A soft golden muzzle pushed at a tangle of brush keeping her from her prize. Searching was hard with the snow, but Athena had been keeping track long before Frostfall's first downfall of the freezing flakes. Hazel eyes set in both determination and joy. What she was looking for was of no consequence to others, but the world to the palomino mare. Her excitement had the wings on her tail fluttering, curling and flickering around her legs to show her happiness. Athena wanted to be a healer, more than anything she had ever desired. The ability to take away pain, to help those who could not help themselves. Who would die if she did not do one simple thing. It was a practiced miracle, healing. Athena had been keeping track of the plants useful to her around her home, wanting to know where to find them should she need them. Never straying far from the borders, always within a medium sprinting distance. The battle had left many bitter and vengeful. Athena found this entirely distasteful, but it was a truth she had to accept. She could not afford to be naive.

A triumphant cry came from her throat as she found what she wanted. Tail flickering and skirting her heels as she carefully pruned away the plants trying to leech its sunlight and nutrients. Once satisfied she raised her head once more. It was well towards high sun now, and the palomino had been working since dawn. Deciding she should rest, or at least stop her searching, the golden princess quickly recalled where the closest stream was and whirled around. A happy spring to her trot at a successful morning. It wasn't long, as she knew better than to lose track of any water source that wasn't contaminated by salt. Hydration was something so simple yet sometimes so hard to achieve. Dipping her white splashed muzzle into the cool stream, gulping steadily until she was filled. Staying there by the riverside for a few moments, simply enjoying the cool air and allowing the snowflakes to collect and lighten her gold canvas towards a white. Winter was harsh on her beloved plants, but she would try her best to nurture them through Frostfall. Smiling to herself; now all she needed to complete the day was a friendly face.

Normally the dame would have stayed a little longer. Perhaps rested by the water before returning to her home lands. Today she felt no such urge, and Athena was no more bothered by it than if the wind decided to change direction. Who was she to determine the forces outside of her control? And Athena was always one to listen to her gut. Just as she was turning, perhaps for a nice jog or a further exploration into lands unknown, her hazel eyes brushed past a shape that most definitely was not snow. The stallion stood out in great contrast to the perfect snowy world. Giving a tiny cry of fright and surprise, stumbling a few steps back before she managed to contain herself. Bursting into relieved laughter as her tail flickered briefly from her bout of nerves. "Goodness, you startled me!" Stepping out of the river she had inevitably landed in and shaking the cold substance off her ankles. Looking back up at the stranger. Athena considered herself a decent judge of character and the poor thing looked just about as uncertain and nervous as she had been. Smiling to try and ease him, she stepped closer slowly to show she meant no harm. "How are you this fine morning? I am Athena."