Soul Taker & Others

Three ebony forms moved into the prairie, heading up from the southern portion of the land. A gray zorse traveled between them, kept in check by the band's elder female who was more than ready to deliver a nip or swift strike should Sarada try to break free from the herd.

After a short two mile trek into the foot of the prairie, Soul brought the group to a resting place near an cottonwood tree at edge of a spring. "Drink and eat, then see that you get your rest Sarada." The little stallion said, as he bowed his head to lip at what little green he could find amongst the dying brown foliage of late fall.

Shaded Moon took a position a few yards from Sarada as he helped himself to some water. Osmia drifted a little further off to find a good grazing patch, but the elder mare remained alert, with one ear thrown in Sarada's direction, and frequently glances made to the younger equine.

Sarada

She snorted Im not the only one who needs it cause again I won't be going in there aloneShe said. She wouldn't not now with a foal in her. Nor would she of done it alone if she wasn't not for someone she didn't know. She wasn't interested in starting anything with humans they were dangerous her father always told her to stay away. She grazed her ears back. Though her eyes were looking for weaknesses in their alertness..

Soul Taker & Others

Soul hadn't bothered to look Sarada's way as he answered back softly, instead taking up dried blades of grass in between words, "We'll be atop the hills tomorrow, keeping an eye on things. You won't be alone." This was said knowing full well that's not what the young mare wanted to hear. After he'd had a good mouthful of fodder, he finally turned about, raising his head briefly from the foliage to add on, "I don't want to have to harm you again, Sarada." And while the words sounded empathetic, his gaze was anything but.

At the moment, Shaded Moon and Osmia remained particularly alert, with a eye kept on their captive. Whether or not that would remain true as night fell remained to be seen.

Sarada

She snorted then on top of the hill will be where I am and there is nothing you can do that will make me go near human structure alone so either you come down with me and stay with me or you find another way she said as she grazes. She snorted. She shakes her head. I have no problem helping but it comes at the cost of you stopping being a pussy and come with me to free your friend. If you can't do that then I will not help

Soul Taker & Others

If Sarada were being particularly perceptive, she might catch the split second smirk that Osmia gave when the young mare insulted Soul. The amusement was gone as soon as it appeared, and the elder mare was hastily shuffling through the bent and windblown grasses at her hooves again, pretending as though she'd paid no mind to the saucy words.

"We will work on your manners tomorrow." Said Soul, "So get your rest, and be prepared to help us rescue our friend, or survive my hooves." It was all stated simply, with the stallion never once raising his light voice to suggest he was the slightest bit miffed by Sarada's defiance. And as if the matter were settled, he shuffled idly a few yards from their hostage, eating his fill.

Shaded Grace dug distractedly at the grass and soil, heating here and there, but feeling to unsettled to get a proper meal in.

Sarada

She snorted at him. Not my manners that need working on. If you want to beconsidered a lead stallion you need to learn to be one. A lead stallion defends his herd not sends the to potential death or trapShe said with as snort. She had caught the mares smirk but said nothing on it. Maybe the mare wasn't as bad as he main male. Oh way Ill help is if you toughen upShe said she wouldn't go near human structure withou the with her.

Soul Taker & Others

Soul's response was delayed, as he took time to paw through a cluster of grasses, unearthing a choice clump of green that hadn't yet been wilted by the frost. Only after he'd had a hearty mouthful of tender blades did the stallion bother to raise his dial and address Sarada's comments, "My sweet mare, you aren't part of my herd yet. Do well tomorrow, and you may be."

"Here." Osmia said gruffly, nudged her black muzzle against a swath of gray-green leaves close to the ground. It was a spindly patch of alfalfa, and likely one of the last for the season. "If your foal has any chance of surviving, you better take care of yourself." A sharp snort flared her nostrils and she shuffled a few paces away, as if annoyed that she had to interact with the new mare. And yet she had, and even offered Sarada a prized bit of forage.

Sarada

She snorted at him. No no if im to help you with what you want I am apart of your herd. If he wants his foal a foal to help raise I am part of your herd. You will come with me tomorrow all the way and help your friend. Because that what friends do. Sending me to do it only tells your friend that your a coward and that your safety is more important then theirsShe said. Her ear flicked in Osmia direction. She did move to graze on the patch she uncovered unsure if this was meant to be a kind gesture or just wanting her friends foal to survive.

Soul Taker & Others

Once more Sarada was left to silence as Soul helped himself to another mouthful of forage. "I've told you how it's going to be, now don't waste words when you should be feeding yourself and that foal." His words were muffled as he spoke with his head lowered in the grasses.

Whether Osmia's actions were spurred by empathy or practicality, it was impossible to tell. The mare said no more to Sarada, and merely kept an eye on the other in between feeding.

Sarada

She snorted at him. **Well I it won't be happening that way** she said then just grazed