Under the sun's first rays cantered the smokey mare across the meadow, cutting through the morning mist as the magnificent capital with its colossal towers and endless domes of gleaming green continued to shrink in the background. To the gentle nudge of Suarus's heel responded the mare, breaking into a gallop. Her golden hair billowed behind her; silent tears lost to the wind. With every thud, she wished to evaporate, never to be found and the choice she had to make never taken.

The rising sun burned bright in her eyes, reminding her of Tirus, who accompanied her. She turned, glancing behind her, but she could not see her friend. She had done it again, lose herself to her beloved mare and the wind. Tirus would be furious, but unlike every time, today, she had a good reason to be. She did not yet speak to her about what she had experienced last night at the prayer ceremony, nor did she apologize. Tirus had so far respected her desire to retreat, yet she knew she deserved an explanation. After all, she was her well of secrets and only confidant. Suarus's grip tightened on the reins. Could she uncandidly share her feelings?

The Nitra Hills now rose above her line of vision. She tugged on the reins, slowing down as the mare inclined towards the highest peak. Above, looking down, a gush of wind blew at her, carrying with it the smell of earth. Her lungs expanded, inhaling the warm scent of life as her eyes feasted upon the breathtaking view of the endless forest stretching for miles ahead. For a moment, her weary mind forgot what awaited beyond its lush green.

With one nimble move, she alighted, her long boots sinking into the long grass. She lovingly patted the horse's neck, reaching for the sugar cube in the pocket of her trousers, presenting it to the mare before granting it the freedom to graze close by.

Awaiting Tirus's arrival, lay Suarus facing the blank blue page of the sky. The breeze wooshed against the grass close to her ears. Her eyelids felt heavy, and she allowed them to close, attentively listening to the birds chirps not far away. How soothing it was to her broken soul. She was unsure of the time that passed before she felt the vibration of Tirus's horse galloping towards her.

'About time.' She smirked, lifting her head.

'I hate it when you do that!' said Tirus, huffing as she dismounted. She let her horse go free before sitting by Suarus's side on the ground. 'Ah, this place is nice,' she said, laying down.

'Indeed, it is.' Sadness laces Suarus's answer.

Tirus tilted her head towards her, questions swimming in the green of her eyes, her lips sealed, asking nothing.

Suarus's face softened. Her hand reached for her friend's, their fingers knitted together.

'What is it that sits heavy on your heart?' warmly asked Tirus, her voice ever so gentle.

Suarus turned her face towards the sky, bitting on her lower lip, fighting the urge to cry. Can she share what she had experienced? What was it that she experienced anyway, she herself did not know? What about the fear and doubt she has? Wouldn't it jeopardize The Cause and affect her decision-making?

A long moment passed before she turned again at Tirus, her eyes spilling the tears they held. 'Thank you,' she struggled to say.

A warm smile arched Tirus's plump lips, her grip tightening on Suarus's hand. 'For what?'

'For being who you are, the friend and sister I am proud and lucky to have.' Her voice broke, the muscles around the corner of her mouth dipped downwards. 'Since mother's... death,' said Suarus, 'you and Nanny Lu never left me. She raised me as one of her own, and you...oh, Tirus, you are the sister I never had.'

Tirus's tears glinted as they slid down the side of her face, quickly brushed away. She cleared her throat before saying, 'What's the cause of this sentimental talk?'

'Because I—'

A sudden movement in the woods caused both to rise. Their eyes fixed on the dark parting between the trees ahead. Their detached hands reached for the daggers in their pockets, unsheathed the moment a large spotted deer emerged from the shadows. Both looked at each other, bursting into uncontrollable giggles.

'That was unexpected, ' said Suarus through her laughs, a hand on her stomach.

'I thank thee, lord deer, for lighting up the mood,' joked Tirus bowing her head.

Suarus's laugh echoed in the vastness of the open space before falling into stillness, her smile fading as her sight fixated on the woods.

'Have you... considered?' hesitantly asked Tirus.

'I've already decided,' she replied, bitting on her jaw.

Tirus lowered her head, her face darkened.

'Do I have your support?'

'Yes,' replied Tirus lifting her head, meeting her friend's anxious gaze. 'Be certain that I have your back, always and forever, whatever your decision was, my princess and precious sister.'