At first she had been terrified as she ran for her life. Her swollen belly had swayed back and forth. The heavy burden was almost too much to bear for her small stature but she had to push on. She had to live. She wasn’t just running for her own life, she was running for the life of her unborn child. Mizuki had spotted her older brother running just a few meters ahead of her. She followed him, praying that he could save their lives. Did she consider him a coward for running instead of standing his ground? Perhaps later she would, but for now he was young, inexperienced and still in training. Even if he tried to stay and fight it would probably be a pointless sacrifice.

She doesn’t remember how long they were adrift in the water. Perhaps she had drifted in and out of consciousness. At some points she had stopped caring and wished for death to take her, to end her suffering. But something was holding her up. It could have been Ashitaka, or maybe a shred of life deep inside fighting to stay alive. She could hardly feel her stout legs by the time they made it ashore. Every muscle in her body was numb with pain and she fought for every chilly breath. She was aware of her brother standing over her. Guarding her. She was more concerned by the fact she could no longer feel her baby moving inside her. Perhaps the foal was tired. That’s it. The foal must be exhausted too. She hears her brother's comforting words and feels his gentle touch upon her freezing skin. Although she appreciated his kindness she doubted his words. Where exactly was here? Perhaps they had both drowned and this was some sort of afterlife.

Her ears twitch to the sound of muffled hooves trotting in the snow. Mizuki summons just enough strength to lift her head. As the painted stallion comes into view the fear is visible on her white face. Ashitaka moves to position himself between the stranger and her. Her little brother is proactive but now outwardly hostile. At least the stranger was keeping a respectable distance. The painted stallion speaks in a language that Mizuki doesn’t understand and she turns her attention towards her brother seeking reassurance and guidance. Ashitaka had been taught to speak another language, perhaps he could translate. The fact he didn’t seem afraid was already starting to make her feel less anxious.

“Forgive us,” Ashitaka bowed to the senior stallion as he spoke, “We didn’t know that there was a claim on this land when we arrived. We have been in the ocean for days. My name is Ashitaka, and this is my sister,” he motioned towards the white mare on the ground with his head, “Mizuki.” She didn’t understand everything her brother was saying but she knew her name. She nodded her head towards the stranger in acknowledgment of her name and polite greeting. She remained silent as she turned her gaze cautiously between the two stallions. Evidently nervous and wondering what happens next.