The New Girl

Chapter Five

   Later that evening, after the humans had all left, Teeny walked up and sat in front of Belladonna's stall. Noticing the little pig, the large mare bent her neck over the stall door. "What is it, young one?" she asked. The pig looked slightly nervous, as if she were afraid of upsetting the horse. "Well, I was just wondering. Why did Epona look so mad when you came back from the trail ride?" Bella sighed. She should have known someone would ask eventually. "Don't worry about it, Teeny. Epona was just reminded of something that happened a long time ago. It's not a very happy memory, and she got upset. She's fine, and it's not anyone here that she's mad at," she explained. Teeny looked relieved. "Thank goodness. I hope no one ever makes her mad. Epona's really nice, and doesn't deserve to have anyone be mean to her," the little pig stated. Belladonna couldn't help but smile. "That's very sweet of you, Teeny," she replied. Teeny smiled, then frowned again. "Something else troubles you?" the mare guessed. Teeny nodded. "Why doesn't Epona tell the others who she is?" The horse thought for a moment. "Well, maybe she doesn't think they'll believe her. Or perhaps she's afraid of what they might do. There have been several occasions where humans tried to capture and enslave an immortal." Teeny looked horrified at the idea. "Why would someone do that?" she squealed. Bella's expression became grim. "Sometimes the humans wish to be immortal themselves. Other times they try to find out what gives gods and goddesses magic, and how that magic works. Some even do it just so they can say that they've outwitted or overpowered a being that's believed to be stronger than humans. Not all humans are like this, but you can never know whether or not somebody will abuse the knowledge until you've already given it to them. Do you understand, little one?" Teeny nodded again. "But why would Epona think they wouldn't believe her?" the pig asked. Bella's ear flicked. "Most humans don't believe in magic. The ones that do, well, they don't always handle a secret like that very well. More often than not, the humans would accuse Epona of lying, or they might demand proof. And humans often fear that which they can't understand or control. Magic is something that can never be understood, and few can control it. Even then, it takes great willpower and years of practice. Thousands have tried over the centuries, and the vast majority of them have failed. Some lose the ability to use magic altogether, some are corrupted by the power, and some end up insane. There are even those who have lost control and been killed by their own magic. Magic never comes without a cost, and that price is often something you aren't willing to pay. Most of the magic Epona uses, like her mortal disguise, does nothing more than drain her energy. But she has not had to use a large amount of magic in over 300 years," the mare answered. Teeny shook her head. "That makes magic sound kinda dangerous," she said. "It can be. But it can also be very beautiful," came the reply. Yawning, Teeny bid Bella goodnight and settled in to sleep.