Kyuubi is the armed guard of the Peak, keeping Kestral close and bound to this place. Kestral isn't used to such confinement, but frustration and anger are emotions he doesn't feel often. He respects the draft mare, and her authority over him, and he is enjoying each day watching their daughter grow.

The status quo remains stable, and the winds calm, despite the distant calls of war on the horizon, until tragedy strikes the Peak. Kestral smells the carcass before he sees it. Kestral bows his head in reverence each day and urges mother nature to do her part and take Kurama into her fold. Use her body to nourish new life, and release her spirit into all things.

Kestral doesn't mourn death like others do. He doesn't feel the same sense of loss. To him, Kurama is not gone, but changed. She is still with them, in the grass they eat and in the air they breath. Her spirit will guide first steps of a new fawn, and the petals on new blooms come spring. But Kestral is not without understanding. He lingers near Kyuubi and the foals, offering his willing presence as support.

The leopard spotted stallion is grazing nearby when streaks of tears upon Kyuubi's cheeks catch the light. He lifts his head and swallows his meal. Quiet steps draw him near. The stallion studies her face, so full of grief. He reaches out and brushes tears from her face with a feather-soft touch. Kestral traces a tender line along her jaw, and behind her ear as he steps forward. He picks his head up and hooks his chin over her crest. He pulls the mare into a warm embrace, a reminder that he is here for her through this difficult time.