:: Mare : 15 : Mixed : Champagne : 14.2hh : The Bay : Ref ::

Zjeena has always been a respected mare in her eyes. She was one she could follow endlessly, but now she was no longer her lead mare. Sabela would have to follow the teachings and guidelines of a stranger that has come into Liland's life. Another Fjord who Liland seems to like, even claims to love. Sabela claims she loves Liland, but now her heart falters at his series of decisions that have brought them back to the Bay. He led her to a hot climate from the cold one she was born in, he led her to the Ridge where she faced terrible nightmares, and now she was back living next to Warsaw.

It was hard to say there was anywhere left she could go where she would feel safe and that wasn't all Liland's fault. She couldn't tell him what she thought or the troubles she faced before meeting him. But she did feel safe is a herd she could trust. Sabela had lost the two mares she did trust in the herd and Liland's sudden anger and actions have led to her distrust in him. She could tell Zjeena was reading her expressions. The mare was good at reading her posture, she always has been. Zjeena speaks and Sabela nods her head but extends her muzzle to touch the mare's shoulder. It was as if she was saying 'please'.

Her brown eyes watch the mare intently as she begins to tell the tale of how she and Liland fell apart. Sabela wonders if she was intruding too much into their personal lives, but this was the only way to get her own decision and her clarity on Liland. To Sabela, some of what happened seems like a misunderstanding and a bad twist of fate. Zjeena began to have feelings for her captor and though we can't always control who we like, it was wrong. Sabela felt sorry for Liland, but he did not know how to conduct himself. He acts like a young colt that way he handled the whole situation.

Then she tells Sabela the mean words Liland had said to her. In his hatred, Liland had allowed Rougaru to cloud his judgment and make him look terrible. Sabela could see how choosing Rougaru was the easy choice once Liland had let his mouth fly with rage. Sabela would not have made the same choice, but they were different mares. She did not see Zjeena any less of her friend for what happened. Sabela nuzzles her friend's shoulder as she continues her story. Her very fear of Liland only loving her because she was a Fjord was a similar fear Sabela had now. Was Ylva only Queen because she was a Fjord? If so, Liland has learned little about this situation with Zjeena.

Liland was getting stronger as he has now defeated Warsaw, but Sabela worries if this will only alter his personality further. Now that he is defeated his attackers will he seek revenge? Will he use his new power to further his rage? Zjeena's tears give proof that feelings are still there. She says Liland is evil and the champagne mare sighs. She doesn't know if evil was the right word, but defiantly foolish and hot-tempered. Only time would tell if Sabela would soon be seeking freedom from Liland. She had knowledge now it was time to speak to Liland herself. She worries what might become of Zjeena here, but the mare has always been strong. She will be even stronger now.

Sabela places her muzzle to the mare's cheek as a way to say goodbye. She hopes to see her friend again, but not in the way Zjeena warns. She hopes they do not face each other on opposite sides. 'Thank you', she mouths then turns away and escapes Paradise before anyone else could find her here.