Off the edge of the map

You gotta have the patience and believe you're gonna make it
Gotta hold on

Without saying anything, Erthë watched as Rikyn moved away from the noxious fumes. The hint of a smile touched her lips at his reaction, amusement glittering in her gaze... Perhaps he was right. She would never be able to lay eyes upon the Goddess again, but by wearing a piece of Her on her person, it felt as though they had not been completely parted. It was a poor substitute for the real thing, however. Unlike Rikyn, the little mare was firm in her loyalties and her deep reverence for the Helovian deities could not so easily be traded off with logic. Yes, her gods were dead, and it was Kaos who murdered them. Never would she bow her head to him, never would any of his powers lay claim to her body or soul.

"You are a fool, Rikyn" she said softly, appearing concerned as she regarded the arrogant stallion, "if you think that Kisamoa's gifts come without a price. Nothing is free, in this world or any other, and I thought you would have learned this by now. "

Erthë wanted to shake him, to erase that smug smile off his face. Did he not see the truth of their situation, or did he just not care? She looked at the stag next to him, a brow raised as if to say 'Can't you talk sense into him?'... But perhaps it was too much to ask of a soul-bound. How much influence did they have over their other halves? Having never been honored with such a connection it was hard to tell, and Erthë sighed, resigned to the realization that Rikyn would have to learn his own lessons the hard way.

His arrogant remark about being high class earned him nothing but a derisive snort, the mouth of the pale-coated mare twisting in a mocking smile.

"To me it looks rather like you've been bribed into complacency. Are you sure you wouldn't bow to him, if he offer you other little trinkets? How long before you let him mount you as well, Rikyn? How long before you crawl by his hooves and turn on your own kin just to please him? Would you murder your family for some magic, or would it be alright as long as he was the one to dirty his teeth with their blood?"

The longer she spoke, the more her contempt was reflected upon the beautiful features. The pale eyes were hard and cold as they regarded the stallion, any respect she might have once held for him - no matter how small - quickly draining away. Shaking her head in disgust, Erthë began to walk again and gave the unicorn a wide berth as if coming in closer contact with him might somehow transfer some stain or disease.

I know you're tired of surviving but you gotta keep on trying
Hold on!

@Rikyn