Dixie nuzzled him "I'm a pain aren't I? I should be healed by now!" She shook her head "I am not worth the work..." she dropped her head but continued hobbling with him

West lifted his head slightly at her words. "And what gave you that idea? You are anything but a pain, and you are worth every ounce of work anyone could ever give and more. You are priceless, Dixie, don't forget that." He said firmly. "I don't think you realize how much you matter to many horses in the herd." West sighed slightly. "You, like everyone else, are important, but in your own special way."

Dixie sighed "but what about Dawn? Because of me you were hanging out with me and she is dead! It's my fault! " a tear fell down Dixie's cheek as she stared at West, unable to move any further. She looked away.

West stopped in his tracks as Dixie spoke. She couldn't REALLY think that, could she? It was SO absurd he ALMOST wanted to laugh- but he would never, in respect for Dawn. "Dixie, look at me." He pushed her face back. "You aren't even allowed to think that, as order from your leader, but ALSO, of course it isn't your fault! I choose to be around you because I love to, and because you are an amazing horse. Nothing could've changed Dawn's outcome. I wouldn't have been any closer near the stream where I usually rest than with you. She was in the woods, not even in the line of sight. It's not like you tried to get attacked. Furthermore, you were protecting someone we all care about! Without you, Laz may not be here. Dixie, don't ever, ever blame yourself for this. It is in no way your fault, and I think you know that, deep down." He looked in her eyes. "Don't."

Dixie lowered her head even more. "Still though..." she looked up at his last sentence. She his head head in his mane. "I don't know why... but I just feel like it is my fault. And I know you say it's not... but there's just that little bit that tell me I'm the reason..." she moved her entire head under his mane then lowered her head.

West frowned. "No still though. We all did everything we could. Tell that small part of you to shush it." He stated, nuzzling her neck. "You're not the reason- now it's up to you to believe it." West added quietly, turning slightly as a gesture to walk forward again.

Dixie nodded slowly at his words. "If you say so" she hobbled forward a little then tested her leg. She could feel it but it still hurt.

West nodded slightly, sticking to Dixie's side as they ever so slowly grew closer and closer to the herd. Finally it was in view. He guided Dixie to the stream before stopping and looking around. Was everyone okay? Within half a second he noticed something. Mystery wasn't in the main herd. West widened his scan. No. She wasn't IN the herd at all. Had she gone into the forest? Why? Where was she? A crashing amount of worry almost drowned his brain.

Dixie laid down beside the stream. "Thank you West. For everything"

West glanced down at Dixie. "Don't thank me. I did this because you are amazing and I care about you, both things caused by you. You should be thanking yourself. Plus.. I was too slow to actually help anyone, so it's not like I deserve much thanks." The last part of mumbled quieter, his head dropping.