My hooves methodically hit the ground, one after the other, following in the same pattern as always. My mood? I wasnt sure how I felt. I wasnt completly sure I was grateful, but I didnt hate him either. Why did everything have to be so confusing? I glanced back, seeing my daughter sleeping under the willow, her white tail flicking to her side. She was dreaming. How cute. I had left her in the care of Saetta. She was sleeping. How much trouble could she really cause? I chuckled, and then continued on heading down and out for a little bit. The stress of her was a little overbearing, I hadnt coped with life changing things very well. Ever. I exhale deeply, allowing my thoughts to diffuse themselves, to just dissapear out of my mind. I ran over the events of the day. Yes, it had been and exciting one. I stole a glance back, barley able to see her white coat. My tail flicked to my side, and I stood on the hill top in silence, my eyes staring out at the land around me. They closed slowly, and then reopened. I was tired yes, but not tired enough. As long as she was so young, I would never be tired enough. I found myself constantly on aleart around her, listening intently for any drafts that may come near, ready to garb her and run as fast as we could. Yes, Veil stole more of my build, except her frame was a bit broader. More like her father. Ah, Belial. Full of surprises that one. He surprised me by showing up. Surprised me by not killing Saetta. Surprised me by meeting my eyes. By wanting to meet our filly. By not killing her as well. By touching me. That, that really set me back a few steps. The thought made me shutter, although, it wasnt a bad one. It reminded me of when I was younger. There was the cutest colt running around. I had the biggest crush on him. A smile lights up my face. Yes, every time he glanced at me I would squeal, running back to my dam with sheer pleasure, hiding behind her, batting my eyes. One day, he followed. Oh god, I was terrified. He chased me around my dam, and then into the wood. My mad giggling and llittle thundering hooves could be hear for miles around. Or so I thought. I was leading him on, yes, secretly enjoying being a bad filly, running off with a boy behind me. Ah, when he caught up, we talked for what seemed like hours. Every time we touched, I got the same familiar shudder as I had with Belial. Thats when he came.

Ah, what have we got here? A couple of young love birds eh? he chuckled, eyeing me, and then the colt by my side. Why couldnt I remeber his name?? We'll fix this he cackled, and then tore after the both of us. We ducked and weaved through the forest, but it seemed unending, we couldnt get out. I squealed and nickered and whinnied, but I couldnt hear anything, not thundering hooves, except the ones behind us. He jumped ahead of us, cutting us off, backing us into a tree. He chuckled, stepping closer, and thats when the colt made the bravest move, one that ended his life. He stepped in front of me, his chest puffing out like a peacock, trying to seem bigger than he really was. My eyes were wide as I hid cowardly behind him. The draft took him out with one simple blow, killing him, and then tossing him to the side like a toy. He chuckled, coming closer to me, our faces touching. I quivered and shook like mad, crying now at the death of my friend, my love. He smiled darkly, a quick smirk lighting up his face, before he struck. His back hooves threw themselves wildly, and I had ducked the right one, but the left I hadnt been so lucky. My body slung against the tree, slumping onto the roots. I was alive, yes, thankfully but my side was hurt severly, blood pooling. When I woke, all I could hear were the wails of mares. My eyes fluttered open, seeing my mother above me. She gasped, and then grabbed me closly. My friend, his mother was not so lucky. Oh, she wailed and bawled for hours, days, months. It never seemed to end, and those screams still haunt me. To this day, I have never forgotten how bravely he stood to protect me against the draft, knowing he had no chance, he would die. But he still did it. I wondered if he had liked me like I had him. And I to cried for many many days, never fogetting the sight of his mangled body beside me...

My eyes flash open, and I gasp, glancing around me. That flashback haunted me, and I winced in pain, hearing his helpless little screams. If it had not been for him, would I be here today? My eyes move to the scar that marks my left side with its harsh brutality, and a tear slowly leaks. Sick of crying I am, but I cannot stop it. It goes on its own, as if I have no control over my own tear ducts. My head turns back to the open land, resting one back hoof, exhaling a shaky breath, closing my eyes, and inhaling.

