The blinding light from the pillar of flames caused all the siblings to shut their eyes tight behind charred lashes, the brothers instinctively stepping their forms between that of their sisters, who bowed back from the heat. They took the brunt of the heat, though the forelegs of Mirage did singe and sting as charred hairs literally became charred. Madyrn’s right side and Maskan’s left felt the flames lick their barrels, their teeth ground behind their thick maws in anger at the pain. But they would protect their sisters from this monster, which now appeared to be a great dragon. Akaith roared an angry retort at the fiery illusion of her own kind, angry at the evil connotations the Sun God was applying to her species.

Then the hail began, and ice burned just as bad as fire. But the simmering effects of the frozen liquid were soon felt, and then the ice became rain, and everything seemed to slow down. The band of siblings rose from their bowed positions, which had been taken defensively, instinctively, to peer at their surrounds, their own breaths coming harshly, raggedly, simply from the adrenaline the event had stirred within them. That others were injured finally crossed their minds, and with sorrow they looked on, though there was little they could do. Mirage was surprised to see the King behaving almost compassionately about his fellows, but the sting of her forelegs had changed her plans, she now wished to leave the lands, lest she stir too much animosity amongst the now charred unicorns.

“The Sun God’s very antics brought us here.” She spoke her reply dryly to the King, her voice cracked and her expressions unreadable behind vacant stares. The brothers had assumed their positions beside their sisters once more, though they shifted their weights often, the pain upon their barrels smarting and causing an unrest that they longed to bathe in what was left of a stream in the Foothills. Knowing this, Mirage continued speaking. “I came to show my support for the lands of the Moon.” Do not forget, Mauja, I too was blessed that evening. “I wish I could offer more than my simple condolences for what has occurred, King of the Edge.” She said this with some honesty, though she also knew that Anthym resided in these lands with her curious healing peaches, but did wonder how the current weather might be affecting the production of said fruits. The mare was truly saddened by the damage wrought upon these moon-blessed lands, but time would heal all wounds, and given the forgiving rain that sprinkled upon them, perhaps even time could be sped up.

The mare dipped her tiara to the King, the frosty unicorn would never be her King, but he was the current King of the realm blessed by her chosen Goddess, and so by that, she would offer him what respect she could muster. The brothers seemed to wince their nod at him, and Rishima – well, Mirage had already turned and was walking away, though of course they would never leave without the moonlit belle. Though they walked with a grimace and some pain in their step, they still walked, and kept up their guard, until they were well away again, amongst the safe clutches of the secure trees of the Thistle Meadow.