▶ Had she not just left this forest? The Threshold was unchanged, the trees just tall, dark watchers that spread out in every direction. Lourdes supposed she shouldn’t have expected any different, it hadn’t been long at all since she’d been courted here by a trio of suitors vying to snatch her up like a rare collectible. Was that why she’d come here – to keep the cycle going and bring more wanderers to the misty forests of the Edge? Mauja had never told her that was one of her responsibilities and Lourdes had little interest in the unnecessary social interaction. She was content to slink among the trees alone, casting pensive glances at the shadows that had coughed her up here in the first place.

▶ And yet – ‘Mother! Father! I want you back!’

▶ The young witch’s course of direction changed without conscious thought. Instinct always took over when there were children involved. Irritable and disinclined toward social interaction as she may be, Lourdes always had harbored a soft spot for the young and alone. The terror in the voice that had pierced the forest wrapped a cold fist around the mare’s insides and she upped her pace, white-eyed gaze scanning the shadows for a tiny body.

▶ When she found the little filly all curled up and tucked beneath her own too-large wings, it became evident that Lourdes had not been the only one to hear her cries. A stranger (though, wasn’t everyone a stranger to the witch?) was standing over the child, cooing something gentle in an attempt to calm her. For a second, the Pegasus considering turning and leaving, avoiding the imminent interaction with the black and white unicorn that was sure to come if she stayed. Another glance toward the terrified little one whose coloration was not so different from her own had Lourdes staying, drawn close by maternal instinct. “You’re safe now, child.” Her voice was low and certain and when the stallion rose to glance around, Lourdes leaned in, running a gentle touch along the filly’s wing. “I am Lourdes…” Of the World’s Edge? Uncertainty fell on her like a brick, but she cast it aside. This wasn’t some travel-worn wanderer to be claimed; this child was frightened and needed to be looked after. “Do you have a name?”

a note | hope you don't mind us popping in - lourdes has an awful soft spot for babies c: