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Description
“Stay close Canela. I don’t want you to get lost in this maze.” Syria spoke in a gentle tone as she stopped and nuzzled the filly. Though Syria doom signed as she looked around. There was a little more sunlight than normal due to a hole in the roof of the cave that allowed the mare to get a look around. She felt as though she had e entered a different part of the cave as she no longer felt like she was going in circles, “Come…just a little bit longer..” she spoke nudging the filly before they continued on.

“A tree fell over the entrance due to the fire…that could be why Syria could be trapped inside, and it seems like it’s a cave system. She must have gotten lost inside of there.” Starling spoke as she investigated the cave entrance. Though she pinned her ears as she had an annoyed look on her face when Cascade had started to speak.

“What’s even the point? Whiskey went ahead and got himself caught. We don’t need to go looking for this mare. It’s pointless. Who’s to say if she is in there or even if she made it? Plus it’s better off not trying to get into any danger.” Cascade spoke as she stomped her hoof lightly. To her this was all pointless.

The colts only looked at each other before looking at the two mares still scared about what happened to Whiskey. Starling only turned around as she glanced at the colts before looking at Cascade, “If that’s what you think then why are you still here? You’re welcome to just leave and not return if that’s how you feel. I’m doing what he would have wanted us to do. He wouldn’t want us going after him and getting ourselves caught. See if I care if you leave.” she spoke almost snapping at the mare. Starling just about had enough of her attitude. What was her deal anyway?

Cascade just snorted as she pinned her ears slightly, but she said nothing else. Starling only hopes Whiskey would find his way back soon. She didn’t know what she would do if she would have to deal with the brumby mare for days without anyone else except the colts. Though Starling just sighed as she looked at the colts, “You three alright..?” she asked putting her attention on them.

The three colts just hesitantly nodded their heads as Starling just took a moment to look around, “There must be another entrance to the cave somewhere…” she muttered as she continued to look around only to notice Cascade had started to walk in a certain direction, “Where are you going?” she asked with a snort.

The brumby just stopped as she rolled her eyes before turning around, “Oh like you care. Oh wait you don’t you said it yourself.” she said before flicking her tail, “If you must know I’m going to the other entrance. Come here Altan.” she said as the colt only looked at the others before trotting over with his head lowered slightly.

Starling just looked at her before looking at Cyril and Cornelian, “Come on you two…stick close.” she said as they followed the brumby mare and colt. They entered the woods as they made their way along a trail. Everyone was silent as none of them spoke a word. Cascade and Altan had led the way as the other three just followed along a short ways behind them. Thought things were getting heated between the two mares. If Starling had any authority, she would have made her leave, but she didn’t. Well maybe Starling also just didn’t want to do something like that to Altan. The colt was innocent, and she didn’t want him to be alone. It was good for him to be around other colts as well as a herd. It was only the safest option for a foal. The whole situation though was stressful for everyone.

After about an hour of walking, another small clearing had opened up as there was an open cave entrance. Starling just let out a small quiet sigh as she went over to Cascade, “How did you know this was here?” she asked in a soft tone trying to lessen the tension between them.

“Me and my son spent one night here not too long ago. Though we only stayed at the entrance and didn’t go any further inside. My guess is that it’s connected to the other entrance.” Cascade spoke not even bothering to look at the speckled mare as she started walking closer to the entrance. Though it didn’t take long for her to stop as something had emerged from the entrance, but maybe it was two something’s….

Starling only looked at her before she hesitantly followed. The three colts looked at each other before they followed along soon stopping once both mares did. “Is that….?” Starling wasn’t sure since whatever was at the entrance was still a ways away, but it looked to be another horse at least. With a small foal as well it seemed.

