The beautiful woods of autumn had come and gone. Or as Helovia called it, Orangemoon. It was now freezing cold and the grounds of the Threshold were covered with a light dusting of snow. However, you still could barely see the fallen and dead leaves. If you were lucky, you could find a small tuft of grass to snack on. Other than that, I was growing used to the frosted bark of trees. But that was all to change soon as I was moving south for the season. After I stopped by the Threshold, of course.

I had failed to find a home in my trip to the Threshold so I was hoping that perhaps I could change that for others that didn't have very good luck. Also, I had made a decision that would change lives. I had formed the group/herd called The Storm Strike. Here, I had learned of the racist north, the proud south, and close to everything in between. I wanted to fight for equality and peace; something that appeared to be lacking in Helovia. I wanted others to join the fight, as well.

Not only was that just our goal, but I also wanted to provide a home and family for lost souls. Something that my muscular framed self could relate to needing. That's why I came here. As I listened for the sound of conversation or movement, I also walked slowly. That way I could still make a bit of progress. However, all progress stopped when I heard a young voice ask a very innocent question. Seemingly enough, it appeared she was lost. I answered her question warmly, with a smile on my face, in my feminine, yet still sturdy and stout voice.

"Why, there is many things to play with, child," I turned my head to a tree beside me and stripped a piece of the bark off and chewed it with ease, grinding it down with my molars. "You simply need to use your imagination." I smiled once more and picked through the small sheet of snow, throwing a few small speckles of it onto her with my muzzle. I flicked my long, ink black tail and shook my neck. My mane fell right back into place.

"Tell me, child, do you have a name? I am Adalaide and I must say it is a pleasure to meet you." I gave her a soft bow with that same warm smile still on my face.

"Talk"

I smiled at her as she asked me about the bark. What could I honestly say? "Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Why not try it for yourself? I fancy it. An alternative that can substitute for grass. But even grass has its own tastes as well." Much like the equines ourselves, bark had its own taste, grass had its own taste, and almost everything had its own taste. It all just depended on what kind it was. Of course, you would always get the bad apples sometimes, but you know, that happens.

Then the topic of a friend came up and I chuckled. "I don't know many people here myself. But, of course. I am always looking for friends. Friends and even family." As the young girl before me attempted to bow as I did, I smiled at her. It was very kind for her to try and return the gesture. However, she ended up falling over. I lowered my head to her level, as she was avoiding eye contact. I gave a gentle and warm smile then said "We can work on it." I chuckled, my eyes twinkling.

"Welcome to Helovia, Saffron. There are four main herds, the Windtossed Foothills, World's Edge, Dragon's Throat, and the Aurora Basin. I belong to none of them and am known as an 'outcast'. I would avoid the Basin, however. They are a land of racist unicorns. I know not a lot of the other herds, besides the Throat. They are comprised mostly of pegasi with others like me and you as well as unicorns in the mix."

I cleared my throat and beckoned her to follow me. "If you wish, you can follow me and I can tell you more on the way south. I'm seeking to escape this cold. Migration if you will, I suppose. Perhaps you won't have to dig in the snow for a decent meal or strip bark from a tree to eat." I chuckled slightly then smiled again, taking a step towards the south.

"Talk"