The stallion seems caught off guard by Zjeena's willingness. The surprise on his face brings rise to an inexplicable joy. Let her keep him on his toes. The little mare is full of surprises. Should fate keep them together, there should be many more to come.
"I love to swim.", Zjeena responds, her wet face breaking into an eager grin. She spins on her heel and bounds off after Liland. Driving rains don't slow her down and neither does the sea. She plunges easily into the water, and paddles along. Cold muscles, first stiff from standing still in the cold, welcome the movement, loosening and warming with each kick. Zjeena lets Liland lead the way to a place she's never been.
The swim isn't long, but by the time they climb ashore, the rain has stopped. Dark clouds are behind them, and a warm sun lights the land ahead. Chill air remains but warmth in the sun speaks the promise of spring. Before them stretches a crescent of beach shadowed by dense treeline. On the more distant horizon rises a ridge of mountains, perhaps far enough to be someone else's territory. Zjeena hears the chatter of birds. A frosting of ice clinging to the trees makes the landscape sparkle. "It's wonderful.".