Ernesto wandered through the Lagoon with his tail held high. He limped just a little as he walked, but the pain did not bother him because he had returned a victor. Oswin had gotten a few good licks in – she was certainly a vicious little fighter – but in the end she had been defeated, and so Ernesto waited to see who the Peak sisters would send to visit him.

He thought of the fun that would be had soon with a smile, even as the rain poured down on him. It helped to wash the sweat and dirt – and just a little bit of blood – from his coat. He had no real intention of keeping the chosen mare prisoner when she did arrive, but he certainly intended to have a little fun with her before he sent her home with a message.

It was then, as he wandered, that Ernesto happened upon his daughter as he pushed his way through a fan of thick leaves. He paused, surprised to find her here alone, then offered her a warm smile as he came a little closer. He didn’t touch her this time, since she didn’t seem to care much for it.

She seemed to grow bigger and bigger by the day – she was still so young, yet she was already shooting up beside him. She was an unusual child too, that much was clear to both Ernesto and her mother, although it troubled her father less. He didn’t much worry about anything, and his children were no exception – in fact, rather unusually, she almost looked as if she were interested in what she was doing.

“Silicon,” he greeted with a bob of his head. “Are you exploring? Where is your mother?”

ernesto
heartbreak is savvy and love is a bitch