[open] Too Good At Goodbyes || Any

[Kagerus]

At least she had won. At least she had something to show for her vulnerability. Me? All I have is a swollen belly that threatens to spill its content and take my life as it does, a terror in my throat and in my lungs and in my mind that pervades all else. But in truth, no prize would make up for this. No gold streaks will ever make me proud. I love my family and they love me for who I am - it's not about pride - it's not about winning - it's just about us.

And in my absence, us should be expanded to fill my place.

I recognize her from the tournament. Besides the silver tail, I recognize her as the girl who spoke death as her biggest fear. And I suppose that had been my fear, too, in a simple kind of way. My hooves are carrying me over a path that leads to Ischia as I'm on my way back to Hyaline from the river when I spot her, bay coat, purple spots. My course changes.

"Mosrael, right?" There's another mare here, Lamb, and I glance to her. "I'm Kagerus, from the games." The child inside me kicks, and I grimace, ducking my head for a moment before returning my pointed gaze to the appaloosa mare.

"I couldn't help but think you'd fit in well in Hyaline. That's where I'm from. Where I'll... Have been from, someday soon."