It was true that she had relaxed quite a bit, and it was also true that she was more at ease with Impa than anyone else on the Peak. Should Anath show up suddenly, for example, her anxiety would surely return. Based on the general’s prior treatment of her friend, Mouse was almost certain that there would be tension all around in such a situation. For the moment, though, she need not worry. They were quite alone, having a calm conversation.

She smiled at Impa’s first words, nodding in agreement, but there was a nagging in the back of her mind at the mention of a visit to her old home. Though her memories that had returned thus far indicated a happy former life, she could not help but feel that returning was a bad idea. If it had been as nice a place as it sounded, why was she now standing here? A slight frown appeared on her lips as she tried to recall.

Mouse had expected a strong reaction from her friend, but no amount of mental preparation could have helped her foresee exactly what happened. She could nearly taste the tension radiating from the large mare, and she equally struggled to keep still, for she could rationalize that the anger was not for her. Still, she at first avoided eye contact in order to spare herself from the furious expression. Her anger had turned to resignation to her fate. There was nothing further she could do for herself, but Impa’s indignation was threatening to rub off on her.

Quietly, she moved to press against the blanketed mare’s side, taking comfort for a moment in her towering presence. ”His name is Styrke.” She knew nothing more about him other than his name and appearance. She assumed he would soon seek her out, and she did not in the least look forward to it, though she would not deny him seeing their child at least once. Sighing again, she felt the need to explain herself further. ”I guess a child wouldn't be so bad. I’m just afraid I won’t know what to do. And I’m afraid he’ll try to make me go with him.” Only now was she beginning to understand why Impa seemed so wary of men.

m o u s e
mustang | mare | grulla | 14.2 hh | 6 years | ali