Chapter 4: An Uncomfortable Conversation

Skysun lay in the soft nest in the Medicine Cave, Lotusroot bending over her wing to check how well it was healing. With a snort of approval, Lotusroot straightened up.

“The good news,” She stated, facing the young filly. “Is that you didn’t injure your wing bad enough that you crippled it forever.”

Skysun’s eyes widen, she could’ve crippled her wings!? She had believed that the flight exercise she and Breezeheart had been doing was easy, and even if they had failed it, she believed that they would just get scratches.

“However, I don’t want you flying yet,” Lotusroot said, going to sort herbs.

“But…flying is important, especially here in Desert Herd.” Skysun squeaked.

“You should’ve thought of that BEFORE you went to try that dangerous stunt.” Said a voice coldly from the entrance. Skysun turned to see her parents in the entrance.

“My filly!” Her mother, Amberfeather, squealed, running forward and wrapping her wings around her injured filly. “I was so worried…when Boucelight and Redfeather brought you back…and you were limp…I was so scared…I thought you were…” “Amberfeather,” Soothed her father, Adderfire, standing beside his mate and putting his wing over her back. “As happy as I am that she is ok, that is not why we’re here.”

Amberfeather looked from her mate to her daughter and nodded, stepping back to allow her mate to speak with their daughter. Adderfire looked at his daughter, his eyes flashing in disappointment.

“What you did was very dangerous,” He began, lying beside his daughter.

“I know, I…” Skysun began, but was stopped when her father placed a wing on her muzzle.

“You could’ve been seriously hurt, or even killed, by doing that stunt you pulled, and even worse, you dragged Breezeheart in with you.” He stated. “Not to mention you and Breezeheart could’ve been taken by an enemy Herd.” “But I thought we had peace…” Skysun said.

“With Mountain Herd we do, yes,” He said, “But that doesn’t mean other Herds won’t raid us.” He explained calmly.

“But our only neighbor is Mountain Herd…and we have peace with them.” She said, a questioning look on her face.

Adderfire nodded, “That may be so, but Cragwing is extremely unpredictable.” He said calmly. "Who knows what he has planned, this could all be an elaborate plan with Lightwing."

Skysun looked away, her eyes growing thoughtful. "But isn't peace...peace?"

Adderfire nodded, "It should be, but Cragwing is unpredictable. Who knows what his stance on peace is. You and Breezeheart could've been in serious trouble, or worse."

Her mother came over and nuzzled her, “We’re just happy that you’re ok…” She murmured.

“Even so,” Adderfire said, “You are in trouble, young filly.” He said.

Skysun flinched from both embarrassment and the sting of Lotusroot putting on a poultice on her wing wound.

“You won’t be able to leave the sight of the Red Rock Mountains for a moon.” Her father said, ruffling his feathers.

Skysun’s jaw dropped, “B…But I…” “No ‘buts’, Skysun.” Interrupted Adderfire. “This is the consequence for your actions.” Looking

Behind him, he nickered to his mate. “I have to go see Camelwing, and I believe you have to go meet with Galecloud.”

Amberfeather nodded, then turned towards her filly. “Get some rest,” She murmured, nuzzling her filly.

Skysun nodded, lying her head down on the soft nest of grasses and Pegasus down that Lotusroot had made her. She fell asleep, her golden wings smeared with green.