A shadow descended briefly on wings so quiet they barely even whispered. The threat was hardly an idle one and Ermine screamed a series of sharp curses as he was startled into hiding, ducking into her tree so abruptly that he set her boughs slapping against one another in his haste. The leaves created a large ruckus that made her announcement almost unnecessary. Willow slid her ears back slightly, listening to the sounds of her tree while green eyes trailed after the pale owl that strode on the wind.
The arrival of d'Artagnan brought her attention back forward, his presence also given by a shifting of Nadira at her side. She nodded quietly to her apprentice, smiling faintly, though nervously. She was glad to have this mare at her side, having enjoyed her company the entire trip, but being especially fond of the support she granted in this moment. Perhaps the horn on the pale mare's 'brow would also grant them some modicum of favor from this herd. Willow thought it unlikely, but she tried to remain positive.
Though still anxious about that owl, she could not afford to ignore her company in favor of the bird. Ermine remained on look out however and occasionally sent her images of the sky. They were brief and often cluttered with her foliage though as Ermine only spared cautious glances, still shaken by the encounter as evidence with his still-bushed tail and his stream of irritated chattering beneath his breath. Willow bade him to settle with a brilliant flare of red twisting into blue between their minds.
d'Artagnan met her cordially enough and Willow dipped her head deeply to him in respect. She hoped that by remaining a good distance from their borders as well, that she would appear less intrusive. It was as much for that as more room to flee is needed as well. She remained tense, though hoped to look relaxed while preparing to converse with this stallion. He was kind enough not to point out the obviousness of her species and it seemed not to color his interaction with her in as far as she could tell, but all hints of kindness ended there, his words much less inviting. Willow intended to push on, not permitting herself to be intimidated so easily by a gruff voice. Perhaps a wiser horse would have.
Snow crunching underhoof alerted her to the arrival of Argetlam. She spared a flick of an ear towards him, but otherwise her eyes did not stray from the Nightshade. She'd hoped Argetlam would have remain back further until such a time as his presence was needed; she did not want to make it seem she'd come here with body guards entailed, even if that was exactly what she had done. Although no mistress of deceit by any means, Willow understood how first impressions were to be made, and appearing defensive or hostile in the least would only handicap her mission. She bit at her lip in annoyance, but it was already said and done now.
As she roused her voice to answer the bay, more bodies drew forward from the frosty horizon. Another unicorn arrived beside d'Artagnan, earning a curious look from Willow who quietly wondered if this was another healer or apprentice.
"Whether you should or not is nothing I can mandate. I have come only to offer you the same opportunity I have granted the other territories." Willow paused then, glancing to the side as the speckled stud neared.
He strode with a more authoritative intent, suggesting to Willow that he was not a healer or apprentice. He seemed curious however, so she let her gaze relax, drifting again to the Nightshade to continue.
"It's my hope that all the healers will gather at the Thistle Meadow by next full moon. The knowledge our profession contains is invaluable, and as we seek to maintain life above all else, we should be sharing what we know as often as possible to combat the unique challenges each herd and individual faces." She finished with a touch of pride, her head lifting in confidence. Old as she may be compared to them, Willow was very much young still for her kind, and as such prone to the pitfalls of youth.
For instance, a wiser horse may not have so willingly spoke of a massive gathering of some of the most valuable horses to herds before so many ears, though listening or not it's likely that if d'Artagnan proved unloyal to the cause he would have whispered the plans anyway. Willow could only rely on the faith and optimism she held in her heart for those that shared her cause and her purpose. The idea that there were healers striving to undo all the justifications of their role with the same knowledge had never crossed her mind. She was well practiced however, and though perhaps gullible in the start, would not be so easily fooled once knee-high in the mud, so to say.
Another member of her fellowship roused himself from his cover then, much to Willow's chagrin, though she could not fully blame the young stud. He was likely anxious and now with three unicorns against three non-warriors of the Foothills, Aaron likely felt his presence needed. Willow could not help but feel as if each side were lining up for battle. She could only hope the others didn't feel similar, and that the vision beheld by their eyes would not drown out the voice drifting to their ears.
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