(Also y'all, I thought up a little backstory for Tex. So... Sea Lion, West's friend, had a son, and that son is Tex's father. Lion doesn't know how they turned out so cruel. However, he died before they met the mare that had Tex. So, technically, since West and Lion were like brothers, West would be like Tex's great uncle :D)

(Ooooo so cool!)

Gem nodded, only halfway understand what he was saying. "Yeah I guess so. " she looked right at him "you are going to be some valiant steed one day. The future mare is going to be protected no matter what" she said, flicking her tail as she trotted away.

Tex perked his ears slightly, his gaze meeting Gem's as she spoke. He looked a little surprised at her words, but it was quickly replaced by gratitude. The words were kind, and he would take them to heart- especially since they were the kindest words he'd received since he arrived. Since everyone seemed situated, he folded his legs underneath him, laying down. It was time to sleep. Hopefully no predators would come.

(Yay! I was fully expecting confusion lol)

Gem looked at Tex a few times before walking over to Stone who had stood and was walking to her. "Im sorry I was so mean" he said sadly. "I just didn't want you to get hurt" in response, Gem nuzzled him. Stone led her to her corner then laid down. She didn't want to hurt him, but she always slept best with her brother right on her side. She laid down, his legs surrounding her body and her head on his neck. she breathed into his mane then listened for his breathing to slow. She looked at Tex one more time before closing her eyes and drifting to sleep

Tex had separated himself slightly from the group, and was laying about 15 feet outside the cave, near a big oak. He stared out at the forest, his gaze glimmering in the fading light. Everything was looking up. He just needed to prove himself a real part of this herd. Lowering his muzzle so it touched the ground, he closed his eyes, but didn't fall asleep yet, determined to stay up long enough to hopefully make sure there was no danger.

(Aww poor Tex! He literally saved everyone's butts and STIOL needs to prove himself!? TuT)

Willow smiled genuinely as Sapphire went to her side "Yeah, I'll make sure you never leave my sight in a dangerous situation again, I will do better to protect you" She said caringly glancing around inside the cave, her gaze watching Tex leave the cave, she looked at her sister "Mind finding a spot for us to lay down? I should go make sure that new colt Tex is ok" She said quietly making her way out, she walked up behind Tex, her head tilted and eye brow raised "Why are you out here? It's safer in there with the rest of us" She inquired quietly not trying to disturb him as she sat for a moment

____________ Isabella

She nodded "Oh... Well I understand, sorta, I don't have a brother or sister so I don't fully understand what it's like, but she cares for you too" She said to Stone, stretching out her neck and nudging his withers "But the important thing is that you both are fine. Right?" She asked, she watched him and Gem make up and lay in a corner huddled up together, her gaze looking to the ground as she wished she had someone to lay next to, she turned and went to lay near Oak "Are you okay?" She asked

Saphire nodded then found a quiet spot near Gem and Stone. she laid down then waited for Willow

Tex opened his eyes and glanced up as Willow walked out. "I don't need to be safe." He made sure not to point out the reasoning behind that argument. "It is more peaceful and quiet out here." He added, looking back out at the moonlight bathed forest. He wondered if Lismore would trust him now. Had he done enough?

Gem woke up and looked around. Saphire had laid down close to them and Stone was still out. She noticed Tex and another filly was gone. She stood and wandered outside in search of a river which she spotted a few feet from the edge of the cave. She picked up a trot and didn't stop when she met the waters edge, wading in and looking down at her legs. Only now was she noticing the scraped all down her long legs. "Oh" she muttered.

Tiger heard Gem and walked down. 'Are you ok?', he asked.