Welcome to Gaia! ::

Alloro moved slowly toward the secluded spot in the forest she had discovered a few years before. Peace. Solitude. Reflection. Tears. This place had come to symbolize all of them, and more. She sighed, nearly no emotion on her face as the distance passed. "I wonder if the others will have a hard time finding this spot...Maybe I should have had them follow me..." she pondered. Honestly, she was a bit unsure about having shared this location, anyway. But...she needed to talk....they all needed to talk...and this was the only place that felt safe right now. "I'll wait here for them I think...I really didn't consider how thick everything gets up ahead; they could get lost..." She knew they could get this far at least, so she stood there, awaiting the arrival of her friends.

Alloro jumped at the sudden popping sounds and cowered slightly. "What in the world?!" she exclaimed. She looked more carefully in the direction of the sound and noticed Jingles right as she called out. "You brought the balloons with you? Really Jingles?" she sighed, shaking a bit from the noise. She wasn't upset at her friend, really. It was just an effect of being startled easily. "Well...glad you were able to find your way this far. I thought I should wait for you and the others." she said.

Alloro, clearly struggling to process all the random chaos, let out a loud, desperate whimper. "Ugh, everyone, please be quiet!" she pleaded. As soon as it left her lips, she realized it probably came off as harsh. It wasn't intentional, it was just difficult to control her emotions when she was feeling overwhelmed.

Cillian reached out and took the balloon. "I'm so-so. Though...I guess given why we're all here, that shouldn't be too suprising..." his voice trailed off as he glanced wearily at Jinx. "Thanks for the balloon; that was thoughtful of you." he added.

Alloro glanced first at Jingles, then at Jinx. "I've kept the place secret from everyone until now. I come here to think." she said, before adding quietly, "And to weep in silence." She turned away, tears in her eyes. "I invited you guys here because I needed someone to talk to...no one else seems to get it or care. And I thought maybe you guys could also use a listening ear." She then looked directly at Jinx. "You can stay." She tilted her head and inquired, "Are you using your mischief to conceal pain of your own?"

Alloro looked on kindly at Jingles. "I'm sorry, I didn't know those balloons meant so much to you..." she said gently. "Later, I'll help you replace the ones that popped trying to get here." She next replied to Cillian. "It's ok Cillian, I know you didn't mean to. Afterall, you're one of the ponies I invited out here. I wouldn't have if I felt alienated from you."

She took a few steps toward Jinx now. "Um, well, if you're sure. Thank you for being willing to listen." She paused briefly, then giggled, "Even if it's pretty obvious you're not too fond of being out here."

Cillian smiled softly at the others, before speaking. He knew Alloro really wanted to talk about all of her problems, all of the pain and disappointment. But he could sense that despite it, and despite taking the step to ask them here, she still was struggling. "It's ok Alloro, I'll start us off." He laid down as well and gestured for the others to get comfortable. "Well, I guess it all started when I was a very young foal...."