A R A H

The call echoed around the snowy peaks that created The Basin. Rising her confused and exhausted eyes to the direction of the cry, the ivory doe simply paused for a moment. Her mind reeled backwards through her memories, for the one who summoned them all now was not expected. The light mare had been awaiting the call from a very different kind of stallion, one whom she did not like. With slow steps the mare began to move forward, when her leader called she answered. Not going would, in her mind, be a challenge to the leader. Snow drifted down from the heavens, or did it simply fall from the mountains and the trees? Slender legs that blended in with her home terrain, carried her swiftly now. Picking up the pace the mare didn't want to be one of the last to arrive, chills ran down her back. Slipping through the shadows, sleek and beautiful, the mare was very interested to observe the current leader of the Basin. For she believed that Deimos had made the summon but what had he done to receive the crown?

As one of the first to arrive, the ivory raven took her time in studying the past General. Spaces around her soon began to fill with her herd mates, each was unique in appearance. How many of them supported the change in power? Would some challenge it, or would they remain silent and loyal? The feeling was growing in the pit of her stomach…the feeling that this meeting would cause disruption within the herd. Deimos spoke to them all and proclaimed himself as Lord of The Basin. Curious. Arah listened to each word the came from the Lord with great interest, and a small smile of support on her chops.

Golden orbs turned to Lady Illynx, she was now to speak and tell them more. When Lady Illynx began to fill their ears with her voice, Arah found anger bubbling in her stomach. Ever since the first time she had met Illynx, the Impersonator had not liked her. Knowing that Illynx was now ruling her…that upset her quite a lot. What annoyed Arah even more was that there was not a lot she could do about it, the ivory beauty was not meant to lead. She followed. Still, this was a herd meeting, Arah felt that she had the right to let her voice be heard. A darker mare spoke up first, the new Haruspex who had a young filly with her. At least the impersonator would not have to break the silence. Arah listened to Huyana respectfully and before she stepped forward to add her own voice, Arah whispered a quick "Congratulations."

Now the normally quiet doe raised her eyes and her voice. "I was present at Lady Psyche's departure." Well for the beginning of it anyway. Taking a step forward Arah looked directly at her new Lady, the only thing lacking from her gaze was respect. The Impersonator did not like the bashful way her new lady spoke to her co-ruler. "Lord Deimos was loyal to Lady Psyche until the end." Arah felt other eyes on her, but her gentle voice pressed on, her orbs still boring into Lady Illynx. "Lady Psyche felt that she was no longer fit to rule, she left us, Lord Deimos picked up the pieces." Arah personally thought Psyche should have called a meeting to discuss her stepping down, leaving like that had been wrong but that was not something to be mentioned right now. Taking a deep breath the ivory doe pressed on. "Lord Deimos did not force the crown away from Lady Psyche, he did not convince her to give it to him, he did not trick the Lady either." Her eyes now turned to rest on the new Lord, her head tilted at an angle and her enchanting golden eyes trying to catch his gaze. Did she dare continue?

Arah spoke the truth, not once did a lie pass her chops. Only as her time learning the art of spying, the mare had learnt how to twist things…twist her words. Aiming for peace within the herd, she did not want any upset. Not once did Arah lie.

Equivocation at it finest.

"I stand behind Lord Deimos, he has my full support."

" "
720 words.

And a sun set to lay away your day to day fears