Freya had been neglectful. As she stands in the heart of the Inlet, sheltering herself from the frigid winter air, she realizes she has not been the best partner to Dogun lately. It is her fault, all of this, and she must do what she can to rectify it.

As she hears his cry, her heart aches for him. He had worked so hard to build his herd, only to have it crumble beneath him. Only to have thieves come in the night and take away his family, those he cared about, and the children they carried. But still, throughout it all, she remained by his side - perhaps not physically, but spiritually, at least. She had been so wrapped up in her own daily life that she had completely neglected his needs, and for that, she felt deep shame and guilt. As his other half, it was her duty to make sure he was taken care of. For if a king was not satisfied and well-attended to, how could he do his job well? She had been so neglectful, it was no wonder things in the Inlet had gone south so quickly.

But she could not afford to think about that, not right now. Winter's harsh grip was slowly letting up, and soon spring would be here. A new year. A new start, for all of them. They could start over and rebuild their family from the ground up. It would be a healing experience for both of them. Plus, with the addition of a new child, she was sure things would start looking up soon.

She spots him, then, through the trees, and a joyous whinny breaks free from her lips, a smile curving her lips upwards. Despite their current situation, she still smiles, hoping it will cheer him some. He had become so solemn and moody - a drastic change from the happy-go-lucky stallion she had met a year ago. Perhaps, she thinks, somewhere deep inside, the Dogun she once knew was still in there. He just needed a little coaxing to be brought out, and so she would take this task upon herself in the hopes of one day seeing that familiar light in his eyes that she loved so much.

"Dogun, love." she says as she stops before him, her plump belly swaying slightly as she reaches out to nuzzle at his cheek and playfully lip at his forelock. She pulls back just enough to gaze into his face, blue meeting brown. "I'm so sorry I haven't been around. I just... got so caught up in everything going on. Trying to keep myself out of harm's way for the safety of our child." She sighs, touching her nose to his. "Can you forgive me?"

five. georgian grande. bay dun roan sabino
lead mare of the inlet. bjorn (x dogun). pippa.