A soft smile appeared on Ru's face when Raeden turned so that their horns gently bumped together, a sound like gentle tinkling glass emitting from the touch. Hotaru was used to these short flashes of tenderness, lived for them. Already the younger twin had forgiven Rae for daring her to climb the pile, slate wiped clean at the small display of affection. Adoration once again softened her dual colored eyes, uncaring of Raeden's sudden awkward air. This was enough. This, her sister actually looking at her, seeing her...that was enough. Life was rough, and though her twin didn't make it easier, Ru couldn't imagine it without her.

Her bubble of comfort was broken by a snapping sound near them, and Hotaru made a soft whimpering sound. Who was there? Did they mean harm? Tiny pink ears twitched to and fro, trying to hear any other sounds. This was why she hated losing Stella- though more could be done without their mother's bonded eyeing them, it also left them vulnerable, and they were in no shape to be defending themselves. When the thought surely made it to her twin's brain, she voiced it, but Ru shook her head in denial. No, there was no way something that big could be Stella. But she wished it was anyways. Raeden's sudden bravery was shocking, calling out to the intruder. Yet, looking closer, the young dame could tell her sister was not so unshaken. It wasn't easy to see, and if she hadn't shared a womb and a close life with her twin, even Ru would have missed it. It wasn't a comfort to know her sister was just as scared, but at least she knew that they were both in the same boat.

Who emerges from the brush is perhaps even more surprising, and the shake in her knees immediately stops. Tingal is unmistakeable, and the smile on his face is just as warm as she remembers. Bright smile surges like a tsunami upon her own face, unstoppable. Tingal is perhaps her very dearest friend, no matter the difference in their age. They are both strange, both unique. Hotaru loved him dearly. Breaking away from her twin with little worry, she let lanky palomino legs carry her quickly to the hybrid stallion. Dancing happily up to him, small face painted with joy that was rare to find in the presence of her family. "Tingal!" Excitedly she spoke, hopping on her toes before him. He towered over her, but she felt no fear near him. Ru craned her neck up hopefully, different colored irises glowing happily, hoping to brush muzzles. Dying for any form of affection from her friend.

Harsh words stop her, and she turns her cranium towards her sister. So used to the way Raeden acted, Hotaru had never really thought it was 'bad' per se. In fact, Ru feels rather flattered that Tingal is protecting her, and a smile comes to her face just for him. Somebody actually cares how she feels! But she must still defend Raeden. Ru has always protected her twin, always lied to their mother to ensure her sister didn't get into too much trouble for dragging her off on adventures. "I-It's okay Tingal, she didn't mean it," she murmured softly, but her eyes were grateful and touched when they turned to him. Ru didn't see the need to tell him who their mother was, as he had asked Raeden and not her. But she sidled closer to him anyways, immensely happy that they had crossed paths once more.