Fear is not a feeling Zjeena often feels. If there's one thing this little mare has never been accused of, it's being coward, but now, she's scared. Zjeena is absolutely terrified as she feels the weight of her pregnancy shift, and her due date approach. Sleepless nights merge into sleepless days. She knows a little sleep will keep her strong for the day, but every time she closes her eyes she feels the weightlessness of her soul rising from her bleeding corpse. She sees the blood-red mess of a birth gone wrong soaking into the sand. She comes face-to-face with the horror of her mortality and her heart beats a little faster. Her coat goes damp with sweat despite the cool night air, and sleep evades her.

Zjeena doesn't admit her fears out loud to anyone, but she lingers close to Monster. Zjeena is not usually a needy friend. It's unusual for her to cling, so Monster must know something is troubling her. Friends like Monster have a way of knowing things without a necessary exchange of words. Zjeena is hovering near her dear friend when the first contractions grip her abdomen. They stand in a popular part of the jungle. The terrain is easier to navigate with much of the undergrowth nibbled short or trampled, but they are also somewhat exposed. Other horses mingle here, browsing the selection of foliage that remains.

Zjeena's nostrils flare and her breath quickens. "Monster..." Zjeena pleads. "It's time." Zjeena's eyes are wet with tears, but there is no joy in them, only worry. Will Zjeena live to see tomorrow? Her belly is swollen with a foal that must be exceptionally huge, unless she's carrying twins, but what are the chances of that happening again? "Will you come with me? Please?" This is an unusual request. Mares typically do this alone, but Zjeena would feel better if her dearest friend stood by her for support.