The black mare seemed to take everything in stride, her demeanor friendly and open as he explained himself and how he felt about everything. She didn't seem to judge him harshly for being a member of the Lagoon and she ddin't act hostile because he was a stallion so maybe some of the rumors he heard about the Peak were off, anyway. At the end of the day, he would be glad to have an acquaintanceship or even an ally in the big mare. She seemed to understand that he wasn't out to start anything when he challenged for freedom. He hoped that once he told her about Shenzi, she would understand more. She sighed before telling him she didn't want to keep him here forever and that she wanted the stallions to live with them in peace and learn about them. He offered a nod of understanding and smiled, his eyes lighting up when he thought about Rhadra. "I have found nothing but peace since coming here so I thank you for that. I haven't gotten the pleasure of meeting most of your members but I have found friendship in a mare called Rhadra who I wouldn't have met if I didn't come here." Maybe fate did play a role in what happened to him but Collision had to admit he was glad for his experience here and hoped he could take some of that experience with him on the road to find Shenzi.

The mare told him that Cullen murdered someone and his eyes widened in shock before his entire expression saddened. To hear of death was never a happy occasion. Understanding blossomed in his brown gaze as he continued to listen attentively. No wonder they wanted to get his attention. And yet, it wasn't out of vengeance. She wanted to take away the division between the Lagoon and Peak, show their differences weren't so different. It was honorable and that was something Collision could get behind. He dipped his head in sorrow. "I did not know the one who was lost to you but even so, I am sorry for your loss. I didn't know any of that, but then I wasn't in most of the action in the war. I found a stallion who was helping the Forest and we had Shenzi's friendship in common so we parted as allies instead and that's when I headed back to the Lagoon. In a way, she saved me from bloodshed. I was coming back to take her with me away from the Lagoon when the challenge rang out and our captivity began." He hoped to meet again with Kendry some day but he couldn't face the other stallion without knowing Shenzi's whereabouts and if she was safe and happy. He seemed to think of her as fondly as Collision himself.

He was grateful that the mare was sharing this with him. It showed that she didn't see him as an enemy for his association with Cullen and the Lagoon. In this moment, he was a listening ear and possibly a potential ally or friend. At least, he hoped so. "I only heard rumors of the Peak when I was in the Lagoon, mostly that the mares hated stallions and thought of them as inferior but I didn't agree with the Lagoon's take of stealing mares and calling them 'trinkets.' I befriended those I met, both mare and stallion, and when Cullen called for fighters for his war, I answered out of a sense of loyalty to him, not because I believed in the cause." He ducked his head a little as he went on. "I feel foolish to admit it but truthfully, I didnt know why we were going to war. I only knew that we were called on and I felt it my duty to go. Shenzi actually questioned the motives before I left, saying I should know why I'm shedding blood and gave me a lot to think about on my swim to Luthien."

He sighed. "I am sorry for all the damage that has been done through fools like me who didn't know what was really going on. I know my apology can't bring back loved ones or reverse the damage but I hope to use my future actions to do better." When Bozena spoke again, it was to grant his wish and Collision pricked his ears and straightened up at the words, feeling his lungs fill with purpose once more. She even asked that he use her as aide if needed in freeing Shenzi. His lips curled into a grateful smile as he nodded. "Of course. I would be honored." She asked that he not return to the Lagoon and he shook his head with a smile. "I no longer have a reason to go back and I look forward to seeing the division healed." He took a deep breath then and one ear flicked back in uncertainty as he thought through how to word it. "I know I am in no position to ask favors, but if it's alright, I would like to visit the Peak in the future. Rhadra has become a good friend and I'd like to check in on her and her daughter Izzy as I can." It wouldn't do to abandon one friend for another and he did enjoy her company so much. He hoped to keep Rhadra and Izzy in his thoughts as he searched for Shenzi and perhaps once he was able to find her, he could make his way back here to let Rhadra know the good news.

He only hoped Izzy didn't grow too much in his absence since it would be a lie to say he didn't look forward to seeing her develop and become a great mare just like her mother.