though she is somewhat softened by a winter away from the rugged slope of the peak she still finds her body acceptably prepared for the climb. at his approval her suggestion she turns toward the trail, eager for the exertion. her old self, her best self, is slowly brought back to focus as her large black hooves clatter up the rock strewn path and she forgets her nervousness. the familiarity of the rugged path, one she has traversed a hundred times, and the way her body rises to meet the challenge of the landscape causes confidence to bloom within her again and she feels invigorated. her ears flicker backward occasionally, to catch the sound of stones knocked loose by their travel, and to hear the steady breath of her companion.

it seemed they were both so content with each others company that little thought seemed to be given to the future. at times she wondered if they would roam the islands indefinitely, never making one place or another home, or if they should find a place to settle. she knew her time at the peak was over, for she would not break their sacred sisterhood by bringing a stallion into their midst unwelcome and permanently. she had seen no other stallion who called this place home and could only assume at some point or another a leader would rise up who would banish him, and her by extension. no, they would not stay here but she was relieved that she had chosen to visit and show him this place. it revived her somewhat, the nervousness and uncertainty blown away by the stiff mountain breeze.

after some time, when sweat darkened her velvety black sides she slowed, letting the mechanical pace lapse as she turned from the path to a small clearing on the mountainside, lush with summer grass. with large dark eyes she gazes off the side of the slope, drinking in the vista as she used to during her time here.

this place cannot be our home, but i thought you might enjoy the view at least. i think you would be welcome here for a short time, as my guest, but better for us to move on after a day or two.

she does not offer any suggestion as to where they head next, she doesn’t know what would make him happiest and that lately has become her only wish. instead she enjoys the moment, the view and the cool mountain breeze that tousles her dark mane.