Speaking with Herza had become easy. Far too easy for Adelheid’s comfort. She was far more than someone to talk to, a seemingly willing soul to listen to all anyone to speak to. Adelheid’s mind raced with the thoughts of this and the determination to give back to her. Still, the gentle and sweet smiles did everything to put the stony mare at ease and pull her from walls she had worked so hard to create. She huffed in quiet self-annoyance, an ear flicking to her companion and wondering how much she would eventually let her get away with in her own way. It would be a strange game to see exactly how uncomfortable Feuerherza could make the cold-hearted Adelheid, and how many empty threats would be issued in retaliation. Even as Adelhied’s words fell from her lips, she could not help but trust and be encouraged by Herza’s subtle and obvious asks for more, and touched by her acceptance of her nickname. The gentle touch on her shoulder was almost too much for the splashed nosed mare. She did not recoil from it immediately, but swiftly stepped back into a more playful nature, hiding once more behind her fortified walls. Herza’s head tossed high, and her haughty snort was answered with a clip of teeth as Adelheid playfully bit at her, landing the blow on air a solid two feet from any part of flesh.

Collecting her thoughts as they walked down the slopes, Adelheid tried to calm herself and sort through the changes that seemed to be coming over her. She did not overly appreciate how others were slowly starting to creep in and take down the stones she had worked so hard to place. One by one others had been creeping in and prodding at her soft spots. Her ears flicked unseen in the dark, one of them trained on the mare she led. Past experience told her if they poked too hard or came too close and accidental trap would spring. She closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled, fearful of what might happen if she were the one to break the fragile ties that were forming. The fear urged her to run, told her that hiding high in the mountains was the only way to be protected. Stubborn even against herself, she refused and continued to walk beside her friend.

Once they got to the lowlands and the safety of the open trails, she smiled at her friend through the darkening air. Welcome home, Anam Cara.