The Forest had been a peaceful place for many seasons. But Bacardi was not delusional. He knew with the changing of rulers so would that peace. The younger generation was hungrier, more ambitious than he had ever been. The painted stallion could see it in his own son, as Toland began to gather a family for himself. It made him happy to see Toland thriving under his new title. Only feeling disappointed that Burn, who should inherit his crown, did not seem so ambitious.


It was as if thinking of his son had somehow conjured his mother. Bacardi raised his head from grazing, his nostrils flared to the scent of Twinge. It had been seasons, and it seemed she had finally decided to return. A strange sensation twisted and turned in his stomach. Excitement and apprehension wrestling for control. He hadn’t forgotten the timing that she had decided to leave; after their disagreement about Burn. But he also didn’t want to waste the opportunity to see her again. The pain of losing Soraya still burning freshly in his heart. Bacardi did not need to add to that pain by losing Twinge too.


Bacardi had barely begun to walk towards his companion, when fresh scents mingled with her own. It washed away every tangled feeling, leaving him with a breathless fear. Intruders had found her first. Would he be too late? Bacardi quickly picked up speed, cutting through the trees with memorized grace until he spotted the chimera next to Twinge. No doubt the other he had brought was hiding somewhere close by to give his support. Unless of course, this was a diversion to the real raid?


“The Forest has always been a peaceful place.” Bacardi said by way of greeting. His wolfish glare snapping with anger now as his ebony rimmed ears tucked into his dark mane. “But it does not have to be.”Bacardi came to a halt beside Twinge, not in front of her. “Even if you had managed to take her, it would not be a win for you. Call your lackey and leave, before the Forest Queen decides to take payment for this transgression. I’d hate for you to lose a pretty appendage…. Or two.”

mutt. bay tobiano. fourteen three hands. of the forest.

"...speech"