If Evrain could see his daughter now, no doubt he would have a word or two to share with her in regards to her choice in partners. But Druna has never quite fit what could be considered normal. If told to go left, more than likely she would wander right just to see why it was that she was sent on a different path. She should have found herself in the company of a stallion like the red dun Nahawi, who would no doubt have doted on her hoof to tail… but that is not her style. Never has been.

’..As if such a weak answer….’ The words that spill from his lips are meant to bite into her psyche. Frosted flutes tilt backward as glacier gaze follows the subtle tension and release of muscles beneath his chocolate pelt. Were she any other mare, no doubt his words would have the effect he seeks. Perhaps one day she would try to act offended, maybe even play the part of a wounded doe staring down at the predator closing in. THAT would teach him to stay on his toes around her for sure.

However today is not that day. The weight of her foal-laden belly was enough to tamper whatever antics might come to mind even if she was of half a mind to put them into action. Instead, the lilac woman stills at Garmr’s gentle touch, unable to resist the urge to lean into the comfort he returns even if it is unspoken between them. ’If you didn’t carry such precious cargo….’ The words draw a purr to her lips as she inhales a deep breath of his scent, savoring the aroma of mire and cypress that mingle with his scent. No matter the venom he spits, she tells herself it isn’t what he means. It is all an act. A dramatic piece they must play to ensure that his plans go the way he wants them and the bachelor herd remains firmly locked beneath his control. What other mares might shy from, she relishes. The cocky smirk that twists her ashen labrums upwards into a coquettish smile is enough to reaffirm that. ”It is a boy… I am sure.” she murmurs, stretching her sleek neck towards his to lip at the ends of his creamy mane. She has no way of knowing of course, but that doesn’t stop her from willing it to be true.

When he withdraws from her reach, Druna watches him. Intelligent eyes study the myriad of emotions that glitter behind his multifaceted ooids for some sign of the direction of his thoughts. Yet like always, the beast remains an enigma.

Dark ears disappear beneath the thick mantle of his tattered mane as the beast snarls at her. Like a viper he strikes, his blunt fangs scraping the pale point of her shoulder hard enough to sting. Surprise flashes in her eyes as the pregnant mare shuffles gracelessly backward, pivoting her hips toward his retreating form in threat. The smile on her lips is gone, replaced instead with a firm line of judgment. A huff escapes her lips as she stalks away from him, seeking out the shelter of low-hanging branches to shade her pale coat from the hot sun. What no one will see is the impish grin that ghosts across her lips as she passes. Her point had been made.

DRUNA

lavender daughter of Evrain and Warduna