Although she had never had the opportunity to clear the air so to speak between herself and the spotted Marceline, Kar’pern finds herself navigating the familiar stone paths once more in search of the prime minister. The damned bastards in the lagoon had waited until she was weak from childbirth before coming for her. Were it left to her, despite the skills in battle she possessed, Khar was not certain she could have defeated them herself. Yet, for her daughter’s sake, she would have been willing to try.

Luckily, the spotted prime minister had been close enough to hear to calls of challenge. Despite the lack of friendship between them and the seasons of controversy in their vies for leadership of the peak, Marceline stepped forward to defend her and Ryvar. Hooded silver eyes watched intently as the battle unfolded before them, careful to keep herself between the small filly and the fighting warriors. Only when the silver-haired beast turned tail to flee, does the heavy breath caught in her lungs to release. For now, the bachelors were beaten back. Yet how long would it be before they returned? Did they know that Ryvar was one of their offspring? She cursed herself for allowing that male to find her when the heat of fall had overridden her senses. She should have smelled the Lagoon on his skin, should have fought him… but there was nothing to be done about that now. Ryvar was as perfect a creature as she could imagine and the fierce peak mare would never let the beasts sink their claws into her. But she at least felt Marceline deserved to know the truth.

Tucking Ryvar into the tall grasses to rest after the chaotic events that had unfolded hours ago, Khar’pern turns to face Marceline. Dark brows narrow as icy gaze rises to meet those of the taller woman. For a moment, her lips press firmly together before she manages to force the words from her lungs. ”I owe you my thanks, Marceline.” she begins, pausing a moment to dip her head slightly in a respectful acknowledgment. ”I could not have fought him off myself.” she confesses, her long charcoal tail flicking with an audible snap at the confession..