Snow and Crows(any)

[Susquehanna Sunshine]

 

The large mare lifted her head to take in the other horse's reddish coat and tangled mane.
 She somehow managed to make it look beautiful.
 I could never be that pretty, her mind told her but she pushed it away. She had no business thinking herself ugly.
 The roan started to talk.
 Hello, I'm Eld of the Falls,a beautiful little slice of paradise. No sooner had she said that she started asking if I had traveled far.
 The poor girl, must be nervous Susquehanna thought.
 "I'm Susquehanna, and I suppose I have" she answered to Eld's question.
 She had lived with her beloved Dam, the lead mare of her herd, but she was old. The wise old mare had passed not long ago. Of course everyone grieved, but no one as much as her daughter. It became too much to bear when they selected a new leader, so she left.
 Don't you always think it would be amazing to fly? the female asked, gazing up at the black birds.
 "Who hasn't?" The gypsy replied, following her gaze longingly.
 Flying through the sky, not a care in the world. Feeling weightless.
 I like this red mare. Perhaps we can be friends.
 The birds, they hide secrets. They store them under their wings. I followed them. Reuen, Reuen followed them to you.
 Susquehanna looked to the newcomer.
 This mare... she must have been through something recently. She resisted the urge to shiver.
 The Gates, the Gates have birds... lots, the horse's hollow stare, pinned her, but she refused the fear.
 This stranger cannot and will not hurt me. Fear is irrational, she thinks, giving the new mare a calm but not unfriendly look.