Syria had started to get a good feeling about things as some hope returned. She wasn’t exactly sure why she was hopeful again, but she didn’t mind. It was a nice refresher. Though that wasn’t the only thing that changed. The air didn’t seem as stuffy and thick. Instead it was more refreshing. That was a good sign as Syria had picked up to a slow trot once she realized there was more and more light the further she went. Canela just stuck close to her mother unsure of what was going on. She was born inside of the dark cave, so she wasn’t used to the growing light, but she followed her mother as she stayed at her side.

Only a few minutes later did Syria notice why everything was different. The fresh air, the light, the newfound hope. She had found their way out of there. At first Syria had stopped in her tracks unsure if this was real or not, but it didn’t take long before she realized it was real. Once she realized she finally found her way out, Syria went into a quick trot as Canela nervously followed. The filly wasn’t used to the light once they were out that it seemed to blind her for a few moments. The filly didn’t really talk much, but at that point she did, “Mom…w-why is everything so bright? W-what is all of this?” she hesitantly asked as her eyes adjusted to everything.

Syria was silent for a moment as she looked around, “We’re out….we’re out…” she mumbled almost in disbelief. Though it took her a moment to realize Canela had spoken, “We’re outside I guess you could say. This is where we live…we were just trapped inside of that cave hun…” she said unsure of how to put things since the filly was only a few days old…at least Syria thought. She lost track of time due to how long she was in there. Though Syria looked around, “Now to find your father…” she said worriedly, “I really do hope he and the boys made it out safely…” she muttered.

Though Syria then noticed what seemed to be some other horses out in the distance, “Stay close..” she said before slowly making her way over. Despite the possible threat, Syria didn’t have much of a choice but to approach these unknown horses. As she got closer, she noticed two of them seemed to be mares while the other three were colts, but that wasn’t what caught her attention. Two of the colts had caught her eye.

“Cyril, Cornelian!?” she said overjoyed to see the colts again, but also worried as she got defensive due to the two mares that were with them. Canela just stuck close to her mother during all of this as she just hid behind her mother for the most part. She was terrified due to all of this change.

The two colts just looked at each other before they heard their names being called. They both looked to see Syria as they were both surprised, but once they tried making their way over to her, Starling had gotten in front of them protectively. Though Syria just tensed up pinning her ears as she snorted, “What are you doing with those colts!?” she asked protectively as she looked at Starling. Cascade and Altan just stood off to the side unsure of what was going on.

Starling wasn’t too sure why this mare knew the two colts, but the both of them just got protective over them even if they weren’t their mothers. Though once Starling got a good look at the mare before her, she relaxed as realization struck, “Wait….you must be Syria right…?” she asked before she looked at the two colts seeing the relief on their faces.

Syria was confused by the mare’s question, but she relaxed some before speaking, “Yes….I am…” she said still a little unsure about things. Though once more time passed, the more Syria got worried as she looked around, “Wait…..where’s Whiskey…w-what happened…” she said hoping the mare had an answer. She knew something was wrong. Though Starling just looked down as she let the colts go to Syria. She only smiled as she nuzzled the two colts, “Oh how I missed you both. I was worried about you…I had no idea if you guys got out of there or not..” she said before looking up at Starling scared as to what had happened.

Starling just sighed as she watched the reunion, “I met Whiskey and these two the day after the fire…he was worried sick about you. I offered my services to care for these two and help look for you…” she began, “We looked for about a week before me and Cyril grew ill from the fire. That was when we met Cascade and her son Altan here…just be careful around her..” she spoke as Cascade only snorted and turned away.

Syria listened as her ears lowered. Though she just nuzzled the colts again even Cornelian since the two were closer then she was with Cyril. She was terrified for what this mare was going to say next, but she looked at the brumby mare and colt before returning her gaze to the other mare.

“Once we recovered Whiskey had the idea that you were in the cave…we went to go investigate when he got captured only this morning…” Starling spoke as her ears lowered. She didn’t want to explain everything that happened, but Syria needed to know, “There wasn’t anything we could have done…I-I’m sorry…” she said as she briefly looked down, “I’m Starling…or Star by the way…”

Then there was a long silence between everyone. Syria didn’t know what to think when she heard what had happened to the stallion. The only thing she could do was look at little Canela who peeled out from behind her mother, “It’s okay hun….they won’t hurt you..” she quietly spoke to her filly as she had hesitantly stepped out from behind, “I was really hoping she would meet her father….” Syria quietly spoke as she almost wanted to tear up.

