[not AVA!]

Chapter 1

Daggers stepped cautiously into the freelands. The ground littered with fall leaves, yet there were still some color lingering quietly in the trees. If the feeling had not been so ominous, Aurora would have taken the time to admire the scenery. It was beautiful, and autumn had always been one of her favorite seasons. But, her mind wasn't focused on the fall beauty. Aurora was here to meet with her estranged daughter, Zaria. It had been years since she had last seen her first born. She had only been a young flicka when she had left Rosemonde, and Aurora knew Zaria would be a full grown woman now. It pained her to think about how much she missed. Aurora hated what she did to the lass, but she couldn't fix the damage that had been done. Zaria had committed crimes against the Versai and their allies and she had to be banished. The only way back into their graces would be trial which could result in cleansing or even death if the Versai wished it.

Lately the Versai commander had come clean to the Versai about her daughter and all the other secrets she had kept from her best friend Trinity. She hoped that their relationship could be mended after all the secrets she had reveled to her oldest ally, but only time would tell. Aurora hoped she was on track to becoming a better leader and equine, maybe she would request another cleansing down the road to prove she was a better soul. Maybe if it went her way Zaria would join her and they could be cleansed together. That was wishful thinking though. Aurora was still not sure of why her daughter wanted to meet with her, and the feeling in the pit of her gut was not promising, but she tried to remain open minded. She knew she had probably hurt Zaria more than she could ever fathom.

Her journey took her deeper into the freelands, close to the dark territories. Which made sense as Aurora was aware that Zaria now lived somewhere around within the dark territories. Color changing pools scanned the terrain looking for anyone who resembled her and her offspring. Her eyes then landed on the ebony frame of a mare who mismatched pools bore into her. Zaria? Aurora questioned, taking a step toward the mare eyes brightening at the sight of her first born. The silence lingered for some time and the pair just stared at one another the unanswered question pulling at the tension. It's pathetic you have to question who I am mother. Her words were full of venom and hate. It took everything in her to not attack the Versai mare. She had waited her whole life for this moment, and she wouldn't waste it with foolish choices. I know, I'm sorry. Aurora replied simply words soft and defeated. She hated what she had done to Zaria. Whatever, walk with me Zaria replied not buying the false remorse. Her mother had years to seek her out an make amends and had never done so. It was too late now. She had already made up her mind and the hate she felt for her supposed mother had too much of hold on her to turn back now.

The smokey black mare turned on her haunches leading the ivory wench on the path Zaria had planned out for months. Their steps matched as if they were on the same wavelength. Which made sense, they were related. Even if she hated to admit she was related to this bitch, their genetic makeup was similar. However Zaria would always be her father's daughter. She had never gotten the opportunity to get to know the brute, but she had watched him breathe his last breath. Zaria didn't understand then that even if he hadn't died that day, her mother would have never allowed Zaria to get to know him. No matter the outcome Zaria would have been denied a "normal" childhood with a mother and father. She had accepted that was the way things were, only to be denied her mother's love as well. Aurora was too busy for her, too caught up in herself, too busy saving the world to be a mother to Zaria. Aurora knew her mistakes. She had not been ready for motherhood, and she had denied her PTSD from the rape and her postpartum depression and tried to live life as normally as possible leaving her daughter to raise herself in a mostly empty home. The Versai mare had been ashamed and never had the heart to tell anyone what had happened, only leading the pair to be even more alone in their struggles. Had Aurora told someone they could of saved them both...too late now

Zaria's Words
Aurora's Words

Chapter 2 Coming soon....
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[not AVA!]

Chapter 2

The silence was chilling. Both equines had waited a long time for this moment for different reasons, yet they walked in silence. Inside Aurora knew something was wrong, that same feeling she had for months now growing stronger with every step. Yet, she knew she couldn't leave, not after she had failed her eldest daughter time and time again. This was an opportunity to make things right again. Little did she know, that in Zaria's mind it was way too late. The smoky black mare had now stopped in a small clearing and turned to face her mother.

It was hard to look at the ivory wench. Everything about her made her stomach churn. Zaria wanted to call all of Aurora's enemies here now and make the bitch their punching back. She would probably be deemed a hero then. We can talk now, but make it quick.Zaria spat, her double hued pools filled with disgust. She could see the concern in the other mare's eyes and it made her even more angry. Where had that been years ago? She clenched her teeth, grinding. Her body tense as she fought the desire to pummel the other mare into a bloody pulp. Zaria, I know I can't ever apologize for what I did to you. There is no excuse. The Versai mare began. But you should know that I was not in a good place when I gave birth to you. I still am not who I was before you. Again I knew none of this is an excuse, but your father..he..hurt me.. bad.
Her words choked her, pain filled her color changing orbs, yet Zaria sat unmoving. Angry.And you killing him is justified? You think you can just go around playing god and kill anyone you don't see worthy? She spat, her body shaking. I needed him, I needed him to know me. Instead I had to watch him die. Then I needed you and you couldn't even look at me. You moved on and left me to fend for myself! The young mare screeched.

