Zjeena has never been a religious sort, but even the greatest skeptics among them might wonder of a higher power, for the timing of her meeting with these two orphaned foals was so perfect for all of them, it doesn't seem possible in a world of random event. It may seem, to the outside eye, that Zjeena saved them, giving them her protection and her milk, but it is truly them who saved her. Zjeena is so very aware of their role in her recovery. For this she is grateful. And for this, her love for them runs deeper than that of displaced maternal instincts. She loves them as her own, for hormones have urged her to do so, but she loves them also by an immeasurable gratitude.

Her heart and her eyes overflow with love remembered. It's been so long since she's truly felt the warmth of Rougaru's touch. Her skin was numbed by the ice-cold of her loss, but now her nerves hum electric. Tears cling to her lashes. The thrill of contact now, after such a long time without, rivals the thrill of their first night of passion, the night Akela came to be.

Zjeena melts into Rougaru. Her nostrils flare, drinking in the comfort of his scent. "No one else should ever father my children again, Rougaru. You are the only one for the job." And Zjeena means every word. After everything she's been through with Liland and after all the challenges she's faced, she is firm in her resolve. Rougaru is the only stallion both deserving and capable.

When Alastor and Sybil wake they should meet the stallion who should act as their father. Zjeena hopes they accept him as they have accepted her. Rougaru has much to offer them, many lessons to teach, and support to give.