I could only stare out into the distants, my thoughts dissanate. His teeth grazed over my shoulder, my withers shuddered, his forehead against me. He was so warm. Such was common with his type. I felt so cold, yet again sinking back into my depressing world. Regardless of Veil, I would sink again. Either I would drag her down with me, or she would pull me out. Those were the only options I saw. He shushed me, and my eyes turned to face him, nudging under his neck gently, my head ducking under his thick neck Im here. I care My forehead leaned against his chest, and my head rocked back and fourth, tears still falling. Why was I crying? It couldnt still be over that colt. As sweet as it was, he had left me alone years ago. Yes, he haunted me when I slept, the memories of that day tormenting my sleeping state. Oh Belial was all I could whisper. I didnt hate him, not as I had before. Odd as it was, I trusted him. Of course, he could easily betray me, but that lead back to the whole trusting part. Why? Saetta had warned me against this. He couldnt be trusted. But he seemed as if a whole different horse, someone who cared. Not as he had been that dreadful night. No, that night he was not himself. It was as if something stole his body, some evil spirit or something. He had been kind, after severing my side, he had left. But then he turned quick to come around. It was to fast, to odd. I hadnt thought about it. My thoughts were on Saetta at that moment, and Veil was the sacrifice I had given to save him. Tears still ran, my head rocking back and fourth. I dont know where to go anymore I whispered. I was so lost, so confused. What did I do now? Raise Veil here? No, I couldnt. But I had to . I was to weak to escape. I was trapped. I could feel his teeth through my mane, grooming it accordingly. My shoulder quivered, my whole body shivering. I felt so cold, although I was unsure if I was on the outside or not. My head removed itself, still under his jaw slightly, glancing at the scar that defaced my left side. Have you ever wondered....where thats from? I asked him, my eyes staring up at him, capturing the lanterns that hung in his face, strong and bold as it was. My eyes were watery, large but helpless, showing a trapped and tormented soul. It was what I wanted him to see, to feel, to understand. I wanted him to know the real me, the weak little white mare, who ran from everything, who would sell anyones soul over her own. The angel locked in the cellar cell, surrounded by a grey world.

I still leaned into him. Surley if Saetta saw us, he would kill. Would he yell at me? I wasnt sure. But he wouldnt be happy. Hed probably accuse Belial into bullying me or pressuring me or doing something horrible. I sighed. Why did it always seem he took the blame? My forehead pressed against his chest, my muzzle close to his shoulder, my head tilted, leaning against him. What was this nonsense? Why did I trust him? Why did I just, let myself fall like this?? My eyes closed, and my breath exhaled, sweet and gentle, brushing against him in a smooth pattern. I inhaled his scent, allowing it to fill me, intoxicate me, to fill my blood with his scent. Surley it was sin, but I didnt care. When you lived in hell, what did you live for? Love? Hope? What if you didnt have either of those? Revenge? For the hell of it? I sighed. I didnt know anymore, but with Belial I felt safe, as if nothing could ever, would ever hurt me. I know it was a false security net, something to just make me feel better about my worthless self. I sigh again, We cant stay here. Not all drafts are as nice as I am A smirk lights my face, a quick exhale emphasizing my quickly lightened mood. It sinks back down again, as if he held a bobber on me, pulling me up when he wanted to, but otherwise letting me sink to the bottom where I lay. I know Belial. And that is what scares me. I dont want them to take her, I dont want any more fights. I dont want anyone killed, but I dont want her pulled from me tears flood my face again, leaking against him. I feel horrible of course, soaking him as I wish, but I realize how much I do need him. I wasnt strong enough to protect my young daughter, I wasnt strong enough to do anything. She would escape like sand from me. Like I had from my dam. It wasnt that she wasnt strong, but, I hadnt been able to bond with her. She was strong, a stubborn mare that got her way, and wasnt afraid to die. She fought of everything that came near me, and I cant count how many times I lie close to her, crying for the sake of her blood soaking me. She shushed me, whispering in my ear, singing my gentle lullaby. How had that gone? I cried out, why couldnt I remeber anything?! I couldnt remeber the colts name, not my dams sweet voice lulling me to sleep, not even the gentle words she spoke to me when I was upset. My head shook back and fourth in Belials chest, my muzzle running back and fourth, tracing the well defined lines, my eyes open, staring at the ground, tears falling. Why? My withers shook again, my tail flicking a little, just the tips swaying. I could feel his warmth flooding into me, and pressed myself closer. His head on my back, it was comforting, his teeth gently tugging on my silken mane, relaxing and my hearts windows closed gently, reopening moments later, to stare into the dark chest before me. I dont know either, Autumn. his words lingering in the air. We both had no idea. Where to raise our filly. Not here, I begged for any place but here. But she wasnt built enough to handle the harsh winters of the north with her father, nor would I want her to become one of those brutes. Plus, if my escape plan worked, I didnt want to wage war against my own sweet daughter. I pressed myself as tight as I could to Belial, our chests together, two hearts beating next to each other, my head resting on his shoulder, my muzzle following the contour lines up under his mane, where I hid most of my face, only parts of my maw being seen through the thick hair. I sighed again, watching as the air billowed against his mane, making it dance over me. My eyes felt droopy, tired as I was, I couldnt go to sleep. Still, I wasnt ready to. I could feel him pull away, taking a real good look at the scar that deffaced me. That was me, His words were soft, filled with, regret? Sorrow? It's from the night that I attacked you in the wood. My head shook slowly back and fourth, nodding a no Im sorry that I did that to you, but I have no magic to take it back. Im sorry I sigh, glancing to my right. A similar scar vandalizes that side. But its smaller, only a few ribs long, and grey hairs fill it in nicely. I take a step closer to him, my eyes watering. He did take the blame for a lot of things didnt he? Such a guilty concience for something that wasnt even his fault. I feel him wrap around me again, and I press myself against him, close as I can get, feeling his strong neck arched over me. I feel so safe, odd as it may be. I feel like, Im untouchable. As if he would protect me against anything. I know its just a simple figment of my imagination, and childish whim, to have a draft by my side, warding off any and all. No my Belial. That is not from you I whisper, soothing as it is, trying to relive his mind from the guilt he clearly felt That was from another. The reason I stay here. The reason I run Its all I say. Its all I need to say. Hes a smarter draft, surley he'll pick up on it. If he doesnt, surley he would ask a question or two. I sigh, wishing I could be closer to him, closer than I already am. Not only physically, but mentally, emotionally. I know I cant. He stays for Veil. Even now, Im surprised he hasnt head back to her. Shes the reason he stays. The only reason he stays. For that I am certain. My withers quiver, feeling his breath on my back. I know he probably doesnt share the same thought as I do, I know he probably cant even imagine what it is I am thinking. I cant help it. Falling head over heels, my nemisis, now becoming the one I cherished. What was this nonsense? How could I find myself acting like this? My body is still fixing itself from Veil, surley that must be it. Why Ive been so emotional. So, wishy-washy. So weak. No, no this wasnt an excse for that. But for the others, possibly. Or it could just be my desperation. Here I am, a four year old, with a filly and no love. Nothing to hold near and dear. I sigh, allowing myself to close my eyes, dozing off, waiting for him to speak again.

