Kestral understands that for the average horse, death somehow spells the end. What they don't understand is that death is only the beginning. The circle of life continues in and endless loop for all eternity. The span of their lives mean little to eternity, and every new life must be nourished by death. Kurama's body should soon become the soil, which feeds the grass on which they graze. She will feed the flies that feed the frogs, that feed the likes of Keen. She is a part of this circle, and as a part of it, Kurama can never truly die. Energy cannot vanish. It changes from one form into another. Like caterpillar to butterfly, she will be reborn.

Kestral continues to cradle the large mare. She somehow seems smaller now, shrunken by her grief. "Kyuubi, you must follow your heart. Only your heart can tell you what it needs for you to heal." Kestral turns his head and massages the crest of her neck with a tactile lip, a gesture that offers comfort. "Just remember, Kurama is not gone. She is changed, but her spirit lives on this mountain."

Kestral feels a twinge of sadness. It's a feeling he doesn't often feel but he's grown fond of this place, and of Kyuubi and Rhadra. The terrain has proven good hunting grounds for Keen. To leave would mean a change for Keen, and to part ways with one of the mares he's grown so fond of. Kyuubi's choice must be Kyuubi's choice, however. Kestral will not bend her to his own will. She must do what's best for herself. Fate will tell Kestral whether he stays or goes after Kyuubi no longer holds him here.