The stranger’s bugle resounded off the distant Peaks, resonating across the tumbles of rocks and valleys of tundra grasses that made up the majority of the lower hillocks where the sisters sought refuge from the harshest of the weather. Lucky for them, summer was generally the most hospitable and most of the Peak mares spent their time spreading out further and further from the congregation to feast on the fresh vegetation that the fields and meadows had to offer. As always, winter chased closely at autumn’s tail, and here in the highest points of the Peak, the snows came earlier than most. Khar’pern had chosen to do just this, venturing farther and farther away from the loosely gathered herd to forage through the thick patches of clover and sweet grass that grew nearest the northern edge of their territory. Was she also hoping to keep company with her own thoughts? Yes. There was much on her mind these days. Was she also hoping to perhaps find some news of Khyber and Solas? Always. She told the others she cared little at all for the mahogany-painted General aside from his pleasing physique and tendency to throw healthy children to repopulate the Peaks…. She had two beautiful daughters to prove just that. But deep down…. Deep down, she missed him.

The call does manage to summon her back to the surface of her thoughts. The Peak Minister lifts her head from the clump of shamrocks she had been grazing upon. It was not often that strangers actually announced their presence in the Peak so openly. This more than anything else, draws upon her curiosity and sets her hooves into motion.

’Sisters…. I’ve come to offer you a deal….’ The echoing proclamation causes Khar’pern to quicken her pace. Deals were generally brought for the benefit of others. Was this mare coming at the behest of some distant herd stallion looking to broker protection from the Lagoon? That would not surprise her. It had happened a time or two in the past.

Seeing Bubbles already greeting the mare, Khar’pern slowed her pace. The buckskin woman’s question is the same that lingers in her own thoughts and so Khar does not bother to revoice it. Instead, she moves to stand at the Peak sister’s side, her ears and eyes focused on the stranger, waiting to see how things would unfold.

Khar'pern

The jungle is dark but full of diamonds;