Nattergal's teeth snap closed on nothing, as Liland skillfully dodges him. The disappointment of such a miss is bitter to taste. Nattergal's anger rises like the tide, rolling in violent waves that corrode what little impulse control a colt his age possesses. He shakes his head, with ears flat back, nostrils wrinkled, and dark eyes rolling with the every negative emotion he feels right now.

"I will let you and just you leave."... "you will come back in the fall" These are exact words, spoken by Liland to Zjeena. Liland parades around touting the generous terms of his arrangement. He's told several others that he let Zjeena go, that she's welcome to visit whenever, and that he didn't make Nattergal and Havelle stay. He's told almost everyone, except Zjeena, Nattergal and Havelle. As far as Zjeena knows, she had two choices: stay with Liland in the Bay, basically as a captive, getting verbally abused every time she so much as makes eye contact with Liland, or she could go to Rougaru, as a free mare, under the one condition that she return for a single season. Liland made it pretty clear that Zjeena was the only one allowed to leave the island, and that she would return to fulfill her end of the bargain. There was no mention of visits. So, when Zjeena said her goodbyes, she said them assuming she wouldn't see anyone again until fall.

For someone like Nattergal, who hasn't been on this earth for a whole year yet, that's a very long time to wait. He feels like he'll never see his mother again. He's sad, and angry, and confused. There's a part of him that wonders if he had stepped up and tried, that maybe he could have mended the relationship between his parents. Is some of this his fault? Is his inaction the reason they split? If he hadn't been so eager to get to know his father, might Zjeena have stayed in Paradise? Either way, they'd all be in a better place. He hates himself for what transpired, and for his inability to prevent it, but most of all, he hates Liland.

He hates Liland even more in this moment. Liland is so calm, stepping back and speaking even tones. How can anyone be so calm right now? Doesn't he care? Nattergal wants Liland to get mad, to feel what he feels. Nattergal wants his father to fight him. He needs a reaction, any reaction to let him know he cares in any way at all.

Nattergal stares daggers at Liland hearing his words but processing none of them. There is a moment of silence where all Nattergal does is stare, then he lunges, mouth agape, aiming for Liland's shoulder. He rears, striking out at Liland's side. Nattergal is a lot smaller than Liland. He's catching up in height but lacks the muscle mass of a mature stallion. It's unlikely he'll do much physical damage. Liland could likely take him out with one kick, but Nattergal isn't thinking of that now.