My head ran up against his shoulder, soothing as it was for me, my touch lightly, just the tips of hairs being able to touch, to run past each other with a static coarsing through them. At least for me. I sighed, and then rested my head back into the crook of his shoulder, my breath soft white puffs, swirling and dancing with his mane. His thick neck arched over me, and for once I felt so, protected? Loved? No, he was such a handsome brute, surley we couldnt fall for each other. Oh, the heart of that poor mare, if I ripped her to shreds surley I would go nuts, or shed kill me first. I couldnt help but chuckle for a moment, under my breath soft. I had never thought of myself as one that stole the hearts of young stags. Never. I had always just mosied on through life, trying not to look back. Although, I found that I so often did. Who did that to you, Autumn?
the words, they wrapped around me, sending warm shivers down my spine. His voice, thick and protective, and I was soaking up every moment of him being wrapped around me. I sighed, I had brought it up, I might as well tell him. Although, I didnt want him tearing after some stallion for it. I couldnt remeber that brutes name either. Had he spoken it? I couldnt remeber, finding myself to commonly lost in Belials comfort. Oh, why did I feel myself falling for him? I had to be strong, and surley if he pulled away now I would burst into tears, feeling without his comfort. His heart raced, pounding against my chest. I sighed, heartbeats. They had always calmed me, one thing that allowed me to sleep in comfort. I oculd hear mine, rushing through my mind, my ears swelling, and I thought for sure my face was pink. Thankfully the white hairs covered my blushing. I oculd hear mine now, as fast as his, but pulsing when his stopped. I nudged him gently, sighing, my eyes closed. It happened a long time ago. When I was younger. Much younger. tears sting at my eyes, the horrific memories of those past days striking my heart, making it burn and sizzle. My veins cracked and popped, and I thought for sure I would crumple right here. But something caught my attention. My eyes fluttered open, I could only hear one heartbeat. Did mine stop? Or his? I listen carefully. No, neither had stopped, but rather, sycronized? I sighed dreamily, my eyes blinkig back the wounding tears, my body pressing as tight to him as I could. But it wasnt as close as I wanted. It still felt like something was missing. Perhaps it was the cold barrel of mine, maybe it was jelous? I laughed inside my head. How funny. My body fighting over who got Belial to touch which parts. Then I thought that over. Wow, that could be seriously taken the wrong way. I chuckled. Autumn,His words were quite, very quiet, and I thought my heart jumped a beat, but still I only heard one beating, more intensified, but one soundtrack,. They heated me, sad as it was, filled with something new. Some, newly found, something. Perhaps he was tugging me along. He probably already loved someone, and I was nothing more than his booty call. That hurt, but I would take it. If I just had to be seconds, I would welcome it. Shuttup you fool. Cant you see he cares? Dont be rash. Of course he cant love you. Look at yourself. Your a hideous mess. Noone could love you. It cackled, and I frowned. Shuttup you, Im sick of you and your horrible advice. Always trying to put me down. Cant I have one day without you damering my mood? it laughed again, No My ears flickered back, but I ignored it. Whatever he did to you, I wont abandon you. Not you and not Veil. You wont do this alone. I lo- Im here. I care I smiled, wound around his words. Then, one certain part hits me, like a ton of rocks. I lo- WHOA wait a second. Was that what I thought it was? The begging of an I love you?! My heart races, and again that annoying voice in my head returns No its not. He wants you to think that. Thats what he wants you to belive. So he can get another couple foals outta you. Seeing as how your the only one dumb enough to do it Shuttup. No, your wrong and Im right. For once. Ahahahaahaha I cant help but laugh merrily in my head, hearing the voice grind its teeth, seething with jelously. I smile with my internal victory, then my eyes turn to Belial. He had choked on the words. For some reason he couldnt bring himself to say them. I already had my answer in store, yes. It would be correct, and he could take it as far as he wished, even into his wildest fantasys. I know Belial. Me to. My eyes looked up to meet his, there was something more to that 'me to' than just those two words. Ah yes, but he could figure it out. Take that as far as you wish I whisper, leaning my head against him, my back shivering, the top of my croup twitching. All he had to do was nip, thats it, and I would follow him. Well, I would follow him now, even to death, but I couldnt be as honest and passionate about it as I wanted to be.

