Harlequin spent most of her time to herself, lost in deep thoughts of what if and what could be. She had hoped that her visit to the Prairie would be fruitful. Though she doubted that her heated discussion could so quickly produce promising results, still it was a weight lifted from her shoulders. She had been silent too long.
Dark eyes turn towards the loosely gathered group of mares that grazed in relative peace along the edge of the oasis and its sheltering palms. Despite her hopes that civil discussion might result in a group appointed lead mare, nothing had come of it so far. Two in particular stood out, two that had gained Harlequin’s respect for different reasons. Though she had spent more time with Berit, Melisma had earned some notarization by stepping forward to defend the Desert way of life when Cain could not find it in himself to challenge the young palomino mare for leadership of their land. Not once but twice, Melisma stepped forward to defend Cain and for that, Harlequin found herself nodding her head gently towards the obsidian mare in acknowledgement.
Berit too, was a trustworthy mare and deserving of the position in more ways than she ever gave herself credit for. Though she lacked the battle skills that Harlequin and Cain and perfected for themselves, instead she held her own characteristics that the black and white mare respected. While she and Cain often found themselves practicing battle moves or sparring with unfamiliar partners, Berit stayed behind raising not just her own foals, but adopted those in need as well. She possessed both compassion and patience that Harlequin felt sure rivaled the gods themselves. Where Harlequin was quick to act, Berit showed thoughtfulness and reserved judgement which would no doubt prove that she could be as equal to Cain as any other.
Both mares were strong and willing to take up arms when the need arose, both wished deeply for positions of authority and Harlequin wondered if a solution could be found. A solution that would please and instill unity once more to the herd that needed it.
A heavy sigh escapes her lips as a resounding bugle calls for Cain, ashen lips press together as into a thin line. Perhaps a solution might be reached but not one that she had thought to reach from the beginning. A warm smile spreads across her lips as patiently she shifts her legs beneath her, savoring the feel of the warm sands beneath her hooves. Winter would soon be upon them, the cooler atmosphere a welcome relief to the hard suns of summer. Soon, even the most patched of lands would flourish with winter grasses and unlike the other islands who struggled with snow and ice, the horses of the desert would thrive and greet the changing seasons with welcome arms. Already Harlequin imagines that she can feel the flutter of life beginning to grow within her womb. It would not be long before once more her sides began to swell with the unborn within. How she prayed that this delivery would be easier to accomplish than Twinge had been. Nonetheless, she was excited. Though she never imagined herself a true parent, or that her bond with Cain was in fact true undying love, there was still a closeness that their daughter brought between them and even now, the memories of their recent coupling caused her nostrils to flare with excitement.
No. Delicately dished head is given a shake as a soft smile curves her lips upwards. Now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts. Now, she needed to have a clear mind and so with an impatient huff she drops her head to graze halfheartedly on the emerald green shoots.