Mulling words over in her head was something Adelheid often did, whether she wanted to or not. Often it was words she had said to other. ‘You don’t look dead to me.’ ‘I claim these stallions!’ along with so many others that wrapped their hands around her heart. Rarely were the words ones she needed to contemplate on behalf of others. She glanced up at the snowy Peaks. A lot of others.

The Peak had elected her as Codebreaker and Wasp had put trust in her. Adelheid had even promised to do the role justice in honor of Macabre. She had not anticipated wanting to do more than that and honor her own mother as well. Her heart ached at her thoughts. What she was about to do could easily turn around and put them all to shame. But she was willing to try. With a heavy snort, she shook her head and whipped her tail in the wind. Shame- was not something she would allow, and she knew it. Still, as she waited for the golden stallion to disembark from the cliff up above, she could not help but feel like a traitor.

Rade. She greeted, stepping into place beside him, they were after all discussing a possible alliance, as equals. Easily, she shifted more into the evergreen trees. It was not that she wanted them to meet in secret, it was more that she felt as though they would be less likely to be interrupted. Your proposal has...some...merit. The splashed mare was usually one to speak plainly, not wanting to hide behind careful wording and poker faces. Obviously, making anyone send their children anywhere against their will is not going to work. Just wanted to make sure that was clear. But, I do think there is a chance we can have an alliance. She studied him for a while, contemplating and considering what he had said on the cliff. With a sigh, she looked behind them, where the herd of mares would have been mingling with many of the captured stallions. She knew she needed to be out there, and she knew Rade was right. Most of the stallions they had within their borders right now would have been their best bet on healing wounds inflicted by the war. Adelheid figured she could start with this on. And, obviously I did not mean kill your son. Many of the mares here are sick of living in fear, sick of being claimed and used as chattel. I am sick of stallions taking liberty of just walking in here like they own the Peaks, or claiming a mare like she doesn’t have her own life. She locked her gaze on Rade, watching for his reactions, and on some level hoping her harsh personality would serve her well. Or at least not mess everything up. Mares are not entirely innocent, either. Holding trinkets captive here has also been a long tradition. Peak mares in particular are...not kind...to stallions. Another huff as she tried to keep her voice even and the typical coldness out of her tones. I know I tend to attack and judge first… and don’t ask questions later. Nothing can be done here without a vote. As you saw, no one will vote, or even listen, without some trust. What can we do, to begin to trust each other? Adelheid had seen the pain on Wasp’s face at the mention of the loss of her mother, she knew the fear many of her sisters lived with, and she knew the rage most of them walked with. Adelheid was willing to give herself for the sake of her Sisters of the Peak.