A few days later, Starshine was grazing along with the Herd, the grassy plains of the mountain valley stretching out around her, seeming like a wall that she couldn’t escape, a prison. She could practically feel Eaglefeather’s gaze on her, and she hated the prickling sensation she got along her spine. She hated this feeling of guilt. She still hadn’t told him that she was with foal, and had, in fact, began to try and hide it from him. Every time she thought she’d worked up the courage to tell him…she’d shy away from her plan and grow even more terrified at the thought of telling him, and the longer it went on, the more she tried to hide it. Sighing, she lowered her head to the grass, her nose brushing the tickly green stems. Her eyes closed as she tried to gather her thoughts. She could tell Eaglefeather…then it would all be over, and she wouldn’t have to worry anymore, or, she could keep it hidden, at least for a little while longer. Grunting with the weight of it all, she lifted her head, her gaze turning towards the sky. The sun shone brightly across the green grass of the mountainous territory of Mountain Herd, and the Hundred Year Star was nowhere in sight…but she knew it had to be there.
“Why did you have to appear this year…” She whispered, “Why?”
“Starshine?” Questioned a soft voice.
Jumping with shock, she spun to face the voice, terrified that Windcloud had overheard her fear. In a moment of pure instinct, she flared her wings, her nostrils flaring and her hooves pawing the ground as well. A moment later, she gasped, taking a few trembling steps back as her gaze landed on the terrified appaloosa mare in front of her. “Firleaf?” She asked, her eyes wide, “I…I’m…”
Taking a tentative step forward, Firleaf lowered her head, “A…are you ok?” She asked.
Starshine blinked, trying to process the question, a moment later, it hit her like a stone, “Yes!” She said, perhaps a bit too quickly. A little quieter this time, she replied again, “Yes, Firleaf, I’m fine.”
The appaloosa regarded Starshine with a skeptical glance, “Really? Because it really seemed like you wanted to bite my head off.”
Starshine shook her head, “It was…not about you, Firleaf.” She nickered, “It’s just…been stressful for me lately.”
Firleaf’s ears pinned back, “Oh? And…”
“I’d rather not talk about it.” Starshine interrupted, “I just…don’t want to think about it.” Lowering her head, she closed her eyes tightly before sighing, “I’m sorry I scared you…I…”
Without letting her finish, Firleaf trotted forward and wrapped her in her wings, “Hey…no need to apologize. Whatever it is you’re stressed about, it’s obviously got your wings in a ruffle.” She said softly.
Starshine sighed, leaning into her sister. She knew she could trust her with anything…they told each other everything. They were inseparable. However, like her mate, she couldn’t tell her sister anything, no matter how much she wanted to. Sighing, she nuzzled her sister, “I will admit, I do want to tell you,” She said, “But I just can’t tell you…not yet.” She said, lowering her head with pain and shame.
Firleaf flicked an ear, regarding her sister with a knowing look before dipping her head in a small nod, “I understand, Starshine…” She murmured, “Just know you’re not alone. Maybe getting it off your…”
“NO!” Starshine snapped, stepping back in shock, “I…I’m sorry. I don’t know what…”
“It’s ok, Starshine.” Firleaf nickered, “I’m your sister, I’m not going to get mad at you because you yelled at me.” She said with a playful snort, “I was going to say that you needed to get it off your mind, not your chest.” She stepped up to Starshine’s side, nudging her with a wing, “Hey, I know! How about we go and find those berries you really like?”
“Blackberries?!” Starshine asked, her ears pricking up at the mention of the sweet little black colored berries she adored, “You know where we can find some?!”
“Well…uh…no.” Firleaf revealed, her wings ruffling slightly, “Buuuut…how hard can it be to find some, right?” She asked, “Besides, it’ll take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out.”
Starshine grew thoughtful for a moment, on one hoof, how would Leopardwing like her and Firleaf leaving the Herd? On the other hoof…she really wanted some blackberries. With a sigh, she gave her sister a small, almost defeated looking, smile, “Fiiiiine.” She conceded, “Let’s go find some blackberries.”
Firleaf laughed, “HA! Don’t tell me you’re not excited for this little adventure!” She nickered, I saw you practically glow with excitement when I mentioned those little black berries!”
Starshine laughed, a genuine laugh, “You got me there.” She nickered, smiling softly, “Let’s go! I want some sweet blackberries!” She said, trotting away, Firleaf right behind her, her neck and head held high. As they trotted along, she could feel the stress and fear dripping off of her like rain. Maybe Firleaf was right…maybe all she needed to do, was get it off her mind. However, she couldn’t deny the possibility that her foal could be the black foal…and she couldn’t quite shake off that fear…not entirely.
YES YES YES YES!!!!!! You are such a good writer!!! Ugh, and now I'm thinking of frozen. Again.
lol. Sort of relavent, right?
Yes! Firleaf is definitely right! Listen to your sister, Starshine! Hiding it will make it more suspicious if it does end up being you! XD :)