Cloudbreaker

Cloudbreaker hadn't been able to stop looking over her shoulder the entire way back to the Toklat Canyon. Not after hearing Cavan's howl and seeing the look of disgust in his eye. Her ears were back and her heart thumping by the time she began began to climb the steeper terrain of her new home, where the crisp, cold air should have been a refreshing change from the Ruins, but instead stung like a knife.

"King, I shouldn't have gotten you into this mess-" She had come to a stop and stomped a hoof into the ground, as much for anger as it was for anxiety. "Cavan will send others after me, I know that much... and he won't stand for you insulting him. I-" She forced a heavy sigh out, though it did little to calm her nerves. "I've made my decision though, and I'll stand with you. And, we have one thing temporarily on our side - the Haunters have bigger fish to wrangle at the moment, so that might give us a little time."

King

King snorted as he ascended up the canyon. Dont' apologize, it was partially my fault, I just can't adapt at befriending felines and canines its not in my nature. I won't let them harm you. Let us walk this whole canyon take in the whole sites, so we know our land and that way we can outsmart them and perhaps lead them into being in trouble if they do enter our landsHe said.

Cloudbreaker

A smile worked itself through her anxiety-tightened expression. "At least we're here now, and away from them." His confidence and promise to protect her brought some level of comfort to the zorse, and a growing respect for her new lead. She continued forward, traversing this rocky terrain with the ease and sure-footed steps of one who'd grown up in a similar environment. "Wise thinking, King. We don't have the numbers to beat them, but we can use the landscape and our wits to win."

King

King moved carefully now as the walk way became narrow.this would be the best place, to sheer of a drop for them to scale it and there nothing above us. We can traverse this much easier and they'd have to be single file as well.he said.

Cloudbreaker

Cloudbreaker made a mental map of the land they were covering, and took especially careful note of this cliff that King had led her to. The drop was certainly a steep one, and she doubted anyone could survive that kind of fall. "Not even a mountain goat could scale this." She murmured, eyes still peering over the side, while she stepped with great care along the narrow passageway. "A single kick from our hooves would send them toppling. It's perfect." She allowed a faint smile form, starting to believe that just maybe, this could all work out.

King

He walks it easily and finally gets to a safe spot.We will keep the herd up here this is where we will live and the only way up for anyone on the ground is through this passhesaid

Cloudbreaker

Cloudbreaker follows her lead as he navigates the rocky terrain until they found safer footing. The zorse draws in a deep breath and lets it out in a slow exhale, taking time now to really soak in the landscape, as well as what had all transpired on this day.

"You're a wise leader, King." She gives him a small nudge with her soft nose and then turns her eyes again to the trees and meadows that sprawled before them. "And I hope that someday, we won't have to hide."

King

King nudged her back.I don't see it as hiding but as living wisely. I must do what I must to protect my herdhe said.

Cloudbreaker

"True words." She nickered softly. Speaking of the others, Cloudbreaker swiveled her ears and looked about, "Where are they? I suppose I should get to know the others if I'm going to live here."

King

King calls out to the others now that they were back.

Ulayhya , Alayha and Majesty soon come up.

Cloudbreaker

Cloudbreaker offered a nickering greeting to the three as they respond to their lead's call. "I'm Cloudbreaker." She started, dipping her cream-white dial down. "I apologize for earlier, with the cat... I want you to know that I'm no loner associated with him or his kind."

King

He let her introduce herself as he surveyed each for any wounds.

Aalayha.i am Aalayha and this is my daughter Ulayha and grandson MajestyShe said.

Cloudbreaker

"A pleasure to meet you all." She returned lightly, "Have you lived here long? In the Valley, I mean?" She squinted her eyes briefly to an incoming wind, and once again relished in the feeling of freedom that washed over her. And as she looked over this small family, a new feeling began to rise in the zorse, a longing that she'd always ignored in the past. Having a family of her own.

King

King let them talk as he grazed.

Aalayha.we were all born here, King is the son of Zaquaim & Mikia, I am the daughter of Caleo and Ruffiene, Ulayha is my daughter with a bastard stallion named lust and Majesty is Ulayha son out of a bastard stallion name supremeShe said calmly.

Cloudbreaker

'Zaquaim?' Cloud's eyes went wide at that revelation and she groaned a little. "Well..." The mare shook her head, chuckling under her breath, "Zaquaim and Mikia are my grandparents. That makes King... my uncle." Any thoughts of starting a family with the lead were dashed with that knowledge, and her heart sank a little. That did leave Majesty open, but the zorse wasn't so brazen as to ask him if he would sire a foal for her, at least not in front of the others.

King

King ears flick to her as he looks over at her. Small world I supposehe said calmly.

Aalayha and ulayha smiled before turning to graze.

Majesty on the other hand became a little more curious due to now knowing that her and King wouldn't be having much fun in any way. he snorts but says nothing he wasn't much of a talker.

Cloudbreaker

As the conversation died off, Cloudbreaker dropped her head to lip distractedly at what green still remained clinging to life in the cold grip of early winter. The mare took a few steps, nibbling here and there, then lifted her head to account for King and the rest of the herd. It would be a long while, Cloud realized, before she would feel secure... if she could ever get there.

The zorse took a few more ambling steps, her cream-hued tail flicking idly behind her, while her bristly white main stood in brazen defiance to the winds that tried to blow through it. With her random splotches and stripes, she was a bit of an oddity among the others, but that zebra blood gave her a wildness that couldn't be tamed. That same boldness eventually led her to glancing furtively back at Majesty, and snorting quietly. Then she broke into a light canter, moving herself away from the rest of the herd...