Zjeena has had a lot to think about since her encounter with Liland on the shores of the Bay. All of these feelings, all of these thoughts, they've always been there, but Zjeena kept them buried. Somewhere, somehow, she always knew how insincere Liland was. It just took that one act of indifference from Liland to uncover everything Zjeena already knew. She is ashamed she let herself be fooled. She regrets going so easy on him, being so nice to him, when all she was doing was enabling his behavior. She has no one to blame but herself for being walked all over for so long.
Lesson learned. Zjeena will not let Liland get away with what he's done. It's time for him to learn some lessons too. Zjeena will no longer keep quiet. She will voice every truth about Liland, uncover every lie, and shine a light on every way he's abused his power and the graciousness of others. Her mission started with her children. Next it leads to Warsaw.
Zjeena makes a long swim skirting around the bay and coming ashore on the Inlet's eastern side. It's winter in Paradise too, but winters there don't bite near as hard. A bitter wind shears across the open landscape, whipping through her long fur. Zjeena shimmers white as her wet coat freezes. Long clumps of frozen mane ring like wind chimes, but the mare doesn't seem bothered by any of it. She was made for this kind of climate.
The fjord strides confidently inland, with both ears and eyes alert and her posture peaceful. Life in Paradise treats her well. She is round both with child and good nutrition. Her pregnant belly swing to and fro, and strong muscles propel her forward. Any scrapes and scars from the recent war knit closed, and beneath the frost she is covered in rich dapples. Zjeena pauses near the heart of the vast, arctic territory and lets out a call for Warsaw. They have some things to talk about.