Its was his call that woke her, the slumber ... which i guess would be more real if you adressed it as a 'stupor' was jolted into reality. Her eyes opened, for a moment or two she was not aware what had woken her, she was ready for something, though as yet unsure what that something was. But then she heard his call again, and she knew it was that sound that had called her into reality, there was little doubt in her mind that his call would not stir her from death even. For foolishly, Pretend knew she would go to the ends of the earth to find him, though that feeling, that perfect need, was not returned in her favour. But she knew this, she could deal with it. But alone, for in company she had to be strong. To do as her namesake, and Pretend it did not hurt her. His lack of affection.

Her chance had been over.

His love for her had faded.

True there was affection in his words and in his actions around her. But it was not that adored love that she so desired. It was her own fault, and she deserved nothing less than that. But did that mean she could not relish in the pain of it all? Did that mean she was forbidden to shed a tear or two because of the love that was no longer shared? No, she dared anyone to forbid her that right. Pretend closed her eyes, banishing the bitter thoughts from her head, it would do no good to appear before Reese and his mares with bitter thoughts and emotions. No, best do away with them now. Or at least hide them for later.

Heaving herself to her feet the buckskin mare set off, her eyes scanning for any sign of Reese, or of another mare heading in the same direction. It did not take her very long, for Pretend soon knew these lands inside out, she smelt where Reese was and proceeded to cut through the trees towards him, it was swifter than taking the long way around the shore. However when she did see him, it was not he that produced the gasp to catch in her throat, it was the mare that stood beside him. The mare whom she had known long ago, and the only one who tried to comfort her in the time of Reese's ... departure. But that one mare, how could she be here? It was so ... coincidental.

"Pinstripe?"

Shaky. That was how the words came out, perhaps she was still dreaming? God knows it could be possible.

There was a distinct silence after her words, she noted that Reese did not speak. Why was this? Was it out of nervousness, courtesy? If it was nervousness, did she bring it on? Maybe it was guilt that made him speak no words. But then Pretend cursed herself mentally, she always thought to much into things, and almost always she was cursed with the wrong conclusion. Maybe thats what she was doing now? Thinking to much, when she should be quietly following her instincts, they often led her into much better situations. A wonder took her, what if she'd never met Reese? He'd never come to see her in the claiming lands, what would have changed? She would have been dark, not truely, or perhaps she would have been killed. By one who saw through her amature acting skills.

So many possibilities.

A half smile played fleetingly across her lips, before it was once more surpassed by the more dominant emotion. Blankness. She had been through so much, would a genuine smile ever grace her lips again? Or was she cursed to depression, what a shit life that would be. Almost not worth it, but she was not suicidal. Though she may sound it. There was always something that was worth it. There had to be. Her own muzzle grazed her old friends neck, a friendly gesture. She'd missed Pinstripe, dismayed to find her also gone on her return.

"I've missed you, old friend."

Words were scratchy, many emotions were evident in them, yet most had no name, or that name had been forgotten long ago. She heard Reese adress another mare, Callie he called her. And from what she saw, the new mare was a beach lover. Odd to find that most found the shores so ... comforting. Though the Ocean itself was a force that should be far from comforting. Deciding it would be rude to not answer the introductions Reese had begun, she turned to the newcomer. That same, fake smile passing upon her lips. She hoped it had the right amount of kindness in it, during her lonliness she had almost forgotten how to interact with others.

"Pleasure."