It was a quiet day. Birds were absent from the chorus of nature and only the bare tones of the howling wind remain in the cold of Frostfall. Luckily the snow was delayed somewhat and the ground was bare save for the orange and red leaves that lay scattered upon the forest floor. The sun lay close to the horizon, declaring the end of yet another day as she threw her brilliant colored rays across the expanse of Helovia. Ainle paused briefly, velveteen ears pricking up as the last of the day’s warm rays caressed her pelt and she breathed in deeply, reveling in the sweet smell of coming night. Behind her veil only darkness roamed, ever-present and ominous, but the champagne mare was quite used to it by now. Her skin was extremely light, which meant that she was equally as sensitive to the sun, which had ultimately caused her blindness. Now a blindfold of delicate gossamer covers her almost white eyes. A sweet sigh escaped her kissers as the wind tugged at her mahogany mane. A massive shadow loomed over her skin and her ears pricked to his familiar scent as Pherick neared her. A smile graced her kissers as he softly nudged her shoulder. He was always the strong and silent type and Ainle wouldn’t want it any other way. He had made it his life’s goal to protect her and Ainle couldn’t imagine her life without him. He was like the brother she never had.

Pherick drew up next to Ainle, unseen worry etched into his soft brown eyes as Ainle sighed. The sound was almost heart breaking and he often worried about her. She was such a strong soul and never complained or pitied herself when she had all the right to. Pherick was almost the opposite of the little mare. He stood tall at 17 hands and was laced with powerful muscles. He had a bay coat and black mane and tail with two ivory socks and looked quite handsome, but he had a silent demeanor mot of the time. If Ainle was in danger or threatened he turned into a fierce warrior and protector. He smiled at her, knowing she couldn’t see but somehow she always picked up on it. He didn’t need to speak either, for he knew that Ainle understood him all too well and that his gestures meant more than words ever could.

Darkness soon crept upon the land and now Pherick spoke up in a soft yet strong voice,

“Ainle, we need to get going. We need to find shelter for the night.”

Ainle smiled a sweet smile, shifting her velveteen ears at Pherick and then tiara following as she spoke softly,

“Alright, Riri.”

Pherick chuckled at the nickname she had decided to call him since childhood. It just never got old and together they set off at a leisurely walk until the thundering sound of hooves could be heard. Stopping dead in his tracks he placed himself between Ainle and the unknown collection of hooves. The massive warmblood’s ears flattened and protectiveness flooded his being almost like a poison. Suddenly a young mare appeared and his ears pricked up instead. Ainle stayed close to Pherick, ears straining for any clue as to what was happening but she remained silent, well aware of the imposing danger. She felt Pherick physically relax and so did she. His words drifted towards the stranger,

“Hello there. Who are you and why the hurry?”

It wasn’t often that Pherick was so hospitable but this little femme seemed exhausted and he wondered what could have caused it…

"Speak"