*I've decided to give the rest of the chapters names!!!! unless I forget to...*

Chapter 3: Friends:

“Thanks for your help, Edin.” Astra said. “You can have today off, since I kept you up all night.”

Edin rubbed her eyes. “Thanks Astra,” She said. “Should I come back tonight, or tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow’s fine,” Astra said.

“Ok, thanks, Astra!” Edin said. “I’ll see you tomorrow!” She got out of the seat and exited the astronomy tower.

She was reaching Fort Prowl’s gates when she was stopped by one of the guards. “Aye, who goes?” He asked gruffly.

Edin stopped in her tracks. “Edin Moonphase,” She said. “Leaving my apprenticeship to help my other in the Ruk.” She followed the protocol her mother taught her to use when consulted by a guard. Full name, and reason for entering, or leaving, and where they’re going next.

The guard let her pass, and she started walking towards the Ruk. She passed a bunch of Kihlari and their riders, some of which she helped raise as foals. One of the Kihlari, a dapple gray stallion named Sorren, nickered to her. His rider was Edin’s friend, Riko.

“Hey, Edin.” Riko said, as he steered his stallion towards her. “Hey,” Edin said as she stroked Sorren. Sorren was her favorite foal the year her mother let her start helping at the Ruk. She’d grown really close to him, and was glad when Riko purchased him last year at the auction.

“Are you starting your night apprenticeship?” Riko asked.

“I’m not sure,” Edin said. “Last night was weird…”

Riko smiled, and patted Sorren. “Uh oh… whenever anything is weird with you, it tends to be trouble.” He joked.

“I would punch you, you know, but I don’t want Sorren to see that side of me,” She threatened.

“I’m pretty sure he already has, the number of times you’ve punched me.” Riko said.

“Well, If you didn’t tease me so much, maybe I wouldn’t punch you so much!”

Riko shrugged. “I can deal with the bruises,” He joked.

Edin rolled her eyes. “Do you want to hear about my weird night, or not?” She asked.

“Fine, lay it on me.” Riko said.

“Sirie went into labor last night, but the foal’s legs and wings were strangely large and long, and it was a breach. My mom managed to turn the foal around, but Sirie lost too much blood and died. Sirie’s foal, who’s a filly, is really pretty, with a huge white blaze, four very tall stockings, and bright blue eyes. But the weirdest thing is that her coat’s black.” Edin said.

Riko’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Is that even possible? I’ve never even HEARD of a black Kilara before!” He exclaimed.

“I know! Even my mom's never heard of it before!” Edin said. “But then another strange thing happened.”

“Edin, how much happened in one night?” Riko asked.

“Surprisingly a lot!” Edin said. “Astra came and said that she needed my help, and that there was a new star in the sky.”

“Wait- that’s possible?” Riko asked.

“Yes, but it’s very rare,” Edin said. “But the star was gold, like a BRIGHT gold, and large, too.”

“What, like big, bright and gold, like THAT?” Riko said, as he pointed to a star next to the sun. It was the star that Astra found last night!

“Yes that’s the exact one!” Edin said. She looked up, and shielded her eyes from the bright light the star was emitting.

“I hate to break it to you, Edin, but I don’t think that a star just randomly showing up next to the sun is natural.” Riko said, half joking, half serious.

Edin nodded. “It definitely isn’t. And it’s strange how this star showed up on the night Minara was born, too.”

Riko held up his hand, as if to tell her to stop. “Hold up. You named the foal Minara? As in, magic?”

“Yes, but that was before I saw the star! Are you suggesting that Minara and the star are related, somehow?” Edin asked.

“Just an idea… Can I come with you to see her?” Riko asked eagerly.

“Sure, my mom should be fine with it.”

“Cool! I’ll be fast, I just need to put Sorren in his stall.” He said.

“Want help?” Edin offered.

“Sure, thanks.” Riko dismounted and they walked to the bathing area, to rinse Sorren off.

*Sorry this was mostly dialogue!!! I just couldn't figure out what else to do for it*