Starling just looked at Syria before looking at the filly who had them stepped out, “She’s beautiful…she looks a lot like her father..” she said before stepping over to the mare and filly before gently nuzzling Syria, “I know he would want to be here, and that he would do whatever it took to return home..he’ll be back home soon…I know he will.” she said trying to cheer up the mare some.

Syria just gave a small nod, “You’re right…he’d do anything for his family and his herd even if I have to put him in his place sometimes..” she said as both mares let out a small laugh. Though Syria just sighed as she hesitantly asked, “H-how long has it been….since the fire…”

There was a pause as Starling almost didn’t want to answer, “Two to three weeks…” she said with a small quiet sigh. Syria’s eyes only widened was she really stuck in that system of caves for that long? She knew was in there for awhile, but not that long. “What do we do now though..?” Starling asked unsure of what was to happen next.

Syria was a little shocked as Starling had asked her that question, “Why are you asking me?”

“Because you’re Whiskey’s first mare…lead mare in a way…plus you did have his first born…” Starling answered. She didn’t want to put this on the mare, but it was only the right thing to do.

Syria just sighed as she looked around realizing she didn’t know where they were, “First we go back home…then we wait…wait for Whiskey to return home…a-at least until I come up with something better…”

——————————————————————

Stallion ID: #29 Whiskey
In Response to: n/a
Art Features: Syria , Canela
Story Features: (8) Whiskey , Syria , Canela , Cascade , Altan , Cornelian , Cyril , Starling
Word Count: 2,147
Aging: Altan (2/3)
Healing: n/a
Pregnancy: n/a

Roles: feather

Refs: Mare and Foal (lost the original link)

Description
“Stay close Canela. I don’t want you to get lost in this maze.” Syria spoke in a gentle tone as she stopped and nuzzled the filly. Though Syria doom signed as she looked around. There was a little more sunlight than normal due to a hole in the roof of the cave that allowed the mare to get a look around. She felt as though she had e entered a different part of the cave as she no longer felt like she was going in circles, “Come…just a little bit longer..” she spoke nudging the filly before they continued on.

“A tree fell over the entrance due to the fire…that could be why Syria could be trapped inside, and it seems like it’s a cave system. She must have gotten lost inside of there.” Starling spoke as she investigated the cave entrance. Though she pinned her ears as she had an annoyed look on her face when Cascade had started to speak.

“What’s even the point? Whiskey went ahead and got himself caught. We don’t need to go looking for this mare. It’s pointless. Who’s to say if she is in there or even if she made it? Plus it’s better off not trying to get into any danger.” Cascade spoke as she stomped her hoof lightly. To her this was all pointless.

The colts only looked at each other before looking at the two mares still scared about what happened to Whiskey. Starling only turned around as she glanced at the colts before looking at Cascade, “If that’s what you think then why are you still here? You’re welcome to just leave and not return if that’s how you feel. I’m doing what he would have wanted us to do. He wouldn’t want us going after him and getting ourselves caught. See if I care if you leave.” she spoke almost snapping at the mare. Starling just about had enough of her attitude. What was her deal anyway?

Cascade just snorted as she pinned her ears slightly, but she said nothing else. Starling only hopes Whiskey would find his way back soon. She didn’t know what she would do if she would have to deal with the brumby mare for days without anyone else except the colts. Though Starling just sighed as she looked at the colts, “You three alright..?” she asked putting her attention on them.

The three colts just hesitantly nodded their heads as Starling just took a moment to look around, “There must be another entrance to the cave somewhere…” she muttered as she continued to look around only to notice Cascade had started to walk in a certain direction, “Where are you going?” she asked with a snort.

