These two mares are alike in more ways than they will ever know. Guilt consumes Zjeena in much the same way it consumes Grier. The Fjord mare feels horrible, that after all the support Grier has shown, she was so rude to her over Monster's birth. Hormones were pulling her strings at the time, but it is no excuse. Zjeena should know by now how to control herself.

And while Grier feels she was being distant and unsupportive, Zjeena feels the same. She has a responsibility as Co-Drappa to be there for her herd, and she hasn't been there. She's been selfishly keeping to herself, nursing her own sorrows, and ignoring those that mean the most to her.

It's easy to feel this way now though. Zjeena has Sybil and Alastor to thank for helping her move on from the loss of her sons.

Zjeena's thick tail swings lazily between her hocks. One hind hoof rests easily now that her greeting is well-received. "I'm alright, Grier." The mare casts her smiling eyes behind her for a moment, looking to Sybil and Alastor. They drift back to Grier, overflowing with a mother's love. "I'm more than alright."

She beams, drinking in the complement Grier offers next. Her chest puffs out with pride. These two foals are indeed beautiful. "Thank you." They aren't her own by blood. She may not have given birth to these foals, but their health and safety now are her responsibility, and she is proud to assume such a task.

The conversation then moves beyond small talk onto topics more shocking. Zjeena's ears turn, caught off guard by more than one part of what Grier says next. Not much, if anything, has been said out loud by anyone since the loss of her sons. Mention of them reminds Zjeena that her grief is still real and still there, just beyond a thin veil of avoidance. As uncomfortable as it is to talk about them, it's the only way Zjeena can truly move on.

Also alarming is learning of Grier's own loss. Suddenly Zjeena isn't alone. Why didn't she seek the support of her her sooner? She had the resources she needed to heal long before she found a way through Sybil and Alastor. Her eyes shine with renewed sadness, and much sympathy for the other mare. Her heart aches for Grier.

"I'm sure they are, Grier." Zjeena pauses, searching the depth of Grier's eyes with her own. She looks for evidence that she'll be okay given the time that Grier's had. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know." Another pause stretches the silence between them as Zjeena searches for the words. "Does it ever get any easier?"

ZJEENA

7 YEARS
MARE
NORWEGIAN FJORD
14.0 HANDS