She could sense it, the fear in the air snaking like a heavy smoke from the forest creatures. Their sudden silence was warning enough, but so gradually she could smell the copper tang tainting the crisp air. Danger. At one time she had also been a predator, though a small and mostly harmless one. But she wasn't now, and her flight instincts forced her into smooth motion. She drifted through as a pale white ghost, trying to walk as quietly as she could but still keep a steady pace.
It wasn't enough. With a snap of a twig at her hind, she kicked out instinctively in fright. A vicious snarl spurred her into movement and she leapt forward. Just as she did, she felt claws pierce her flank as the beast grappled onto her, stealing away her chance at escape. She ran anyway, or tried to. The dense forest made it impossible to pace anything more than a shuffling speed-walk, and she was quick to realize the futility of it.
She stopped suddenly and threw her hip against a tree, trying to smash the beast's leg or at least force it to release his grip on her. Blood from the lacerations on her rump painted the rough bark with her scent.
OFF! she demanded uselessly, knowing wild animals could not understand her as they could her mother. She hoped the sharp command in her voice would be enough to break through its feral mind, but aside from gaining physical freedom, she had no idea what her next step would be. She couldn't run in this thick forest. She wouldn't make it back to the Meadow before it took her down for its feast.
The milky white mare spun around quickly to meet its eyes. She would have to hope heavy hooves would be enough against this fanged predator, as she readied herself in a loose stance. Prepared to dart to either side, she leveled her silver-grey gaze on him with wide eyes. Fearful determination met his hunger boldly, trying to predict where he would strike next.
