Akadi grinned sheepishly at Siobhan, still self-conscious at the thought the mare would not have recognized her, or loved her any less or differently from the changes that had started to take over her body. As eager as ever to be a part of her family, and show her support for those who had rescued her in their own way, she grinned and nodded, stepping forward. Roisin took her final embrace and together they stepped off to find a comfortable place for their new sisters to sleep.


Beside her sister, Akadi walked quietly, though she had an exceptionally silly grin on her face. On their first meeting, she had kept her distance from the fillies, not wanting to spook them on such a day. But her mind started to turn with the idea that she and Riosin now had others to be around as well. Her feeling of connection started to grow and her heart warmed even more at the thought. Together they could create a bond that would hold the family together, even when something so evil as Nyimara tried to tear them apart.

They came to a clearing and Riosin turned to her, a hint of concern in her voice. Akadi lowered her flicked muzzle and lipped at the soft grass. It smelled sweet and instantly started to lull her into a sense of security. Her dark eyes scrutinized the area, and she even kicked a small stone out of the way. An ear flicked back and she huffed quietly. It was not the season for leaves to provide a soft bed. But the grass was still lush enough, and they could provide warmth and comfort is the fillies needed more. I think it will be okay. she replied, her stomach a flutter with nervous excitement.
---------------------------------------
Naenia still huddled close to her sister. The exhaustion pulled at her bones. She could feel herself sink into the ground at their hooves. The ground called for her to rest on it, and her twin’s warmth soothed her quickened heart. With their mother so near, the joy wafting from her in waves, the child knew they were going to be okay.

When they started moving, her eyes flickered open. A soft squeak came from her throat. Still she did as she was beckoned, as close to sleepwalking as the conscious could get.
-------------------------------------
Ailill walked placidly by his lover and children. Finally the tension of the seasons were released from his body. Soft ears flicked back in contentment. There were still worries to be addressed, but for this moment there was much to celebrate. His family was together again, and the tears that fell were those of joy as opposed to sorrow. The pain Bjorn and caused them was on the fringe of his mind, but he was about to let the mountain pony continue to have power over his happiness. Not now at least. Nor was he going to let the thought of Nyimara’s spite poison their first evening together.

They all came to the soft clearing the older girls had selected. He smiled at them, nuzzling the newborns forward. Naenia all but seemed to have forgotten how to use her legs as she plopped onto the ground, curling into a ball with a single expectant look up at her twin. Ailill sighed deeply and leaned against Siobhan. His nose ran gently over her neck, breathing in her sweet scent. Needless to say, we’ve missed you. The words were not enough to describe his sleepless days, his nightmares and his fears that he would not be able to bring her back. Or that she had fallen into some worse fate on Tinuvel. Blue eyes glanced at the rounded tips of her ears, his heart breaking at the wounds caused by frostbite. Each moment he spent back in her presence his heart beat harder, his love for her growing if that were even possible.

His grin grew, stepping back to look at her fully amongst the trees and with their daughters. Surrounded by lush green foliage, brightened by the sun, the area around them glowed, falling particle shining and shimmering in the air. Birds sang their choruses above and around them. To his eyes it was a beauty beyond any he could dream. It is almost as if the Ridge itself is welcoming you back. he said with nod to the magic that was happening around them.