Dark eyes watch the chestnut mare carefully, gauging her expression, her body language for any signs of hostility. A look of confusion passed over her child-like features as The Keeper spoke to her telepathically, though Alice was sharper than most individuals would give her credit for. She recognized that The Keeper was communicating with her, and she recognized also that she was in no danger. The Keeper watched as Alice gave her head a shake, and matched the reddish fae’s smile with her own, sharp pearly white teeth exposed under dark lips. While it could appear somewhat intimidating, her dark eyes shone with sincerity. She was not hungry for horse-flesh. After all, she was not a cannibal. As much as she loved her wolf-form, she was not, nor would she ever truly be anything other than a fellow equine.

Tall ears twitched slightly as Alice spoke, and The Keeper’s head tilted slightly to the side in confusion. She had no idea who Vicious was, and she had no idea that there had been another Barney but she was quite sure no harm would befall this butterfly, he had powers the other probably had not.

The Keeper finally decided that she would brave the cold of the winter air for a few moments, to give Alice some peace of mind. To let her see exactly who she was standing before. Without a word, she shifted, furry, clawed feet turned to ebon hued hooves, legs thickened and lengthened until she stood at her usual 15 hh. Her white fur turned a brilliant golden hue, the hair along her neck grew and fell in honey-hued waves across her face and her dark eyes. And then she was herself again.

And she was beautiful.

It is no exaggeration to say that the creature now standing before Alice had a glow about her. Her beauty was such that it was both hard to look directly at her, but yet difficult to avert your gaze. However, her eyes gave her age away. Black as coal, and depthless as the ages. All that she had seen in her many years on this earth were reflected in her gaze. Horrors, love, passion, hate. Everything. To this day she had yet to meet a mortal equine who could hold her gaze for more than a few seconds. Alice would be no different, despite her youthful innocence. She might not ever realize why she was averting her gaze from those dark eyes. But she would.

Her shift now complete, the smile on her face no longer held any of its predatory toothiness, it was just that, a pretty smile. She took a step forward, extended her well-muscled neck and touched her nose to Alice’s forehead gently before stepping away again. Though she did not look over four years of age, there was a certain maternal instinct that drove her, though she had never birthed a foal in her years of existence.

This time when she spoke, she did so out loud.

Alice, you are the first to find me, though I do not think you intended to seek me out.

She pauses, noticing the spot in the tree nearby that had recently been hit by the barreling mare.

But I have a task for you. Complete it, and return here and you will be rewarded.

Another pause, this time just to add some drama, and anticipation. As I said before, The Keeper is not perfect. She enjoys keeping people on edge, knowing she has their full and complete attention.

I want you to find another who holds your element, and befriend them. This connection will be important to your future here. Go now Alice, and when you return, you will have your reward.