His humming swarmed around me, wrapping me up in a safe cloak. I felt so safe, so warm and loved. I sighed dreamily, allowing him to bend around me, to curl himnself around my tiny frame. What was this madness? If my dam saw me now, shed flip shit. She would come up screaming to Belial, and yank me away, and even leave Veil behind. Now part of me was glad we had went out own seperate ways. Verse after verse came in waves, crashing against me with the gentleness of a spring breeze. I watched him carefully, pondering over my words. My eyes caught his, and for a second I caught something I had not seen in him. Some other world, some past memory that still haunted him. Was it perhaps the reason he held back? Was it perhaps why he choked and gagged on his 'i love you' and only mentioned that he cared? His face turned away from me, as if embarrassed that I had picked up on it. I nicker sweetly, my muzzle extending, touching his with sudden grace, pulling him back to look at me. I wont leave you was all I could whisper. Some abondonment, thats all I could pick up on. But by who, I had no idea. I only assumed it was a mare. Why would he care so much about a male? Well, perhaps his sire, but that couldnt be. It didnt have that same fear light like my own
Slowly, he moved around me, our bodys rubbing past each other, although I was sure it was more than pure friction that lit my body. I nudged his barrel, encouraging him. Yes I wanted this as long as he did as well. And so far, it seemed pretty obvious. My eyes closed, when, oh how long? His warm breath fanned over my croup, my body shaking with anticipation. Teeth scraped over me, gentle as they were, claiming me his. I moaned ever so softly, feeling him come around me again. His head pressed into my chest, and I rested my muzzle on his wither, my breath playing with his mane yet again Oh Autumn his words carressed me. Yes, we were perfect together. Two broken souls together. How perfectly romantic. His humming soothed the space around us, his voice so perfect, smoothed over and thick, a stags voice for sure, but a strong one, loving as it was. My Midnight Romeo was all I could whisper, my eyes closed, laying on his back gently, my white breath toying with his pelt and mane. It was true, surley, at the time neither of us knew, but now it was definate. I sighed dreamily, grooming his mane, humming my own sweet lullaby.

