Together, they are oblivious in their play, the flurries of snow kicked up around them hiding all possible scents that could have betrayed Arah's presence. They were naive to the fact that they are being watched, and Lakota lets her guard fall into pieces around her, not fearing how others would find her or think of her as she laughed and leaped about like a filly in her first snow. But the joy in both their hearts was intoxicating, flowing over from one to the other through their bond until they could hardly contemplate stopping. Had they the energy and time, they may have never stopped. But it isn't to be, for they have responsibilities. No longer do they govern a land, for she was hardly given the chance at all in the first place, but they must contemplate where they will go. Will they follow Ktulu to the misted reaches of the Edge? Will they even submit to a homeland other than the Foothills? Their play slows with the echo of seriousness in their heads, but it is only a whisper.

Whatever they have, it is shattered into pieces as her name is called, soft and hesitant. It startles them, Lakota whirling about, muscles tensed to attack, only for her side to spasm and clench. She gave a stifled scream and sank to her knees, Aodaun already leaping to support her as the scar tissue seized up, sending ripples of pain through her body. Whining softly he nosed at her face as she breathed heavily through her nose, crystals dancing in front of her face. When the spasm passed- oh, how shameful it was, to be seen like that at all!- she lifted her crown to narrow her eyes distrustfully at the mare she had once adored. "Arah," she spoke, voice elegant and proud as she shakily bolstered herself back up to stand with head high and emotions concealed. Arah deserved nothing better in her eyes. Despite the tremble in her knees she was standing tall and strong, every inch the royalty that still ran in her blood.

"What do you want with me?" It is cold but not cruel, for Lakota knows this game like she knows the pattern of seasons, and she will not crack. Will not fail. Too many wasted loves had walked over her since she had came into Helovia. Her frame was too battered for one more pair, so she'd be damned if she'd lay down to let it happen.