It took a moment for the bi-colored stranger to turn to Mouse. The mare seemed to be in a trance as she stared out at the view. The grulla didn’t blame her at all; it truly was magnificent up here. Of course, she had a special attachment to the stony summit. It was the only place on the islands she had ever considered residing.

The newcomer was openly friendly, giving Mouse a smile as she introduced herself. She took a few steps closer to Arkadia, smiling as she came, and said, “It’s a pleasure meeting you.” The sincerity in her voice was evident; Mouse was not one to be two-faced. She shifted her hind hooves at the same time as the other mare; both created a crunching and grinding noise that filled the slight lapse in conversation. The breeze ruffled the longer hair upon her back so it stood on end. Her mane followed suit, flying into her face just as Arkadia voiced a question.

She inhaled deeply, relishing in the mountain air. Happily, she shook the flyaway strands from her eyes before answering. “This is the Peak. The Vulcans – that is, a herd made of only mares – live here. It is our sanctuary of sorts.” The little mare chuckled before she added, “Of course, if we so fancy, the occasional stallion resides here with us.” She did not elaborate that those occasional stallion residents might be here against their will; that was not the best topic to introduce a stranger to the ways of the Peak.