Adelheid’s thick black tail snapped through the chilling air. Here in the higher ledges of the cliffs the fall air was more reminiscent of winter. Even her breath was starting to be seen as it puffed from her flaring nostrils. Blue eyes glued onto the other friesian as she sized her up and processes what she was seeing. A small smirk quirked at the corner of her lips. Obviously the other mare was pure, standing taller than Adelheid and with a pelt unmarred by splashes of white. Adelheid, however, sported a white nose that went halfway up to her blue eyes, and feathered white socks. Still, there was a place in Adelheid’s heart for an idea of shared but different heritage.
Her head tilted slightly to the side as she continued to study and watch the stranger. Eyes narrowed for a moment in confusion before widening in realization. Surprise made her withdraw no more than an inch, but still noticeably so. In response to herself, Adelheid stomped her foot in frustration with herself and her ears flicked back in annoyance. It was in that heartbeat she froze, becoming intensely aware of her own pose, posture, and body language. It was not the first time her appearance, approach, and general energy had seemed to send people away and put them on edge. Her constant tension affected those around her, it was starting to bother her more than she thought it would.
I’m sorry… please let me try again. First, the mare stood tall, and inhaled deep. She tried to make her body as neutral as possible, which possibly just increased the appearance of tension and discomfort. Her paze fixed on the other, trying to take in everything from the other’s body language. She appeared so relaxed, and then spoke so clearly that she would fight Adelheid off if she posed a challenge. That was a language the mutt could interpret. A soft snort of a chuckle broke her tension and a second of a smile crossed her lips. Something about this mare drew Adelheid’s attention and curiosity. She tilted her head and stepped forward in interest, watching every movement of the other, trying to interpret to the best of her ability.
Adelheid looked in the direction of the meadow that had been indicated. Anything could have been said, it was the direction of down, the direction of everywhere. Clearly the mare was not from the Peak, and could have simply come here from the common lands. She did not seem to have the demeanor of a mare who had found herself in the muck of the Lagoon, which in Adelheid’s mind was a bit of a blessing if there was such a thing.
This is The Peak, a haven for ‘homeless’ mares. She snorted with disdain at the term ‘homeless’. When she had been on the islands, The Peak had always been her home and she had the highest regard for the mares who had chosen to stay and protect it. To her, it was not a place mares simply stayed until they were claimed. It was a place where women could claim themselves and protect each other. At least that had been her understanding as a filly, until others had told her differently. Once more, memories flooded her mind and her tail swished in annoyance. After a second she became aware again of her body language. Head fell. Sorry...again… She was trying. With effort, she shook out her neck and shoulders. I was raised here, there are some mares who come here and say they will defend the Peak and those who live here. Others come for a season or two and then leave. Her voice hesitated as she started to realize ideals she had never realized or vocalized she had. I believe no mare is ‘homeless’ while The Peak stands strong. As dangerous as the terrain and the predators are here, there is still a sense of safety. At least that was the lie that had been told to her as a filly. She thought for a moment. Was it possible to turn a lie into a truth?
Pawing non-aggressively at the stone beneath their feet, she lowered her head physically starting to engage in their interaction like someone who knew how to speak with their body. Have you been to the other islands or just… she gestured vaguely in the general direction of the meadow that had been indicated. Adelheid figured yes or no questions would be simpler than the complications of daydreams and nightmares.