The Foothills were vulnerable. Artemis knew this; they all did. The 'Grey', as it was, was no longer, and their family was in a delicate place. Yet Artemis knew they would be okay. She knew they would not falter. Apollo was strong, as were his brothers and sisters. It was strange. Artemis had never seen herself as a herd sort of unicorn before, yet now she felt at one with the small group. They really were her family now.

It was a strange feeling. She had never had a real 'family' before.

But now, it was important that she return to this place; the Threshold. The dense forest loomed before her, thick and dark with vines and foliage. It was far from welcoming, and the thick clouds had masked any moon light that might provide some relief from the constant gloom. Sucking in a sharp breath, she arched her proud neck and pressed onward into the forest.

The eternal night had ended and with it came the warmth. Artemis found herself smiling, a foreign expression that cracked the stoic expression that usually graced her features. Bold crimson marking seemed to sear upon the whiteness of her face as steely eyes glimmered. Dawn had come, and the mare felt hope rise in her belly. Hope for her family, for the Foothills, and hope for herself. It had been too long since she let herself be vulnerable, yet with this new life she was emerging from her shell.

She feared it. Yet she revelled in it.

Striding proudly, she found herself parched and began to head for a familiar creek. She had spent many moons in this forest alone and could navigate it in pitch darkness, so finding the winding stream was simple. As she approached, she saw a figure bending low over the waters to drink, taking in deep gulps before the dappled grey body slipped ankle deep into the waters to cross. She smiled, trotting toward the creek, yet she did not wade through. She jumped across, heavy hooves slapping slightly in the shallows of the water as she landed and soaking the feathers in her fetlocks. Tough her mouth felt dry, she focussed her attention on the newcomer. "Greetings, stranger! May I ask your name? I am Artemis, of the Windtossed Foothills. She introduced herself with a casual flick of the ear. She was getting used to talking to strangers, even!

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