The fight was over before it even began, and the stallion knew it as he raced forward to protect his family. Through all his efforts, he had never been a fighter though he had always sworn to protect. The one thing that would have him battling at all costs was his family. Blindly, he struck out at the woman who had come to further tear apart the peace they had been trying to rebuild. Her own blow rained relently down on his flesh. Given the chance, the knight would have fought to the death, but he had a moment enough of clarity to know that if he died he would not be able to undo what was about to be done. There was too much he would need to survive for. At last, he turned away, his body bruised and bloody. As if he could still try to stop it, he moved over to Siobhan, knowing he would need to let her go or face another onslaught.
---
Akadi pressed herself tight against Siobhan’s side, wanting to turn her face away from what she was witnessing, but also knowing she needed to comprehend this was part of the world. She could not understand why someone would come to these shores to inflict harm on another. She could not understand the purpose behind this feud. All she knew was she wanted this to stop and she did not want to lose what she finally felt like she had found. A soft keening flowed from her lips, fear gripping her entirely. As Siobhan’s neck wrapped around her, she could not hear the words she spoke above the screaming in desperation in her mind. This was not happening, this was not real. This was a nightmare she just needed to wake up from. No… she cried tearfully into the mare’s tangled mane. Please, no. Lips pressed against her head, she looked up blindly through her tears. She did not know what was happening, but she felt like she could not lose this again. I won’t forget you. she promised, knowing in her little heart a seed of determination would take root.
---
Ailill felt her press against him. For just a second his pain was eased at her touch before multiplied in anticipation of her absence. His heart wrung with the pain, the wounds showing on his body. He did not have in him to hate those who were forcing this upon them, but his sadness knew no bounds. She whispered against him, and he breathed in her scent, inhaled her being. Even as she was being taken away from him, she brought him a sense of peace.