The Peak seemed empty, but Marlena didn’t mind the quiet. She had been settling in well over the past few weeks, and the peace was a welcome change from the constant upheaval that had plagued her life before she had decided to settle on the Crossing. She felt well rested, and perhaps even something close to content.

Marlena spent most of her days wandering up and down the mountain, along with the occasional visit to the Meadow or the Falls, and today was no different. It was springtime, and the sun was bright and pleasant, while the cool breeze that tugged at her pale caramel waves kept its heat from becoming uncomfortable, and foals all across the islands were hitting the ground one by one.

Marlena liked to watch them in the communal lands sometimes, for as long as she felt that she could without their parents becoming wary. They were so sweet, and her heart swelled at the sight of their little fuzzy coats and their thing, spindly legs. She missed the days when Kendry still clung to her hip, and when he still could not reach her shoulder.

Although she did not admit it consciously to herself, she planned to do the same thing today, and thus she was meandering slowly down the mountain when her ears flicked forwards at the sound of hooves clacking against the rocky ground. A moment later, Inka rounded the corner ahead of her, followed by a tiny white-splashed foal.

A wide smile immediately spread across Marlena’s creamy lips as she cast her bright blue gaze over the pair. Inka had been the first mare to welcome her to the Peak, and she had always been kind to Marlena – she was glad to see her looking so happy. And as for her daughter – well, she was as beautiful as any of the foals that littered the Crossing. Her coat was a few shades lighter than her mothers, with a red hue, and bold white markings splashed across her face and legs. No doubt they had come from her father, whoever he was.

“Inka,” Marlena greeted warmly. “It’s good to see you again. I see congratulations are in order –” She nodded at the child. “– she’s beautiful.”

Lowering her big head towards the child, she added softly: “Hello, little one. I’m Marlena.”

CLYDESDALE MIX / SMOKY CREAM & BIRDCATCHER SPOTS / 18.0HH