The tall mare stood on the shore as she often did, watching the distant waves breaking on the banks of Atlantis. This was a mirror image of how she had stood in winter, warmed by Atlantis’ climate but with Tinuvel firmly in her sights. She would be better prepared for winter in the bay this year and she could already feel the fuzziness of her coat thicker than it had been the previous year. She would not be the best suited and keeping warm would be a challenge but what was life without a challenge.

The pale mare turned from the ocean to look upon the scattered herd that stood before her. They grouped close enough for vague feeling of safety but there was little interaction between the mares. The thought of remaining practical strangers with the horses they would come to rely on during the harsh winter sent a chill, worse than any winter gale, down her spine. Her gaze settled on Soljor, who seemed to have a rare moment by himself to watch over the herd. She almost felt bad for ruining his quiet moment alone but she had not spoken with properly since her arrival. He was usually in high demand or preoccupied with the wolves so it was a rare moment indeed.

The tall mare moves at an easy pace, her long stride eating up the distance between them in n time. She stops at side, looking out over the herd. "You are doing a fine job." She observed, trailing her gentle eyes over the bodies that dotted the landscape before them. "The wolves remain mostly in the mountains and the herd is prosperous." There were a few wolves that strayed here and there but were quickly seen to by Soljor or a charge from one of the mares. They were never hungry enough to bother a healthy, full grown horse. The herd numbers could grow large without much worry except for the weather.

She sighed, noting how far each mare stood from the next "They lack togetherness though. With such numbers and winter fast approaching I am surprised none of them have tried to assert their dominance yet". She might have for the sake of the herd but it was not in her blood to be the kind of leader they needed. While she undoubtedly had the physical strength and skill to assert herself into a position of power, plus the knowledge to back it up, she lacked the temperament, fire and will to do such. Some mares are meant for the top and others for the middle and bottom; that is what keeps a herd functioning. "I think perhaps it is time to give them a push. You will be busy with the dangers that surround us. A large, fragmented herd without a boss mare to keep us together is doomed to be cosumed by winter."