a new world hangs outside the window
beautiful and strange
it must be I've fallen awake
I must be

Wasp dozed lazily at the higher elevations. Despite the crisp, chilly air, she always found refuge pressing her thickening winter hide up against the large boulders. In the sun, the rocks would warm with the rays. It was a cheap reprieve the Vulcan mare had loved ever since she was a mere filly.

The dark bay mare's amber eyes were held half-open, as she enjoyed the sun pressing down on the small of her back. She infrequently found time to herself these days, not with bachelor stallions to keep watch over, new foals among the Vulcan herd and a growing number of ever pressing issues that always popped up. She was intent to find some sense of mindfulness now, in this quiet but fleeting moment. Until she heard the cry of her General down below.

At this time of day, as the sun was beginning its descent, it was Božena's charge to patrol the borders. But it was unusual to hear any cries from her, or the scuffle of others. Wasp's eyes snapped open. She blinked in rapid succession as she peered down the mountain path. She tested the brisk air and was alarmed to find the familiar scent of Cullen. The dark mare urged herself down the rocky trail, panic stricken in her heart.

By the time she found the scene - of mares and foals and stallions - Božena was already well in charge of the situation. She snaked around Cullen and his crony, pushing them away from the Peak herd. Wasp lunged forward to aid her, yellow teeth barred as she charged straight for the cream-colored stallion. A shiver ran down the length of her spine as her wide hooves struck the ground with intention and force. This was the first time she'd seen the Lagoon Boss with her own eyes since the war, since he killed her mother.

A sudden heat radiated from within, and it shot out, coursing through all her extremities. Wasp swallowed hard in an attempt to get a hold of her rage. This was not the time for revenge, she tried to convince herself. She cast Božena a side-eyed glare as her jaws snapped, hoping to catch Cullen's flesh in between her teeth as she ripped toward his neck and chest. "Do you have a death wish, you idiot?" She spat. "We've taken everything else, your breath is all you have left."

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