a mans word still means something to me. This I give to you. If we wanted to betray the Tundra's alliances, I could have rallied my men and attacked one of the other weaker kingdoms, but we chose to not betray our friends, we chose to rebuild here, so that no one had to pay for our greed. I could have joined the Forsaken Chamber and raided your kingdom, but I havn't. What can I offer you that would show you that we will not betray you? What do you want? I cannot think of anything that you won't dispute as being unreliable.


He frowns and looks at her again.

What is to stop you from going to the evils and telling them of our whereabouts in order to save your kingdom? I am sorry, this disaster is weighing heavily upon my mind. Knowing that the Falls is under attack too has hit me hard. I suppose other than giving our words, we have no other option but to trust each other. For we both have leverage upon the other.

A tear trails down his face as he realizes just how much danger his young son and his lover are. He scans the horizon again, waiting for her figure to emerge, dear god is she okay. He turns to them again.

I'm glad you all made it out safely. Does anyone else still need help? Perhaps I can send some of my blood brothers to help bring them here safely.

He waits for her answers, hopefully she believes him. They have no other choice but to believe each other at this moment.

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