This path is quite well worn, rock violets and mountain mint grow thickly on either side though hooves have worn the path itself back to stone and earth. Not far ahead is another clearing.
This one has a stone bench in the center, shaded by a gnarled old corkwood tree. Resting on the bench is an aging black Mahnon Pah'llock mare. As you approach she rises gracefully from the stone and strides over to meet you.
Daughter of Lanim & Juno, leader of the clan of the Black Dove. "Kah'nianth par g'z. I am Cavida, leader of the Clan of the Black Dove." She bows slightly. "My daughter, !nisgu is the Tir's story teller. Usually a Pah'llock mare's first or last child remains to take the role of their parent or join a clan within the Tir, thus keeping up our numbers, but some decide to forge their own path, as my child has."
She shakes her black mane out thoughtfully. "At first I was disappointed that she decided to forgo being a part of the the New Dawn clan but now I find myself very proud of her. She has chosen the path that best fits herself and has brought many happiness."

She grins slightly, changing the topic. "Many are surprised to find that it is I that is the leader of the Black Dove clan. Most outlanders seem to automatically believe it is the males place to rule."

 Cavida
Body: Blk,Blk
Mane: Blk,flx
Markings: a,N
Forefeet: D,h
Hindfeet: h,h
Tail: d,d
Horns: u,D
Mutation: N,N
Sire: Lanin
Dam: Juno
She shakes her head with a soft chuckle. "It is not so with our kind. I was elected as head of this clan as I was oldest and most experienced of the foals that survived the Bulette's attack. There were eleven of us in all that survived and remained within the Tir. Tz'rhiannoc and I were chosen to lead each clan. Many of us were fearful of remaining out in the open after what happened that solstice, myself included, so we decided to live here, in the Tors where there are many places to hide and we are closer to the dragons.
Time has passed since then and the plains are once more safe but my clan has choosen remain here. It is a beautiful place in it's own rights and, during deep winter, we can easily return to the plains where feed is more readily available and the temperature more clement."

Cavida looks in the direction of the plains thoughtfully before bobbing her head in farewell to you and walking away across the clearing and out of sight behind a jutt of stone.

Looking around you can see another path leading onwards on the far side of the clearing. Or you could return the way you came.