Valencia noticed the almost imperceptible tensing of Ravnur’s muscles as she voiced her question. She did not address it in any way, though an empty corner of her mind immediately began to wonder why. She decided to assume, at least for now, that it was innocent excitement at the thought of joining the Vulcan sisters and perhaps of earning herself a rank. Although, if the latter were true, Ravnur would be her competition, Valencia always admired honest determinedness and ambition in others.

“Our leaders,” she explained plainly, “are decided by a majority vote. Anyone can put themselves forwards, but you need the support of the other mares if you wish to have any chance of succeeding. That’s also how we make important decisions,” she added a moment afterwards.

Valencia was unaware that her words might disappoint her new companion. Personally, she preferred a clear verbal resolution, preferably without even resorting to to trickery of lies or the sneaky cowardice of theft. Apart from running away from or submitting to a decision she didn’t agree with, battle was always the last resort for Valencia. She was perfectly willing to fight for what she believed in, and she was no weak and fragile flower, but leaping to violence immediately often led to bad feelings between both parties which might otherwise have been avoided.

But it was each to their own—another moral that Valencia was content to live by.

“And now,” she went on, watching carefully now for Ravnur’s reaction, “I would like to ask you a question, Ravnur.” And without waiting for an answer to confirm whether that was okay with the other mare, Valencia delved right in. “What brings you to the Peak?”

Even since before she had joined the sisterhood, Valencia had always been curious as to why those who chose the Peak lifestyle did so, and she would ask the question as often as she could.

tell me your secrets and ask me your questions