The long journey to paradise

[xxhadesxx]

Listening to the faint whispers coming from the forest, Hades closed his orbs remembering what his life was like back then, what should he do now? stay and wait for her decision? or take off during the night, then no one can track him.. its not like anyone will miss me, he thought.

As he felt Gertrude nudge him, Hades had the sudden sensation to bolt. Ignoring her question he dazed off into memories. In his dream like memory Hades came back to the day where his father challenged him, shaking his cranium trying to rid of this bad memory, it didn't work. Except this wasn't a memory, it was more of a 'this would have happened if you had only..' he watched as him and his father fought, it wasn't like normal challenges this one was till death, Hades watched as his father fell to the floor, as all the herd members circled him, then he saw his mother step forward from the crowd, she exiled him from the herd. So nothing would have changed if I had accepted his challenge, maybe I was destined to come here, Hades thought.

Opening his orbs slowly Hades lifted up his cranium and looked out in the distance. "Maybe all of this was meant to happen, me and my journey and Gertrude as well.." He stopped to look over at Gertrude.

Hades slowly stopped to reply to her question that she asked earlier "You did hurt me Gertrude, but only that much that I can handle, but when tomorrow comes for you to make your decision.. make it come from the heart.." he lowered his cranium as he rubbed it against her side. Slowly walking into the forest he turned "I will meet you here tomorrow, so you can tell me your decision" Hades then turned and vanished into the darkness, the only thing visible were his eyes.

_{315 words^^}

[Crow'sia]

Gertrude

"I guess you will," she said quietly as he walked away, back to the forest, and the darkness, and Gertrude was left alone with her thoughts.

The dark of the moon! She had not realized it was tomorrow, and now saw her mother's words in a new light. But she knew Teheki had meant delaying at all was foolish. As hard as the older mare could be to read, in territory and mates Gertrude knew her well.

She spent a long time walking the length of the stream, far away from Hades and the forest, considering the situation. A mate meant foals, but it also meant protection. It meant loyalty, but she'd been willing to give that anyway for a chance at the future. It meant being bound to the Fields, and she'd already chained herself here, as completely as any horse could. And it meant living with a stranger. But living, nonetheless.

Once, in the very dark hours before morning, anyone who had been on the northern side of the river, far away in this quiet place, would have suddenly heard a mare scream, as if a wolf had come upon her. Then until dawn there was only silence and Gertrude woke to the songs of birds and to a cold sun rising on her back. She walked with a high head that morning, her tail flicking out behind her. The briefest of moments was spent eating, and refreshing herself in the stream, until she returned to the place where grass was thoroughly trampled, and ragged tips showed signs of feeding.

But the meeting place was abandoned. No dark stallion stood waiting for her. Only the trees swaying calmly with a fresh, winter breeze. From the Mountains, the mare thought with a pang.

Gertrude took a break, then with all her voice cried, "Hades! Hades, are you there!"

[/blockquote]

[xxhadesxx]

The obsidian stallion continued to graze, slowly thinking about what happened the other night he finally remembered to meet Gertrude, As Hades swiftly turned he galloped off into the forest, Looking out into the distance, Finally nearing the creek, he began to slow himself down. Spotting Gertrude threw the trees, the obsidian stallion walked a bit faster, as he reached the creek, Hades slowly stepped out from the trees. Dipping his heard to show respect to Gertrude, Hades smiled slightly

[Crow'sia]

Gertrude

The morning dragged on and more than once Gertrude feared her courage would break, as it so often did in the dark. But now the sun was rising, a strong sun, cutting through the wind and the cold, and she refused to give in to old fears. When the anxiety became too much, she simply dunked her nose in the frigid water and let the creek trickle over her tongue. Drinking seemed to help, keeping the turmoil of her body at bay.

When he appeared from the trees, she could not help the race of her heart, or the sudden and uncomfortable heat that she thought might overwhelm her. She smiled at his gesture towards her.

"Good morning," she said, giving his shoulder an awkward little nip. Gertrude swallowed hard. She closed her eyes, took a breath, and said what she'd been rehearsing the entire night. "I decided- I will be your mate, Hades. Run where you will. But we must stay in the Fields, for truly it would break my heart to leave."

[/blockquote]

[xxhadesxx]

The obsidian stallions orbs widened with surprise. Breathing in deep he lifted his cranium and moved forward. "My Dear Gertrude, you have made my life worth living, I will always be by your side." He nuzzled into her, before he started prancing around her with his cranium up high.