Both fillies stood stunned and confused. Neither of them had really expected to have their prizes taken away from them seconds after capture. Taika recovered from her surprise first, partially because of the pain in her legs, and partially because her attention span could only hold her so long. She looked between the stallions, her mother, and Ysabell before finally falling on Geirdriful. Her young mind trying to figure out what happened here and what the best path was. She looked over at Inka as well, and gave the other filly an apologetic look. Getting in trouble was something she was used to, and knew the outcomes of. When Taytim sighed and nudged her daughter, the filly winced and stepped gingerly, her knees starting to swell and her legs bloody from her fall.
“Did I do something wrong?” Taika asked quietly, just loud enough for her voice to be carried. It was the first time she had witnessed her actions take a great negative effect on others around her. The feeling left a bitter taste in the young girl’s mouth, but she could not put words as to why.
Taytim searched her daughter’s face. Looking back at the other mares of the Peak she was thankful to all of them for some trait or another that each of them possessed and somehow found a way to transpose onto her offspring.
“Come on, I’ll explain.” She whispered, nudging Taika forward once again and supporting her on her wobbly legs on their way down the steep cliffs.
--- ---
Confusion was thick in both of the fillies’ minds. Whereas Taika’s had evolved into concern, Adelheid’s had turned to anger. Black ears pinned to her neck and her blue eyes flashed in the night. In her mind she had not done anything wrong! All her life she had been told about spirits, adventure, and how this mountain was her home! She had moved along the trails at night, an action that was assumed to be dangerous only because of the time of day. The Peak was meant to be safe for ones such as herself and Taika. When they had come across danger, unknown intruders, it was up to the daughters of the Peak to help keep it safe. There was no one else around, so their duty would have been to raise their voices to alert the Vulcans.
In turn, when their shouts had caused the attack and the injuries to Taika, Adelheid had seen that as a crime against her friend. Justice in the form of capture was all she could think of. The stories of the warrior who had been captured meant these stallions could have been used to further protect them against other outside dangers. Fair price for weeks of pained walking. Adelheid felt as though her logic was sound.
Fairies and spirits were real! Listen to them! No…they are silent and not out today. Adventure is wonderful! Be free and independent! But only during the day, not into the cliffs, don’t go too far. Really don’t go anywhere. Adventure is bad. All the sisters are meant to keep the Peak strong and safe! But not fillies, no you need an adult. You can’t call to them either, because that will alert the danger to you. No, you need to run. Run away from danger or a challenge, or stay silent until it is over. Your friend was hurt! Justice must be done and their dues be paid! Never mind, capturing them and having them serve their time, or at least admit to what they had done is wrong and barbaric. Best to let them walk free.
These thoughts raced through Adelheid’s mind while she followed her mother. She was clearly still upset, tell-tale ears still pressed hard to the nape of her neck. Eyes and nose wide in her growing rage. Away from the disbanding group she halted. Looking back, her chest heaved as she tried to calm herself, smother the anger. She couldn’t.
This is wrong. She hissed quietly to herself, stomping behind Inka, still seething.
Adelheid
Filly : Friesian Mutt : Black Splash : Inka&Valentine |