Laios woke up feeling dazed. It was dark and he was alone in the cavern. The bay colt slowly got to his hooves, wobbling on unstable legs. Fire raced through his body, pain making him dizzy. His brown gaze was dizzy and shaky. Where was everyone? What had happened? He was all by himself and the last time he was…

The small horse began to feel his chest tighten with panic as he looked around desperately. There was practically nothing left but scraps. Wheezing, he attempted to walk before deciding that was a bad idea. Maybe laying down for now wouldn’t be such a crime.

Having fallen asleep again, his head shot up as he heard a voice calling in the caverns. 

“Laios! Laios where are you?!”

His ears perked up. It was Reingard. His da- no, his guardian. Reingard didn’t like being called “dad”. “I’m here! I’m over here!” His voice was shrill and weak. Heavy hoofbeats sounded, making the stone ground beneath him shake. The bay soon saw the black horse round the corner, slowing to a trot before halting. 

Reingard looked at the young horse, his own chest beginning to tighten as he saw the damage done. Cuts, bruises, and a nasty, nasty wound was open on Laios’ side, dripping crimson onto the cold ground. He snarled, quickly trying to open the pack he had brought, kneeling down beside his companion. “What did I tell you about leaving?! You can’t just run off like that!” 

The distinct sound of a glass bottle pouring was heard. The underground chamber echoed with sobs of pain. The black stallion’s heart twisted.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! D-Da-Reingard it hurts!” The colt sobbed, burning his face into the other’s coat. With a sigh, the large equine returned the hug. “I know… I’m sorry for yelling. You scared me. I can’t… I can’t lose you.” Once Laios’ cries quieted, he went back to treating the wound. What kind of person would harm a colt? Something so fragile and innocent. Reingard had thought the same thing when he found the poor thing asleep in an old grave.

Finally pulling away, the dark horse looked at his handiwork. The wound looked a lot better and was now bandaged. Laios looked away sniffling.

“Can you stand?”

Forcing himself up, Laios nodded, still not making eye contact. It wasn’t very often he was scolded like this. ”I’m sorry…”

“I know, Laios. But I need to remind you- I won’t always be here to help you or save you. You need to be careful.” His voice was even and comforting again, something the bay was more used to. Tiredly, he nodded his head as well. “Come, we best get out of here.” Slowly, Reingard turned around and began to walk out of the dungeon, Laios trailing not far behind. “Can we get a snack? Before we get back to camp?” The smallest smile crept up on the older stallion.

“Sure, a warrior who’s earned his first battle scar deserves one.”