Zjeena waits for an answer from Rayna in rapt attention. Small ears prick forward and eyes look on expectantly, but the answer that follows is not what Zjeena wanted to hear. Rayna says she is fine, but the words are heavy with unspoken meaning. Of course she's not fine.

Much of that fault lies with Liland. He has indeed been spiraling, a spiral that began way back when he lost his first battle with Warsaw. Their stallion has faced many hardships. It's a fact that cannot be denied, but we are all, ultimately, the keepers of our own happiness. Life's journey is always met with obstacles. It's how one responds in the face of these obstacles that determines our ability to seek happiness moving forward. Liland has chosen to cling jealously to a series of could-have-been's. This has led to many mistakes, and backwards priorities. His dreary mood has affected the entire herd. As close family, and his heir, Rayna has undoubtedly been hurt by this the most.

Zjeena can't help but feel partly responsible. Their fighting since her return, has undoubtedly put a strain on those around them. A divided leadership is bad for morale, but she stands stalwart in her resolve. Their fight will continue so long as Liland treats her like a prisoner in her own home.

The mare's expression reads concern in every line of her face, in the turn of her ears, and in the way she stands. Zjeena opens her mouth, as if to speak. She wants reach out, and hesitates on the brink of doing so, but stops herself. She and Rayna might be family in some manner, but they don't know each other all that well. Zjeena doesn't want to make the filly feel uncomfortable by forcing sympathy that was never asked for, or by prying. If Rayna wanted to elaborate, she would have. So with a heavy heart and a sidelong glance, Zjeena lets the subject go.

Turning her attention back to Ylva, Zjeena replies, "Thank you.". The concern that darkened her face a moment ago, begins to lighten. "I hope so too." The one thing Zjeena appreciates about their herd in the Bay, is the number of foals. Nattergal and Havelle shouldn't want for company here. She hopes the presence of other foals will help them to open up. They've become so dependent on one another, she worries about them, and how the future might affect them. Surely their lives will try to guide them down different roads. How will they cope?

Zjeena's expression brightens further with Ylva's misspoken statement. Zjeena offers her a reassuring smile. "Words aloud aren't the only way we can speak. I know what you mean, Ylva." Zjeena has always been fond of Sabela. It is perhaps because of this that she feels such an affinity for Rayna.

ZJEENA

5 YEARS
MARE
FJORD
14.0 HANDS