The spring has flown by, and it felt like the snow had only just given way to greenery but now it was already summer. In Hyaline a liver chestnut woman had passed the season of new life in the company of the young prince Rhaegor, enchanted with him as were most all those who crossed his path. Still, she could not always been in the company of the buckskin youth and on this particular summer day she is alone, picking her way along the rocky paths that snake through the trees on the mountainside.


She is beyond childhood, a woman in form if not always in mind. Life has touched her in small ways but nothing has yet left an imprint on her body, mind, or soul that would distort them. She is beautiful in form, sturdy like her mustang predecessors and well suited to navigating Hyaline’s varied terrain. Exploring the lonely corners of the beauteous mountain kingdom has proven to be her fondest pastime. Kensa is a seeker, a tomb raider, a lover of unknown things waiting to be found. 


When she comes upon a cave mouth it is beyond her willpower to pass it by. She sniffs at the entryway. It smells deserted. Eying the ferns that grow in the shade of the cave’s opening she reasons that anything that might visit or dwell here does not pass this way with frequency. The way is only a very little worn, the ferns and green moss seem to be undisturbed by foot traffic.. If any creature has made this their place her trespassing may not be appreciated but it will not be the first time she has gone where she is not wanted. 


Kensa is surprised how loud her footsteps sound in the enclosed space and she goes only a few steps into the shadows before choosing to whicker softly. It’s not out of fear but rather out of a sense of propriety, the noise having roused her out of her dogged desire to explore for a moment. ”Hello…?” She calls softly, still eager to delve into dark. There might be something or someone where, and it would be better not to surprise things that are lurking in the dark.

Kensa has lived in Hyaline for a season but doesn’t know many of its occupants personally. Her sharp eyes and intense curiosity mean that she misses little and is familiar with the outlines of her neighbors even if she hasn’t yet had the opportunity to make the introductions that she would like to. Still, knowing what she does about the other members of the mountain kingdom Kensa is immediately certain that she stallion who appears out of the cave’s darkness and thereby temporarily spoils her explorations is not a part of the alpine herd. Or at least she has never set eyes on him. The appaloosa is steps into the sun beams that stream past her from the outside world, the light spilling over his black coat and giving the impression of purple spots against the dark canvas.

The chestnut backs away, retreating into the dappled daylight before the mouth of the cave. ”Hello.” She says, surprised by the stallion’s presence even though she had suspected that someone might have been in the cave. The stranger has given his name but Kensa find another mare has joined their party, with wings like beacons and her attention turns from the stallion to the mare. She recognizes the mare as someone she’s seen from a distance and relaxes again. ”I’m Kensa. I’ve been here since the spring. Rhaegor brought me.” The girl says gently, it’s her own fault she doesn’t know more horses here, isn’t it? Her topaz eyes flick back to the stallion from the dark cave, waiting to hear how he had materialized in a Hyaline cave.

Kensa is certain that this is one of the most awkward meetings of her life, but perhaps she is the only one who feels that. Drawing a deep breath to center herself, Kensa’s gaze travels down the path that had brought her here --how promisingly unused it had seemed! It is not empty now though, a tall young stallion has paused to take their measure, his mane a deep blue that makes her take a second look. Trying not to start out on the wrong foot with all her new acquaintances, she offers a smile and passes her gaze over each member of their little party. ”No interruption, please join us. I’m happy to meet all of you.” The chestnut mares silvery vocals are steady and kind. She stands quietly with patient interest in all her company despite her day having taken this unexpected turn.