Zjeena has adapted well to a role as lead mare and diplomat. Her experience and trials over the years have taught her much, but perhaps what makes her best suited for leadership is the fact that she never asked for it in the first place. Zjeena did not march into the bay, guns blazing, and demand to be made a lead. Neither did she do the same in paradise. She was appointed leader because others see her for who she is. She tries to be fair, and think before she acts or speaks, but when the situation calls for it, she will do what needs to be done for the greater good. Zjeena is the kind of mare that will grab the bull by the horns. Damn her reputation, and damn anyone else's feelings.

This is what Zjeena is doing now, grabbing this bull by the horns. Liland is a problem, and something needs to be done about him. There's no point in waiting for someone else to take care of him. Zjeena will stand up and do it herself.

Zjeena's motivations are not driven by a need for power for herself. Zjeena has no interest in running a territory on her own, or becoming a model of whatever lifestyle makes Warsaw uncomfortable. She has one mission in mind and one mission only. When no mission drives her from the shores of Paradise, there she will gladly stay, under Rougaru, as a humble herd mare if that's the only title he sees fit to grant her.

Zjeena's stomach sinks through the permafrost as Warsaw responds to her point. The corners of her lips fall to a frown, but she doesn't let disappointment wilt her proud posture. So Warsaw already knew Liland wouldn't be supporting him in the war. There are far more reasons Liland should be removed from the alliance than that. Zjeena has several on her list, that she is ready to present, but Warsaw gives her one more of his own before she has the chance to speak again.

It seems Liland's way of driving threats instead of bargains has affected more than just her own circle. That seems to be the only way Liland knows how to negotiate, and the citizens of the Lost Islands are catching on. If he doesn't turn his act around, Liland will lose far more than his alliances.

"I'm truly sorry our battle in Luthien didn't have the outcome we all hoped for. I understand now, why you let Liland stand on the sidelines. I think we can all agree, that peace sometimes requires compromise." Zjeena nods, closing her eyes for a brief moment to show her sympathies and understanding. When she opens them again, her stare is resolute. "I do not, however, believe Liland is worth our continued alliance. If there is one thing I have learned in dealing with Liland, is that he doesn't know the meaning of compromise. He will never stop taking advantage of those who let him, and his threats are not idle threats."

Zjeena's ears turn back at the grinding of Warsaw's jaw. Her expression is pained for him. If the gray stallion cannot travel, then let Zjeena bring the chat to him. Warsaw asks the right mare for an explanation. Since that horrible day on the shores of the Bay, Zjeena has been eager to tell every truth about Liland, and expose him for what he is. She came here today planning to do just that. Warsaw's request is merely an invitation for Zjeena to proceed as planned.

"Paradise challenged Liland for his herd in an effort to get him to leave us alone. We have given much, I have given him so much and it is never enough." Zjeena begins. There is an urgency to her tone that implies the seriousness of this whole situation. Rougaru didn't challenge for vengeance. Bygones are bygones. Challenges made now being made to put an end to abuse currently at play.

"You are probably aware of the initial quarrel between Rougaru and Liland, where Rougaru stole me from Liland. Well, Liland never challenged for me back. I made a bargain with Rougaru to secure my freedom and returned to Liland a free mare, with our twin foals in tow. Liland was angry for the deal I struck with Rougaru, even though the deal had nothing to do with him. He was verbally abusive, and held me captive in what should have been my own home." Zjeena shakes her head. "I was so desperate to get away I agreed to things I shouldn't have agreed to. I will admit, I made a mistake, but it is not our original deal that drove us to issue the most recent challenge. I agreed to allow Liland to mount me one more time, and leave the twins in the bay so I could return to Paradise, and I did. Since that agreement was made, Liland's bitterness has continued to exacerbate the situation."

"As if leaving my children behind wasn't enough, Liland told them that he gave me the choice to bring them back to Paradise and instead chose to abandon them." Zjeena's nostrils flare, and her eyes flash with anger. Zjeena generally doesn't care what others think of her, but to attempt to turn her own children against her is a crime far worse than any other. "I returned to the Bay this fall, and now carry Liland's foal, as promised. He then demanded that I return to the Bay again to raise the foal with him, leaving Akela behind, or else we should agree to allow Liland a full access pass to Paradise to visit whenever he wants." Zjeena's tail lashes angrily from hip to hip and her ears pin flat against her poll. "I am Rougaru's mare. I have been Rougaru's mare since that first challenge. Everything else has been nothing but failed attempt after failed attempt to appease Liland and make peace. It is time for Liland to let me go and leave Rougaru alone. This is why we challenged, to formally release us from any obligation to Liland, and teach him that taking advantage of the kindness others is the fastest way to turn allies into enemies."

The little mare levels a black stare with Warsaw, before issuing one final statement. "Yes, we took his herd, but we didn't keep them. I told them what happened and immediately released them. The fact that none of them have returned to the Bay says a lot about Liland."

ZJEENA

6 YEARS
MARE
FJORD
14.0 HANDS