After a long night of walking restlessly following the river from the falls Amaryllis finds herself standing on the sandy shore. Staring with weary eyes at the distant island of Luthien with troubling thoughts playing with her anxieties. Cynic’s seed had taken root within her and she could feel a new life steadily growing. She wasn’t showing her pregnancy on the outside just yet, thanks to her robust frame, but it wouldn’t be long before she did. The thought of becoming a mother was terrifying. She could barely look after herself let alone have another being dependent on her.

Then there was the conundrum of where to raise the child. The wandering mare valued her freedom but having others around to help protect and teach her baby was an invaluable opportunity she couldn’t pass up on. She could join Cynic in his home territory, at least until the foal was old enough to no longer need her. Since the child was his, and could only be his, perhaps it was only fair for him to take responsibility for it. On the other hand she could return to the Peak. She’s certain that Osmanthus and Anso would not turn her away. In fact having a little one around might give the ageing stallions a sense of purpose again. The only drawback was the possibility of being drafted into the sisterhood. It’s unlikely they would shelter her without asking for some service in return.

A sigh fell from her lips. ‘There was one more option’ she thought as she watched the sun rise behind the lush island of Luthien like a beacon. Her older brother held a position in the Forest. Perhaps he could have a discussion with their lead about letting her stay there. Their leader was a formidable mare that Amaryllis was not acquainted with, but that could be changed. She shook her head to dismiss the idea. She had been estranged from her brother for many years. It would be improper to intrude on his life with her own problems. But it would be nice to see him. And she should take this opportunity while she was still able to.

By the time the painted metallic mare dragged herself from the sea the pastel pink hues of the dawn were replaced by a clear blue sky. She shuddered as the wind nipped at her skin before shaking most of the salty water from her coat. Her breath laboured from the long swim. As she stood on the southern border of the Forest she cautiously scanned the treeline. She didn’t mean to cause any harm but she could be considered a threat. Lifting her head she announced her presence with a soft nicker and then she waited. Damp tail draping idly behind her.