adelheid had grown rounder and heavier as the season warmed and tamed and herza was no stranger to the sight of a mare in foal. While she sensed her companions clear unrest over the situation, feuerherza had no doubt that her friend would be an excellent mother. If there was anything to delve into the hard cracks and edges and pull the sensitive side of the mare out, it would be a child.

the tall stoic mare had given her dear friend some space those last few weeks, knowing that sooner or later the time would come when adelheid would be needing to wander off and deliver the child she grew within. herza looked forward to it more than most anything she could think of, dreadfully curious as to whether or not the little creature would like her and of how her friend would handle the changes motherhood would bring, not that she had experienced them firsthand…

the day did come, and it took the lanky friesian longer than she had expected to realize as much. When adelheid did not return to the communal areas of the peak that they often frequented together, herza decided it wouldn’t hurt to go in search of her. She knew there was much political unrest at play currently, and felt nervous for her friend having to give birth in the turmoil. She also knew that adelheid was recently named a leader of sorts here, which seemed an added stress. Luckily the painted mare of similar heritage seemed not to mind her desire for friendship.

it was in a safe little nook, just off the beaten mountainside path, that she found adelheid, another peak mare who she hadn’t met, and the most adorable creature she had ever seen. herza stood her distance, blowing out a hard snort and smiling widely at the trio. Though she wanted more than anything to rush to the darling filly and inspect her more closely, she waited diligently, dark eyes searching her friend for any signs of ill health, for adelheid’s approval.