Nuru was enjoying himself immensely. He couldn't think of a time he had been this happy on an adventure, and his tail swished merrily to know that for once in his life, he had been brave enough to boldly go on one. All of his previous concerns were silenced as he took in the sights and smells of the forest.

But then she appeared. Nuru squealed loudly as the tan and pepper mare's teeth sank into his haunch. He bucked and spun around as she began to circle them, hooves planted into the undergrowth. He watched the yearlings with one eye and ear, his other ear following the mare as she circled them. He flinched at her words. As much as he wanted to visit this forest, he also wanted to explore the other islands. Now it looked like he wouldn't have the opportunity.

He jerked away as she lunged at him again, trying to calm his beating heart. His breaths were quick, shallow, and louder than he would care to admit. He flinched again once she spoke even though her tone was much gentler. The bay yearling was the only to answer. The spotted appaloosa couldn't seem to remember how to speak, his eyes rolling at the mare still circling them.

His tail clamped tighter as a large pale stallion stepped into sight, and then a smaller chestnut one. The red spoke, and Nuru's head drooped to avoid his intense gaze. He hadn't liked that look since he was a child. He hated it now that he was the one getting in trouble.

He listened as the chestnut went on, and glanced nervously at the other pale stallion. He lowered his head a little further to bump against Ostara's ear, murmuring, "I'm sorry." He hoped she would pass it onto her counterpart. He drew his muzzle away and let his head hang heavily, trying to ignore the throbbing of the terrifying mare's bite.