Zjeena watches from afar as her new companions adapt to a different climate. She feels for them, having been there herself some time ago, but unlike her, they have a choice. Zjeena first came here as a prisoner in a foreign land. Not only was she struggling with a climate ill-suited to her breeding, she was worried for her future, and for the future of her children. She didn't know it then, but ending up in Paradise turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. She hopes that telling her story, and setting these mares free has made them feel safe in a land where they truly are safe, and she hopes they find the climate comfortable after more time to acclimate to it. Zjeena may have felt trapped, by both Rougaru, and the heat of the jungle, when she first came to Paradise, but she realized, after some time, that it's the only place she has ever been free. Liland has always been her only threat.

The queen of Paradise studies the face of the other mare, as just that, another mare. Dark eyes shine with genuine concern. In this moment, in most moments really, titles mean nothing to Zjeena. They are all here, in Paradise, together. This makes them family, and no family imposes some arbitrary power over other members of the family. She hopes that there will come a time when all the newcomers here feel comfortable approaching her for anything. Zjeena only wants to help.

She is glad when the words that fall from Grier don't stink of hate and displeasure. There is a tentative optimism in her words that sets Zjeena at ease. "I know. It threw me for a loop too, when I first came here, but I've come to appreciate the food supply in winter." As someone who loves to eat, it's nice not to have to dig for food through heavy snowdrifts, or struggle to reach foliage too high for a short neck to reach. "I've found my coat didn't come in as thick, my second season here. I hope that if you stay, the same will be true for you. You won't be nearly so uncomfortable." Zjeena smiles and a little laugh bubble up from deep within her chest. "It'll be nice when I'm not carrying around this little furnace anymore. I'm ready for this little one to walk on his own four feet instead of mine." Zjeena casts a sidelong glance at one of her own swollen flanks.

Zjeena is no maiden mare. She's birthed and raised three foals to date, but after her last experience foaling, she fears her experience this time. She almost lost her life giving life to Akela. She pray to whatever Gods who will listen that this labor goes more smoothly than her last.

Despite the predicament she's in Grier still saves some concern for Zjeena. This says a lot about Grier's character and reinforces Zjeena's confidence in her decision to save these mares from a fate involving Liland. "Oh, I'm doing okay Grier. I'm a little stressed, but I think we all are. I'm sorry again for putting you in this position at such an inconvenient time. I really hope this is all for the best." Zjeena's ears turn back as she thinks, and her line of her mouth bends into a frown. "Liland was here. He requested to see you once the foal is born." If Zjeena were some other mare, she may not have delivered Liland's message. After all he's done to her, he doesn't deserve even that, but Zjeena can't be so dishonest. "I told him he was not welcome here in Paradise, but that if you would like to set up a meeting with him elsewhere, when you are ready, that would be your choice."

She lets loose a heavy sigh. "I should let you know that he threatened to challenge for me, or you, or both. He withdrew the challenge, but the threat still remains. Rougaru and I will be vigilant, and do all we can to protect us." Her frown lifts into the slightest of smiles. "We are family now, Grier. Until the day you choose to leave Paradise behind, I have your back." Zjeena levels a watery gaze with the other mare. Her expression bleeds sincerity "I just want you to know that." There were many times over the years that Zjeena wished she had someone else in her corner. Now she has Rougaru and Monster. Whatever threats are thrown her way, Zjeena knows she won't have to face them alone. Zjeena hopes this declaration brings comfort to Grier in tumultuous times.

The conversation leads them into other waters, not dangerous, just other. Zjeena's smile remains as she notes Grier's polite phrasing. "Oh no Grier. It's a good question. I'm glad you asked." She begins, all too eager to explain the wonder that is Rougaru. "I thought that too when I first met Rougaru. He forced me from my home, and kept me captive here, but then I got to know him. Something changed in him I think. Something I said, or maybe several somethings I said affected him." Zjeena's smile broadens. Her eyes are full of love. "Rougaru isn't perfect by any means, but he listens. He really listens. Every hot-headed action Liland ever wanted to make, he followed through with, despite my advice. Rougaru wanted to challenge Liland many times since I went back to the Bay, but he never did. He respected my wishes to leave Liland alone. He went after you this time because I asked him to." Zjeena admits her role in this plot without hesitation. Zjeena regrets nothing. Liland needed to be punished for his meddling. He clearly would never stop without some form of retaliation, and now that Zjeena is getting to know some of Liland's newer mares, Zjeena is glad they are here, free from him, if only for a little while. They may all choose to return, but at least they will return knowing the truth. "Respect. Yeah, that's the right word. Rougaru respect me like Liland never did, and for that, I respect him."

ZJEENA

7 YEARS
MARE
NORWEGIAN FJORD
14.0 HANDS