It got more and more difficult to hold it in. Aurora's gaze watered, tears streamed down her, but that only angered Zaria more. Zaria, I... The arabian mare began but was quickly cut off by her daughter.Don't The smoky mare started. You don't get to apologize. You don't ever deserve forgiveness. Finally the mare snapped. She spun swiftly and with all the force in her being struck out with her hindquarters. The contact of her daggers upon Aurora's right shoulder was satisfying, and the sound of the flesh breaking and the bones crunching was music to her ears. The young mare then turned to face the wench who was now screaming out in pain and falling to the ground. Oh poor mommy. She started her voice sarcastic and full of venom. She pranced forward so she was close to the Versai wench, then lowered her head to whisper into her ear. Shhhh better be quite dear mother, don't want the wolves to come running.

Zaria had planned this dance accordingly. She had watched the family of wolves closely for months. Mother wolf had been pregnant for months. Not that the pups were born they had more mouths to feed. Food was scarce..so Zaria was doing them a favor. You see mommy, I am not like you. I am not going to play god. However I am going to let the gods decide your fate for me. She spat bitterly. And when your fate has been decided I can decide the fate of my claim to your throne. She stood tall again, noticing yellow eyes peering out, her mother still whimpering in discomfort. Ahhhh that is my cue to get going. Don't want to keep my friends away from their meal. She turned, not taking a moment to look back. Tata mommy dearest, see you in hell As she pranced away. The wolves growls filling her ears as they pounced upon their pray. The squeals of her mother like a lullaby as she fought for her life..


chapter 3..to come soon

[not AVA!]

Chapter 3

How had it come to this? She had dedicated her life to trying to make things better. She fought for peace. For the light. Now teeth and claws were tearing into her flesh, trying to grasp her throat. The ivory mare fought with everything she had, hoping that there was a way out of this mess. If only she could go back and make things right. Not try to escape, not fight off Dillon, not try to trick him, be a better mother, anything. Tears stung her eyes. Pain radiated through her body. She screamed. Screamed for help. Screamed for it to all end. All the pain. Physically. Mentally. Then finally she just couldn't fight anymore. Was it really worth it anymore? Her head dropped, her color changing pools closed for what she thought would be the last time.

Then the wolves pounced..

But the pain never came. Instead the Wolves backed off. Too weak to look Aurora laid eyes closed waiting for the end. Yet, it didn't come. Mother? Are you alright? The words reached her ears. So warm and familiar. Serendipity. Her weary lids peeled back to look into the shifting rainbow pools of her daughter. Serendipity? How? Why are you here? You shouldn't.. Her words were faint and dropped off. She no longer had the energy to question. There is not much time mother. I chased them off, but they will be back. I'll help you up. Move? The feat seemed impossible, yet Seren immediately began nudging her off of the ground. Sweet sweet Serendipity, didn't know a lost cause when she saw one. Yet she pushed and pushed and finally Aurora was on her feet. The pain was a hot knife stabbing into her shoulder. Pins and needles shattering down her side. She winced, biting her lip to keep from crying out in pure agony. It was over. Her life was over she was sure of it. Aurora wanted to collapse, to die here, but Seren wouldn't let her fall.
Move. I am not leaving you here, and if you do not move the wolves or Ria will get both of us. That was enough to get her moving. Slowly. Painfully. She would die at home then.

The journey was hours longer than it normally would have taken. Yet, the flicka would not budge on letting Aurora stop. They made it back to Rosemonde, a team of healers waiting to tend to her. Aurora wanted to brush them off. Leave her there to fade away into dust, but Seren wouldn't have it. "You are getting better whether you want to or not. The Versai need you." She would say again and again. Yet the words filled Aurora with disgust. The Versai what was she going to tell them? How was she going to face them? Their pathetic leader got what she deserved? She had always been too soft, and it was just the opportunity they were waiting for to knock her down to the bottom. What was she thinking? One of them would care right? Trinity? She was her friend wasn't she? Seren. I need you to tell them. They need to know and I don't know how to face them..if I even can... Her words were panicked, her mind was foggy and it was hard to focus, but deep down Aurora knew that she would never be the same again. She would have to step down as Commander, maybe from the Versai completely.

THE END