Zjeena slides unceremoniously down the slope towards the shore, and as her hooves continue forth onto more level ground the sounds of moving earth sounds out behind her a little longer than it should. Her ears swivel with alarm, and her heart beats an accelerating rhythm inside her chest. The stout mare spins on her heel, eyes rolling with unease. Has Liland come to chase her into the sea?
But as she comes face-to-face with Wren, her expression softens. The alarm in her eyes gives way to guilt and sorrow, two feelings that have become all too familiar. "Oh Wren.." She begins. She chokes on her words. Her face twists with emotion. "Don't be sorry." Zjeena is sincere in her words. "There is nothing you could have done to change this. It is what is is, between Liland and I." She heaves a heavy sigh. "It's probably best you didn't get involved. Take it from me, you don't want to be on Liland's bad side." She offers Wren a watery smile that doesn't reach her eyes.
Zjeena hasn't spoke much to Wren, but her watchful eye has seen her graze serenely among the herd. Her actions have marked her as someone both loyal and trustworthy. Liland is lucky to have her. Zjeena is sure Ylva will make a fine replacement as lead, but in looking only at breed, Liland has missed out on several other worthy potential candidates for her replacement.
...her replacement.
Liland was so quick to replace her with Ylva, just as her fears confirmed. Did Liland ever intend to get her back? After two lost battles with Rougaru over her, had he cut his losses and planned to replace her with Ylva all along? Did he push her away when she found her way back because she ruined his plans to create a new and perfect family with Ylva at his right hand side instead? Did Zjeena ever really matter, or was it just her Fjordness all along?
Everything has been a lie.
Zjeena averts her eyes as tears threaten to fall. Her breath comes in quick gulps through flared nostrils as she struggles not to cry. No. Not here. Not now. Not in front of Wren. She must stay strong for the herd, the herd she leaves behind, but continues to love, despite her feud with Liland.