Havelle's face falls at Noctis' decline. She watches his somber retreat with a new sadness growing inside her. Noctis doesn't deserve the hardships he faces either. Havelle makes a mental note to seek out Noctis later. She feels a fondness forming for the colt. Their struggles are a common thread that could bring them together as friends.
Noctis' exit doesn't keep her down for long. Akela's infectious energy won't allow her to stay sad. Havelle takes Akela's request to tell Nattergal to visit to heart. If she takes this seriously, it will give her an excuse to seek out her brother again after all of this. Their relationship continues to crumble. Havelle needs to speak to Nattergal about something other than Liland or Zjeena. If Nattergal could meet his little brother, then maybe the joy in Akela could rub off on Nattergal too.
Havelle is glad to brush of further thoughts of Noctis and Nattergal. She leaves all her worries about angsy colts on the beach and follows Akela into the jungle. The older filly launches into a bouncing trot, volumes of black and white mane billowing out behind her. A smile spreads across her face as she is given the chance to remember happier times. "Yeah. They did. I played with Nattergal a lot too. We liked to swim when the waves weren't too big. Do you like to swim?", She asks. The rhythm of her words bounces with each stride.
The filly is enjoying the company too much to let her face fall whens he talks about her move to the Bay. She answers honestly. Akela deserves to know the truth. "I loved Paradise, but we had to go home to father. Liland is our dad, just like Rougaru is your dad." Zjeena probably kept quiet on the topic of Liland because Liland is not Akela's father, but he is the father of her other children. Zjeena makes every effort never to speak ill of Liland where her children might hear. It's probably easier to say nothing at all to Akela, than to search for something nice to say, when it's obvious how much Zjeena dislikes Liland now. It would be easy to spend her time verbally tearing down Liland, but there's no point in that. All that does is intensify bitter feelings and fail to resolve any true conflict. She must set an example for her children to use their energy in more productive ways.
"When you're old enough, I'd love for you to come visit us in the Bay! The bay is so much different than Paradise. There's a lot to see. You should come when it snows. Snow is so much fun!" Havelle starts to string her thoughts together out loud, like Akela. She's been forced to grow up so fast. Some time with someone younger, is turning back the clock on her, and allowing her to be the child she still is.
Their travels take them on a winding path around the island, but their brisk pace gets them there in no time. Havelle's eyes widen in awe as they come upon a gaping cavern hidden amongst the rocky outcroppings. The smell of brine is strong here, the winds off the sea settle between the rocks. The damp footing grows a layer of algae that holds strong the smell of ocean. Havelle steps towards the cave. It's opening forms a great mouth, tempting to swallow her whole. Havelle's own mouth opens, and she mouths a silent "Wow". She looks to Akela, her eyes wide with excitement and brimming with an eager curiosity. Gone is the mature, adult Havelle, and welcome Havelle, the yearling filly, hungry for fresh adventure. "I want to see the other side! Let's go!" Her hooves patter on the rock as she prances. Havelle exudes a newfound excitement. "Maybe by the time we get back, mom will be home."