The tension in the older mare’s stance is a clear indication to the rose-colored mare which direction this conversation is about to go. Pale blue eyes are hard as ice as they glare down upon her face, causing her own jaw to set in a firm position. Raven-tipped ears flex backward, caught between guilt and anger. There was no one more angry than Khar’pern felt towards herself. She had called Garmr’s bluff, her pride had caused the death of the nameless mare left to bloat and rot on their borders. There was no denying it was her fault and Khar’pern had no one else to blame except herself.

’...you have brought death upon us…’

Clarity begins without bothering to restrain her words or honey-coat the blame. In another time and place, Khar’pern might have appreciated that matter-of-fact tone. Now, now it only added to her own shame.

’...your infatuation with the lagoon stallion….’ The words slice through her thick skin, penetrating deeply beneath the surface. The curve of her lips tighten into a thin line.

No.

Not infatuation. It was never about infatuation…. She wants to scream the words from the mountaintops until everyone, even herself begins to believe it. As much as she wants to feel the flames of passion burning in Khyber’s eyes, she also wants to see his defeat…. But does she really? Would she be able to gaze into those powerful auburn eyes broke into submission with pride in her own heart? Deep down, she knew the answer. But that did not mean any of her sisters needed to know of her doubt.

Silently she weathers the storm of Clarity’s wrath, letting the jagged edges of her words prick and stab her flesh like the biting sleet that often found blanketed the upper hillocks in the early autumn months before winter’s grasp truly landed its hold. Silently she faces the judgement, listens as Clarity compares her authority to the likes of Macabre and Boneza, names whose legendary status still whispered across the Peaks. She hoped to one day be counted among the greatest of them, but the direction she was headed….

She gives her finely dished head a shake, obsidian mane snapping audily against the sides of her dappled neck. This time, her own gaze fiercens as she meets Clarity’s gaze with a sharp edge to her voice. ”You do not need to remind me of Oswin’s abandonment of the Peaks. That is why I offered to fill her place to begin with.” she replies, her brows narrowing. As might as that soft voice within her fought to bring the passionate memories of Khyber to the surface, a louder, fiercer voice beat it back into the locked box deep in the recesses of her mind. Her attachment to Khyber simply could not be. It went against every vital part of who she was and what she stood for.

A weighted sigh escapes her lungs as she lets her fluttering gaze sweep over the snow-dusted meadows and rocky cliffsides. Winter was upon them and soon every waking moment would need to be spent fighting not just for survival, but for the freedom of those still caught in the bachelor stallions clutches. Quietly now, her voice returns, the edge disappearing as she settles her sterling gaze on her General’s face. ”I know Cullen still haunts these islands but I do not see how he could be of much threat. Last I saw he was alone and knocking at death’s door. I am far more concerned about Garmr and what other atrocities he is willing to do.” she says, pausing for a moment to let her words settle between them. ”Garmr has the support of the Lagoon stallions behind him. There were far more desperate than Khyber that were hungry for his approval…. That mare’s death is only the start….” she continues, blinking away the snowflakes that gather upon her lashes. ”Garmr will see this as a victory. He will come back with more demands and a higher body count if we refuse. We need to decide together how to combat his advances. What my dear General, would you advice us on this matter?” she asks, fighting to restrain the sharpness in her voice. This was not just about her relationship with Khyber or what might and not be between them. This was about the bastard Boss and what plans he had in place next for the sisters of the Peak.

Khar'pern

The jungle is dark but full of diamonds;