Havelle's world is turned upside down.

The events of the last few weeks have shaken the foundation on which Havelle stands. She built such a foundation carefully, brick-by-brick, trying to maintain a position of neutrality between all members of her family, and remain on good terms with everyone, but increasing tensions make her struggle to maintain such a position progressively more difficult.

A part of Havelle's success in remaining neutral has been her refusal to get involved with any part of the conflict, but this crucial part of her efforts was stolen by a moment of need. Liland needed her. He needed Havelle to hear him out, and to relay a message to Zjeena. Havelle, not wanting to let her father down, became his mouthpiece. There was a part of her that hoped her involvement might serve to smooth things out, and ease tensions, but all its done is escalate the drama, and darken her mind with a new kind of confusion, and feelings of guilt where she had none before.

Zjeena never spoke much of her struggles with Liland. It was no secret that the two didn't get along after Zjeena's return from Paradise, but in an effort to take the high road, and to protect them from the stress of it all, Zjeena left her children out of the conflict. Whenever Nattergal and Havelle would ask questions, Zjeena would change the subject or give only vague answers. It's in Havelle's nature to avoid conflict, and try to see the best in others, so she filled the gaps in Liland and Zjeena's story with her own assumptions based on simple miscommunication. She wanted so badly to love both of her parents, and there was a part of her that hoped that someday, they might reconcile their differences and they could all be a family again.

The only one standing in the way of this dream was Ylva. As much as Havelle wanted to be fair and kind to everyone, Ylva was a piece of the puzzle that just didn't fit. It's clear the herd the likes her as their lead, and that Liland is fast developing feelings for her, but if things continue in this way, there's no way Zjeena would ever have a place in the Bay herd again.

Havelle wasn't just Liland's mouthpiece yesterday. She was also his ears, and in listening to Zjeena finally tell the whole truth from her own point of view, Havelle has come to realize something.

None of this is Ylva's fault.

Havelle feels horrible for how she's treated Ylva over the past year. Ylva is caught up in the fallout of Liland and Zjeena's failed romance, just like everyone else.

Dawn breaks, flooding the winter territory with a warm, orange glow. Horses dot the landscape, silhouetted by the low, morning light. The filly finds Ylva not far from their small herd. The mare is attentive and responsible as always, an observation that would have twisted Havelle's gut with jealousy and unease before, but now only serves to feed the growing burden of guilt. Small feet crunch through a layer of ice formed on top of the snow, announcing her approach.

Havelle nears, with her head low and neck outstretched. Her teeth chew the air, grasping for forgiveness. "Ylva...", she begins. Her voice cracks with regret. Her body catches up to her snout, extended in peace, and she assumes a shameful, apologetic stance, with ears back, and eyes soft. "I-I haven't been very good to you." Havelle continues. Her brain searches for the right words. "I guess I needed someone to blame for everything going on between my parents and I blamed you. For that, I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. I hope you can forgive me." Her words fall to silence, and she holds her breath as she waits for Ylva to speak. Her dark eyes search Ylva's praying she'll find acceptance there.