The brumby just stopped as she rolled her eyes before turning around, “Oh like you care. Oh wait you don’t you said it yourself.” she said before flicking her tail, “If you must know I’m going to the other entrance. Come here Altan.” she said as the colt only looked at the others before trotting over with his head lowered slightly.

Starling just looked at her before looking at Cyril and Cornelian, “Come on you two…stick close.” she said as they followed the brumby mare and colt. They entered the woods as they made their way along a trail. Everyone was silent as none of them spoke a word. Cascade and Altan had led the way as the other three just followed along a short ways behind them. Thought things were getting heated between the two mares. If Starling had any authority, she would have made her leave, but she didn’t. Well maybe Starling also just didn’t want to do something like that to Altan. The colt was innocent, and she didn’t want him to be alone. It was good for him to be around other colts as well as a herd. It was only the safest option for a foal. The whole situation though was stressful for everyone.

After about an hour of walking, another small clearing had opened up as there was an open cave entrance. Starling just let out a small quiet sigh as she went over to Cascade, “How did you know this was here?” she asked in a soft tone trying to lessen the tension between them.

“Me and my son spent one night here not too long ago. Though we only stayed at the entrance and didn’t go any further inside. My guess is that it’s connected to the other entrance.” Cascade spoke not even bothering to look at the speckled mare as she started walking closer to the entrance. Though it didn’t take long for her to stop as something had emerged from the entrance, but maybe it was two something’s….

Starling only looked at her before she hesitantly followed. The three colts looked at each other before they followed along soon stopping once both mares did. “Is that….?” Starling wasn’t sure since whatever was at the entrance was still a ways away, but it looked to be another horse at least. With a small foal as well it seemed.

Syria had started to get a good feeling about things as some hope returned. She wasn’t exactly sure why she was hopeful again, but she didn’t mind. It was a nice refresher. Though that wasn’t the only thing that changed. The air didn’t seem as stuffy and thick. Instead it was more refreshing. That was a good sign as Syria had picked up to a slow trot once she realized there was more and more light the further she went. Canela just stuck close to her mother unsure of what was going on. She was born inside of the dark cave, so she wasn’t used to the growing light, but she followed her mother as she stayed at her side.

Only a few minutes later did Syria notice why everything was different. The fresh air, the light, the newfound hope. She had found their way out of there. At first Syria had stopped in her tracks unsure if this was real or not, but it didn’t take long before she realized it was real. Once she realized she finally found her way out, Syria went into a quick trot as Canela nervously followed. The filly wasn’t used to the light once they were out that it seemed to blind her for a few moments. The filly didn’t really talk much, but at that point she did, “Mom…w-why is everything so bright? W-what is all of this?” she hesitantly asked as her eyes adjusted to everything.

Syria was silent for a moment as she looked around, “We’re out….we’re out…” she mumbled almost in disbelief. Though it took her a moment to realize Canela had spoken, “We’re outside I guess you could say. This is where we live…we were just trapped inside of that cave hun…” she said unsure of how to put things since the filly was only a few days old…at least Syria thought. She lost track of time due to how long she was in there. Though Syria looked around, “Now to find your father…” she said worriedly, “I really do hope he and the boys made it out safely…” she muttered.

Though Syria then noticed what seemed to be some other horses out in the distance, “Stay close..” she said before slowly making her way over. Despite the possible threat, Syria didn’t have much of a choice but to approach these unknown horses. As she got closer, she noticed two of them seemed to be mares while the other three were colts, but that wasn’t what caught her attention. Two of the colts had caught her eye.

“Cyril, Cornelian!?” she said overjoyed to see the colts again, but also worried as she got defensive due to the two mares that were with them. Canela just stuck close to her mother during all of this as she just hid behind her mother for the most part. She was terrified due to all of this change.

