she has settled into a strange sort of existence… her entire life back in the vlast she had been groomed for leadership, for motherhood, for the life of a supreme matriarch and despite the great tragedy, somehow she still fills some of those roles. there had been a short time, after meeting kune and even kendry that she contemplated a simpler existence. craved it even…. one of family and quietude but instead she stands alone, save for the companionship of kuraz who she loves as if he was her own syn, and her sestry on this solemn mountain.

there would come a time, božena thinks, when this life will not be enough to sustain her but the future seems even more unfathomable than the events that had lead her here. loneliness aches in her breast, making her feel tired even after she has rested. would things ever be simpler? could she ever be happy?

often these are the thoughts that the massive black mare contemplates as she patrols the rugged borders of the looming mountain territory. her large hooves pound against the rocky paths with a rhythmic steadiness as she marches, always watching and alert. she is particularly cautious lately, having recently run into cullen and a new lackey attempting to steal away a mare and children taking refuge here. her large soft eyes search the lower slopes constantly, watching for anything astray.

eventually, circling back inward toward the more central meadows, she spies a figure below. he approaches steadily, moving with some purpose unknown to her. he does not make any particular effort to conceal himself and so, from her higher position, she begins to make her way to him without fanfare. his words call out, echoing in the stony crevices and against the cliffs and she answers with a low whinny, curious.

Božena slows her large frame as she descends, softening her jaunty march to a cautious walk as she closes the distance between them. though he is smaller and more delicate in build than she, there is still something in his bearing that causes her to take note. ”welcome then bratr, i am Božena, general and protector of our sesterstvo. things have changed much here as of late.” she is courteous but stern in manner, reaching out with her distinct roman nose politely to exchange breaths.