"Rougaru"

It's the only word she speaks as dusk turns into dark, and their forbidden tryst carries them into the night. But that one word hangs heavy with meaning. Her voice is husky with pleasure, and the anticipation of more pleasures to come, but it also cracks with sorrow.

The small mare is made for the harsh terrain of Tinuvel, with hard hooves for travel on a frozen and unforgiving terrain. Thick coat and good flesh prepare her for the coldest of winters, though truly, home is where the heart is. But where is her heart? This night has seen it rend in two. The two halves lie a bloodied mess on two different islands, aching to be whole.

Zjeena too is surrounded by those that shine a different kind of light into her life. There is Sabela, silent and sweet. Zjeena had formed a friendship with the mare before the challenge that sent her to Paradise. Though not mute herself, Zjeena has never been a loud mare. She speaks often herself through the subtleties of body language. It reads true that actions speak louder than words. For this, they communicate just fine, and between them a fondness grew. Sabela is perhaps the one subject in her herd with Liland that motivates her to protect it. She is the clear illumination of her workspace.

Monster has become what Zjeena would like to call a friend, though their relationship differs greatly from that with Sabela. During a brief meeting on the common island, the two shared a rousing spar. They were well matched, and it was the most fun Zjeena had ever had in a fight. With this came a strange sense of camaraderie and a profound respect. It comes with great disappointment that Zjeena must leave Paradise so soon after her return. Thoughts of Monster keep her blood pumping and her spirits high, as would the sun through the chilled Tinuvel air.

Then there is Liland. His image brings feeling of comfort and home. He is family to her now, and despite all his flaws, she trusts he'll be there for her, even after tonight's betrayal. He is the light on her back porch, guiding her home.

And Rougaru, he flickers, the smoldering remains of her certainty. Never has she felt such passion, but never has she been burned so badly. The scars of this encounter will never quite heal. Every time she looks at her own reflection, she'll see the part of herself that fell in love with the wolf.

Warm in his embrace is the only place she longs to be tonight. To hear her name upon his lips, and feel his strength inside her, thrills her in ways no other could. Zjeena's hips rock a matching rhythm, more than just a willing partner, but an active lover. The weight upon her back and the strength behind each thrust predict they kind of child he might sire, a colt to mount the world, or a filly to burn it down. Zjeena can't wait to be their mother.

Afterwards, Zjeena finds her empty back feeling exposed. She presses the length of her body to his, melting with his shadow, and feeling sheltered by his mass. For the first time, she feels small in his presence. In this moment, she is not the Queen of the Bay, but just a mare needing the touch of a stallion. It is no longer business between them, and never could she rule likes of Rougaru. Rougaru is the coup that beheaded her monarchy.

A small smile twists the corners of her lips, as he bids her to take care of herself and their child. "Have I ever given you reason to doubt me, Rougaru?" Her eyes glitter mischievously in the starlight that filters through the trees. The heavy-lidded haze of romance has yet to fade from them. "Thank you." She responds. Emotion stings the back of her eyes. She'll always have a place here because a piece of her will never leave. "I trust you will." Zjeena knows he's serious about killing Liland should serious harm come to herself or their lovechild, but the smile lingers, because she knows he'll have to beat her to it. Zjeena isn't one to take abuse lying down. If Liland gives her trouble, she'll show him where he can put his opinions. She's been through enough since Liland lost that battle with Warsaw an entire year ago. She deserves a little sympathy.

The dark of night deepens and Zjeena buries her face into space behind Rougaru's elbow. She will gather Nattergal and Havelle, and leave at dawn. Until then, she will enjoy one last night in Paradise.

ZJEENA

5 YEARS
MARE
FJORD
14.0 HANDS