Zjeena ushers her two children into the water. Sleep still lingers in their eyes, but Zjeena is well awake. Sleep came only in snatches last night, restless knowing what kind of day lie ahead. Big changes loom on the horizon. It's been six months since she's seen Liland. It's been six months since Liland has seen his children. Nattergal and Havelle have done a lot of growing since then. They barely remember their father. And as much has transpired between she and Rougaru, her love for Liland beats strong within her chest. She longs to see him. Such will be a bittersweet reunion.
They make the swim as the sun rises. By the time they climb ashore it hangs whole above the horizon, but obscured fog. The sky is white with clouds, threatening an autumn snowfall. Zjeena quickly dries the water from the coats of her children using hurried strokes of the tongue. The friction of her grooming generates a heat which warms the chill from their tired muscles.
Six months in Paradise has been kind to them all. They return to Liland in excellent health. The foals have grown like weeds. Nattergal stands almost as tall as his mother, with the same ruggedly handsome features as his father. The length of his legs tells of another few inches of growing to do.
Havelle too has grown. So alike as newborns, their own individual features have begun to develop. She too will likely grow taller than her mother. Her face, however, is narrow and feminine, even more so than Zjeena's. Her little teacup muzzle, her doe eyes, and the rounding of her hips foretell of the heart breaker she'll become. Liland and Zjeena produce attractive offspring. That's one truth that can't be denied.
Once the saltwater has been cleaned from their coats, Zjeena leads them inland. Her eyes dart among the trees, looking for a familiar flash of dun. "Liland?" she calls out, wondering if he's home or if business has carried him elsewhere.