"If Love himself weep, shall not lovers weep,
learning from what sad cause he pours his tears?
Love hears his ladies crying their distress,
showing forth bitter sorrow through their eyes
because villainous Death has worked its cruel
destructive art upon a gentle heart,
and laid waste all that earth can find to praise
in a gracious lady, save her chastity."

Macabre stood awkwardly be between the two mares, easily dwarfed by their size and stature. Perhaps that's why the chestnut mare turned her attention to the filly. They locked eyes for a moment and Macabre's uneasy, jittery facade melted away. She smiled sweetly to the child, her heart beating loudly in her chest. She was waiting for the grief to creep back over her, a dark cloud that seemingly never went away. Especially in the company of children. It was difficult not to be reminded of Shiraz.

But time heals all. It's been more than a year since her colt died in the Inlet. More than a year she up and left Dogun. Nearly a year since Dexter abandoned her. So much heartbreak in such a short time. But Jetta, this filly, brought back some renewed sense of hope. The Peak was meant to be good for her. Finally, the right fit.

When Inka speaks Macabre's dark marbled eyes lock onto hers. She bobs her head quickly, ridding several stands of her blonde mane from her face. "Yes, we did. It's been a long time, but thanks to you, I found my way to the Peak." She says softly, her vision falling on the grey mare next to her. "I'm Macabre. It's nice to meet you Marlena... and see you again."