Sometimes, when it got cold and dark outside too quick, and she was traveling home on a lonely path, That's Forever would find herself drifting in and out of memories. She relived them like they were happening, each paw step like sinking into an alternate reality. A moment lived as a filly, slight and graceless, climbing cliffs that stubbornly defied gravity and bitter cold wind that sank into your flank like daggers. Here, a glimpse of a day much closer, surrounded by the sound of dying leaves below her hooves as the scent of warm earth danced just out of reach. There, as a young doe, angry and bitter at the world in ways that now took her breath away. Why had she been so furious? If she looked long enough, inklings of understanding would arise, but it also would make her uncomfortable. She looked away. She always had to look away.Invariably, like the sun rising every morning, she'd come upon the memory that haunted every shadow, delayed only by willpower and the strength of unpleasant thoughts. Her life revolved around him, as if he were the sun stars and moon, or the seasons incarnate. She struggled to put in words and actions just how much Noble Sacrifice meant. No song or gift could convey those feelings accurately and so Forever tried to suppress it into something tangible. Friendship and Adoration. Even if the way her fur got hot when he brushed against her or how his smile made her want to melt was definitely something friendships should not cause. It was the only way to grasp it and not become overwhelmed. Or worse yet. Ruin what they had and leave Forever bereft of sun and seasons and happiness.
It was just moments like these, alone and lonely, that she would let herself revel in what lay below 'friendship'. One day maybe Forever would have the tools to give to him what he gave so effortlessly to her. One day, Forever could dance along his soul as he did hers, and charge every moment with excitement and happiness. One day... Until then, only the shadows would know this secret.
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Morning rose and was melting some of the thicker snow flows. Perfect. Forever crawled out of her small den of twigs and branches and stretched. When the sun rose high overhead she would see Noble Sacrifice by the big stream near the broken stumps. She took time grooming herself that morning, taking care that no mud or branches were stuck in her fur. Once cleaned, Forever decided to gather some food. Berries were on the menu, the hardy bitter kind that grew despite the harsh cold. Perhaps some dormant vegetation that had survived due to pockets of warmth? There were a few of those closer to the stream. Oh, and mushrooms! There might be the woody, chewy winter versions near the rotting stump. Rot always let out heat, despite the temperatures. Yes, that would make a decent meal.
Collecting food brushed away the morning with easy labor, giving Forever no time to worry or fret over the meeting. Carrying the goods within a large leaf, she made it to the big stream and the broken stumps. Carefully, she set her burden upon a flat stump and sank down to rest on the damp, cold earth. An unpleasant shiver rode across her spine, but she remained lying, knowing that the earth would warm soon and become comfortable. Noble Sacrifice would be there soon, and his companionship would drive out the remaining chill.