The two colts just looked at each other before they heard their names being called. They both looked to see Syria as they were both surprised, but once they tried making their way over to her, Starling had gotten in front of them protectively. Though Syria just tensed up pinning her ears as she snorted, “What are you doing with those colts!?” she asked protectively as she looked at Starling. Cascade and Altan just stood off to the side unsure of what was going on.

Starling wasn’t too sure why this mare knew the two colts, but the both of them just got protective over them even if they weren’t their mothers. Though once Starling got a good look at the mare before her, she relaxed as realization struck, “Wait….you must be Syria right…?” she asked before she looked at the two colts seeing the relief on their faces.

Syria was confused by the mare’s question, but she relaxed some before speaking, “Yes….I am…” she said still a little unsure about things. Though once more time passed, the more Syria got worried as she looked around, “Wait…..where’s Whiskey…w-what happened…” she said hoping the mare had an answer. She knew something was wrong. Though Starling just looked down as she let the colts go to Syria. She only smiled as she nuzzled the two colts, “Oh how I missed you both. I was worried about you…I had no idea if you guys got out of there or not..” she said before looking up at Starling scared as to what had happened.

Starling just sighed as she watched the reunion, “I met Whiskey and these two the day after the fire…he was worried sick about you. I offered my services to care for these two and help look for you…” she began, “We looked for about a week before me and Cyril grew ill from the fire. That was when we met Cascade and her son Altan here…just be careful around her..” she spoke as Cascade only snorted and turned away.

Syria listened as her ears lowered. Though she just nuzzled the colts again even Cornelian since the two were closer then she was with Cyril. She was terrified for what this mare was going to say next, but she looked at the brumby mare and colt before returning her gaze to the other mare.

“Once we recovered Whiskey had the idea that you were in the cave…we went to go investigate when he got captured only this morning…” Starling spoke as her ears lowered. She didn’t want to explain everything that happened, but Syria needed to know, “There wasn’t anything we could have done…I-I’m sorry…” she said as she briefly looked down, “I’m Starling…or Star by the way…”

Then there was a long silence between everyone. Syria didn’t know what to think when she heard what had happened to the stallion. The only thing she could do was look at little Canela who peeled out from behind her mother, “It’s okay hun….they won’t hurt you..” she quietly spoke to her filly as she had hesitantly stepped out from behind, “I was really hoping she would meet her father….” Syria quietly spoke as she almost wanted to tear up.

Starling just looked at Syria before looking at the filly who had them stepped out, “She’s beautiful…she looks a lot like her father..” she said before stepping over to the mare and filly before gently nuzzling Syria, “I know he would want to be here, and that he would do whatever it took to return home..he’ll be back home soon…I know he will.” she said trying to cheer up the mare some.

Syria just gave a small nod, “You’re right…he’d do anything for his family and his herd even if I have to put him in his place sometimes..” she said as both mares let out a small laugh. Though Syria just sighed as she hesitantly asked, “H-how long has it been….since the fire…”

There was a pause as Starling almost didn’t want to answer, “Two to three weeks…” she said with a small quiet sigh. Syria’s eyes only widened was she really stuck in that system of caves for that long? She knew was in there for awhile, but not that long. “What do we do now though..?” Starling asked unsure of what was to happen next.

Syria was a little shocked as Starling had asked her that question, “Why are you asking me?”

“Because you’re Whiskey’s first mare…lead mare in a way…plus you did have his first born…” Starling answered. She didn’t want to put this on the mare, but it was only the right thing to do.

Syria just sighed as she looked around realizing she didn’t know where they were, “First we go back home…then we wait…wait for Whiskey to return home…a-at least until I come up with something better…”

——————————————————————

Stallion ID: #29 Whiskey
In Response to: n/a
Art Features: Syria , Canela
Story Features: (8) Whiskey , Syria , Canela , Cascade , Altan , Cornelian , Cyril , Starling
Word Count: 2,147
Aging: Altan (2/3)
Healing: n/a
Pregnancy: n/a

Roles: feather

Refs: Mare and Foal (lost the original link)