Božena smiles in return, as she senses with jubilation, a shift in the peak atmosphere. things would change with the small flaxen mare’s return. she was sure…. the great black mare is surprised to find herself relaxing against macabre’s touch. at first her large chocolate eyes widened in surprise at the proximity but then the sweet familial gesture softened something in her. it was just what she needed in that moment. she blows out a soft breath as they separate and remains at ease. her ears fix on the smaller mare, listening carefully to the foreign tongue she has gotten fairly comfortable with. she is unsure that the peak does truly need her.. but she knows she needs it. them… she is happy to be back.

when macabre suggests she needs rest Božena nods again in agreement. it has been a long day. i will always help if there is a need. you have no debt. it is my honor to be a part here…. we will speak again soon my přítel, my friend.

with that she dips her convex head again, gently, offering a little smile to the colt and steps to the side so they can pass easily. she watches them for a moment as they descend, intrigued and endeared by the sweet picture of motherhood and family as they make their way down. would it come so easily to her? she shakes the daydream from her head quickly, not wishing to dwell on what seemed like an impossibility. things were so… raw right now in so many facets of her life. despite having won her freedom she feels things are almost as out of control as ever.

she turns back up the rocky trail, considering how far up she wished to go. she knew it wouldn’t feel like home until she was higher. to the place they had always watched out from. but is she ready to face him? she never has been one to shirk away from what lies before her so with a flash of steely resolve she turns upward on the rocky path. her dark eyes catch what she thinks must be a glimpse of him above and it causes a flutter of anxiety in the pit of her stomach but also a flutter of something else… she dreads their reunion, but also is so eager for it. nothing is simple. with purposeful steps she ascends.