I steadied myself, feeling him lean more and more into me, his body enormus compared to my tiny frame. He swayed a little, moaning as he did. I glanced down at him, had I done something? I nudge him Belial? Belial darling? is all I can whisper. I dont understand whats happening. I cant. All I feel is his weight pressing down on me, his legs braced, knees shaking like a newborne. What was going on? I hadnt even seen him like this even when he broke my side. Belial? I nudge him harder, my weight bracing under him, trying to keep him standing. But he wont. He sways back and fourth against me, his head pressed to my side now, as I had postitioned myself to prevent him from falling. Belial! I cry out, feeling him slide down my side, crashing to the ground. Help was the only words on his lips, and I watched as he faded out. Belial! I cry out, pacing back and fourth, nudging him and nipping at his sides, nickering worridly as my frantic hooves pace back and fourth. What did I do? Where did I go? How did I help? I hadnt even the slightest idea what was wrong with him. Dehydration? Heart attack? Stroke? Hunger? Which could it be?! Or could it be something more severe? I whinnie, but damn it. Saetta and Veil are to far away to hear me. It was a good thing, but a bad. Veil wouldnt see her father fall, but Saetta couldnt hear me, to help. I nudge him consistanly, nickering, repeating his name over and over, my tears falling. Is he dead? How can I help? God, now I was more confused than I had ever been. I run off. Its the only thing I can think of. Somethings pulling me in this direction, and slowly I begin to hear the faint sounds of a creek. I grab a mouthful as soon as I can, and rush back. Its hard not to swallow the water in my mouth, but he may need it. It could be the only way to wake him. I nudge him again, dripping the water on his face. Its not nearly as cold as it had been, but I realease it all on his face. Belial? I whisper, nudging him again. Im ready to run back and fourth a thousand times to save him. Even if he just twitched, it would help alot. To know hes still breathing. You fool. Check his pulse. Is he still breathing? Ahahaha, you killleeeedddd hiiiiimmmm that stupid voice dances around in my head, singing all the way. My tears fall now, steady as the brooke No, no no Belial you cant leave me. Please, come back. I dont understand. Whats wrong Belial? Tell me please as I have no idea My tears spill all over him, slowly leaning down to lay next to him, proping his head on my knees, running my muzzle over him. He feels so cold. Ice cold, and it only brings more tears to my eyes No Belial, you cant leave me. I wont let you I sob, trying to listen for his heart. But its hard to hear, my endless crying getting in the way of everything.

I nudged him again and again. My heart raced with a slow sloppiness. I couldnt lose him. Not now. I stroked him soothingly, whispering his name over and over, gentle my breath was, fanning over him, soft wre my tears, spilling on his coat. It was cold, not only him but the world. Isolation was beggining to take its toll on me. My limbs were weak, but I still held close to him, my barrel freezing with the nights frost, as the last of the sunlight dissapeared from all existance. I watched carefully, the frost winding its way up around him like vines, willing to take his life from me. I snorted, breathing heavily on them, discouraging their lifeless journey. I stood up, walking around to his back side. He was heavy, yes, and naturally should be warmer than me, but he wasnt. He was going cold, and only getting colder. I pushed him up with my head, all of my strength going into one hard shove, and tucked my body neatly beneath him, my legs resting under his enormus weight. Yes, they were crushed at the moment, but I needed to keep him warm. My tears froze as they fell, turning to ice, sliding neatly off of his coloured coat. I rested his head back on my knees, my own neck now wrapped around him, my jaw against his, trying to keep him as warm as I possibly could. He shivered once, twice, and then still. Few parts of him twitched, and I pressed my head closer to his, tears still falling, although now they froze, sliding down my face and off onto him, where they fell to the ground, the frost claiming them as their own. I sighed, Im ok. Im not going anywhere the words brought reliefe, but still his eyes remained closed. I nickered, I know my dear Belial. I have you my love, I will not leave you another tear flowed down my face, to warm to freeze this time, passionate as it was, it lingered on my cheek, and I pressed my body closer to his, my own sweet lullaby picking up in my voice. Find me here
And speak to me
I want to feel You
I need to hear You
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace again my voice is honey suckle sweet, my eyes closed pressed tightly to him. My muzzle runs down his side, my breath fanning out over him You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the life
To my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
Yes. This was the lullaby my mother had sung to me, and now I kept her sweet words locked tightly in my mind, singing them sweetly to my dear Belial. And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this
You calm the storms
And You give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You steal my heart
And You take my breath away
Would You take me in?
Would You take me deeper, now? my breath is warm, coming out in sweet white puffs, clouding my vision of his face. But I know he is still there, I can feel him, and I still hold him tightly, praying he will come back to me, and be ok And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this

And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this

Cause you're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything, everything... My voice trails off, and I watch him carefully, the tune still lying in my vocal chords, sweet and gently, flowing around us When how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this

Oh And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better any better than this

And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this

Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this.... I whisper my finish, pressing my head tightly to his, another tear falling down my face. Where was he? Where had he fallen? Why? Questions lingered on my mind, but I ignored them for now. All my focus went into him, and for a moment I even forgot about Veil. I lifted my head, hoping the crisp night air would bring it to Saettas ears, but he wouldnt leave Veils side. I sighed, nudging Belial again, nickering gently to him, still humming my sweet lullaby.

