Bitterness had sat heavily in Maple’s heart for a long time now. Since the day her family had left; the day she was abandoned, she had been angry. Her fear of the water had kept her from following them, just as it kept her prisoner here now. Ears seeming permanently pinned, she couldn’t remember a happy day since. It soured her attitude and kept her locked away in solitude. At least, until today.


Usually, Maple grazed here alone. Not even her brother bothered her anymore, after the number of bites and terrible words she had delivered that he didn’t deserve. Cruise was a prisoner here more than she was, and it wasn’t fair how she treated him anymore than it was fair that she treated their Uncle the same who had chosen to remain without crippling fear or just being crippled to aid in his choice.


So, when Maple stopped along the treeline to the little clearing and spotted the behemoth invading her little secluded spot, she felt hot with anger. Out of the entire Forest that she claimed, why did Yaga have to be here?!


Although they had not crossed paths before, Maple felt no need to introduce herself as she stomped her way out into the snowy clearing. Although the blanket of white probably muffled her scent to this area, there was no doubt that Yaga hadn’t scented it before or even now. “What are you doing here?” Maple demanded, glaring at the mare that towered over her without fear in her angry gaze. “Do you have to invade everything?!”