The old fir…

Moon glow blurred radiantly along the fir. Nearly animated, partly due to the subtle presence of rogue winds winding in and beyond the forest canopy, diverging from the violent roars beyond them to settle here. The Deep Forest, in the heart of naked bark, while the steel green appendages of the fir defied the frigid and inhospitable climate, steadfast, vigilant.

Ironic, as the alter ahead of the monolith shimmered brightly in crimson. It was a horrific sight for the youth, in such a way that she became loathsome of the untouched beauty. The reason why her dull, brown eyes could not diverge from the grand creation.

Life; a plethora of sacrifices, proliferating, foraging ahead and devoid of guilt. Mechanical and cold. And there it stood in perfect synchronicity.

Her heart continued to swell with each beat, her pulse raging inside her head, throbbing against her neck and limbs. But each breath remained measured, filled and dumped in calm succession.

Then there was the voice, and the voice that carried words with it. She did not recognize what this stranger had called her, as she shifted quietly to grasp its source. The first thing she noticed had been the mare’s eyes. As the shadows lifted like fabric being pulled off from a coveted prize, a treasured secret, she saw yellow orbs she’d never seen before in a fellow unicorn. Regardless of the delicate symbol etched into her ivory cheek, or the rich blood soil of her physique, the stranger’s eyes danced with a predatory flare. Lending its source from the jungle’s most dangerous allies; felines, of jaguars and tigers… As a girl she’d only ever captured glances, slit, steady eyes watching steadily from a distance.

Alas, she stood silent, following said eyes with a patient and renewed focus. And indeed the fear, once more, threatened what heaven she had crawled herself into. It was hard to tell whether that temporary peace had been the adrenaline shot, or the desire to disassociate herself from what had been causing her the pain she wished to escape.

An ember that had hit wet bark, its fuel scarce, threatened to burn out.

And when it did go out, what would happen then? Would it all leave? End in smoke, drift into the sky as an offering? Because she couldn’t bear to live out the rest of her life running, weak and defeated.

“Defeat. Defeat has brought me here.” They had ran because they couldn’t fight. Murderers had become heroes, and heroes had become legends and leaders. Sia’s voice remained soft despite the edge in her tone as she finished. She was all out of tears, and it took too much effort to feel sorry for herself. Although the fear was pungent by habit, a sense of adventure filled her aching heart. At least, enough that she could confidently stand and speak freely regardless of who this stranger was. The answer was so simple, but not enough to warrant a smile or a cruel laugh. She would not allow that satisfaction for the amount of strife her kin had faced.

But having realized something in that moment – a nudge – a tug from some unknown depth, she threw her gaze upon the pool’s surface with a delicate frown.

“I’m confused. Defeat and confusion have led me astray, and now, here I am.” She blinked, before withdrawing a bit from the stranger, adding distance between them by backing up one, two steps. Facing on an angle now, south from the fir.

“Who are you?” Rarely had she ever been so bold, especially now, so far out from the Basin and from safety. But then Sia had rarely, truly felt safe.