Nattergal and Havelle look on with worry creasing their young faces. They have no idea what transpired the night before their release. They don't know why their mother cries. Havelle ventures near and brushes her mother's shoulder with a loving touch. Nattergal looks on with concern, but they both heed their fathers words, and reluctantly turn to leave. Side-by-side the twins disappear through the maze of trees.
Zjeena sobs out of control until she feels the reassuring touch of her daughter. It was a small gesture, but it inspires the strength Zjeena needs to pull herself together.
It shouldn't be a surprise that Liland figures everything out. It is still breeding season and her heat has already gone. It's a sign that she might already be bred, and she is. Zjeena can feel the new life stirring inside her. The joy over such knowledge should be further clouded by guilt, but it isn't. She is already in love with this foal.
Zjeena takes a step back to study Liland's face. Thus far she sees only grief and concern. She could lie and those emotions would be all she sees there today, but Zjeena can't. Despite all her flaws, being dishonest isn't one of them. For as long as she was dishonest with herself, she can't lie to Liland. And if she is to follow through with her plans to establish and alliance between The Bay and Paradise, she can't place the blame for this on Rougaru.
"No, Liland. That's not what happened." She sucks in a deep breath and continues. "I made a deal, to gain passage back to the Bay. Rougaru was, surprisingly, a perfect gentleman." Her expression pleads with him to reason. "Don't blame Rougaru. He was kind to release all three of us for such a small price. Otherwise, we would still be captive on a foreign island." She pauses for only a moment before appealing to the father in him. "I couldn't bear another season for a our children without their father."