Another blissful day of fun on the beach was in full swing for the little white lass. Even in the baking summer sun, her white coat and the cool ocean waters around her feet kept her comfortable. The salty waters splashed up the lass’s sides as she moved, dancing through the shallows as the gentle waves crashed around her. She was a mare in years, but a filly’s heart still beat in her and four years had not drained her urge to frolic carelessly though the wilds of the world.

The wonders of Helovia kept piling themselves at her feet, and the sight of the next appeared ahead on the beach. The mare was towering by Aisling’s standards and the TREE upon her back only added to the spectacle. Mind already full of questions, the white mare abandoned the water to prance along the sand toward her. Why are you carrying a tree? Isn’t it heavy? How are you holding it? She couldn’t decide what to ask, but those questions fell away as she drew closer in the light that the tall arbor did indeed seem to be growing out of her! “Hello there!” she called as she neared, voice bright with interest and her natural good cheer. Her smile only widened when she caught sight of strange pale creature that seemed to be hovering among the branches. “I’ll beg your pardon, for I don’t mean to be rude, but is that tree connected to you?”

No sooner had she gotten out her question did the sounds of some angry altercation reach them from across the shore. Aisling drew up to a sudden stop several feet shy of the tree-mare’s shade and turned her attention toward the large group congregating there. From this distance it was hard for the girl to make out what exactly was happening and she dithered on the spot. The bright girl had always had the makings of a peackeeper (with the cheer and optimism and the willingness to help) but those skills had so rarely been put to the test. Up to this point, she had been sheltered from violence, always dancing around untouched by all but the most temporary of hurts. She often dreamed of battles, valiant rescues, and noble warriors but those imaginings were the stuff of legend, silly fairytale dreams where all ended happily ever after. A confrontation in the living world was something entirely different, and she was suddenly nervous. Unsure of what should be done, or even could be done by someone small as she, Aisling looked back to the mare beside her. “Should we do something to help?”