I watched as his eyes fluttered open, sighing softly, nuzzling him as I had with Veil. I tugged at his forelock, watching as he stood up. Reliefe pulsed through me, my legs thinking more of themselves than his sake. But all my mind could focus on was him. Why had that happened? It was odd. His muzzle leaned down, touching mine gently. My eyes locked his, gazes unbroken, and I lay on the ground, captured by him, as I had been before. Ever since he showed up for Veil, for me, I slowly had found myself falling head over heels. Of course, what would Saetta say? He would probably be pissed at me. I wasnt sure why I thought this, seeing as how he had never been truley upset with me. My thoughts were intterupted, and I glanced back up to Belial Well that was fun, His voice was soft, but there was a hint of sarcasm, trying to lighten the mood. It didnt work very well. I had been so worried about him, I had even forgotten about our dear daughter. Im sorry, I suppose that no matter what joy my life brings me, my heart will always be broken in one way or another I allowed him to cry, to just let it all out on my shoulder. Shhhh my dear. We will get through it. Do not worry I whispered. But truth was, I was terrified. Had I almost lost him? I couldnt imagine that. What would I tell Veil? She to loved him deeply, that was clear in her eyes. Shhh my dear. Its ok, just breath Its all I can whisper. My muzzle runs down his back, my neck pressing him tightly to me, one of my own tears falling. How would we get through it? What was it? What had almost claimed him and stolen him from me? I snorted, pressing him closer after a toss of my head. No, no more. This will not happen again. I wont let it. I whisper, my words are hard, determined. No, I wasnt going to lose him to something as simple as his heart. It was mine now, and it wouldnt dare disobey me. I wouldnt let it. Shhh Belial. Im still here. I always will be I whisper, nuzzling and nipping at him, grooming his mane and holding him tight. I can feel his body. It warms under me. Good, a sign of hope. Hopefully he would return to normal now. Normal. What was normal? Like me? No, certainly not. Like him? But he was the only one I had met that dropped due to his heart. I dont even bother to ask him what happened. I need him calm, I want him to return, and to forget it for now. Shhh my dear, hush I whisper again, grooming his mane with an angels gentelness. Hush

I sighed, nuzzling him and grooming him, feeling his tears lessen each time. I nodded, allowing him to cry as much as he felt necessary. It will be ok my dear I whisper gently, remaining strong for his sake. I have an enlarged heart, Autumn. It didnt stop growing when it should have. Normally it leaves me alone, it doesnt bother me, but if I push myself to my limits, it fights back. I dont gasp at his words, but they hit me like a ton of rocks, striking me down for a moment, mentally of course. I continue on grooming him, my muzzle running up and down his back. its ok, its ok I whisper over and over again, its all I can say, its all I feel necessary to say, as if the words will hopefully comfort him. My thoughts flicker to Veil. What if she had the same problem? Only time could tell, but the thought scarred me. If I lost Belial, and then Veil, surley my world would fall apart at the seams. I tug at his mane, playing with it gently. You dont have to explain yourself to me darling. I love you all the same. I smile, pressing my head to his, our nostrils breathing together, our breaths coming out in cold white puffs, swirling around us. My thoughts are focused on him, my mind swirling and mulling over his stanture. How could this be? His heart was to big? I cant grasp that subject. How can someone like him, have a curse like this? I nuzzle him affectiontally Do not let it bother you. I will not leave your side...ever I whisper. Parts of me think he crys due to fear of loss, fear of losing me. Or perhaps everything has just been bottled up. Maybe I was the only one he had told about this. Maybe it pained him in some way, hurting his stallion pride. Of course, leave it to me to only love him more for it. Most mares would have left, refusing to breed foals that could easily drop dead. But of course I wouldnt. No, I had promised him that, and never before had I felt like this. I sigh, and pull him into me, continuing to groom his silken mane. Never I vow.