 Evren knew she could delay it no longer. The time had come.
It was odd to think how fearless she had been when she had first left her home all those months ago; how fearless she had been, even on a strange island more choked with greenery than any oasis she had ever seen. She knew better now. Evren was not exactly afraid as her hooves carried her across the rising contours of sand, but she knew now to be more cautious. The last time she had left her home she had been kidnapped, and had managed to free herself only to return and find her family dead.
Logically, she knew nothing would happen this time, if only because she did not think the fates would be so cruel. Still, her heart sat heavy in her chest as she entered her neighbor’s home for the first time ever.
That heavy sensation lifted with a curious flutter as a wail cut through the air.
She moved at once, picking up her pace into a brisk trot, her hooves sliding in the sand as she crested and descended a tall dune. Her blue eyes were wide and alert when they found the stranger, and she did not hesitate in her approach even when they caught sight of the unmoving foal at the mare’s feet.
Evren still gave the mare a wide berth, however, knowing that she was intruding on an incredibly personal moment, and halted a good distance away to examine the dead foal in silence. So much death, she mused to herself, and could not help but compare the sight of the unmoving child to how her father and brother had looked in their last moments.
Strangely, she felt no grief, only a further hardening of her heart.
Evren looked at the mare, observed the raw grief on her face and tried to ignore the tangy stench of blood than emanated from her. What to say?
Eventually she realized there was nothing she could say. There were no words that could make this situation better. She should know that better than anyone.
Carefully, slowly, she edged closer to the stranger, sympathy etched in every line of her face, but at the last moment restrained herself from making physical contact. I am here, she tried to communicate wordlessly. I am here if you need me.
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