As they stood, surrounded by snow and ice, his yellow eyes moved over the black mare carefully, surveying her delicate features. Arabians always looked fragile but they had a reputation for being ruthless and arrogant. They used their wiles to get what they wanted rather than the sheer force of their bodies. That did not mean they were as breakable as they appeared, however. If he touched her, she would not shatter like glass, no matter how much he willed it to happen.

Like those of such breeding before her, she responded to him without fear or unease. Normally, a small dainty mare would at least be wary of a large, battle scarred stallion but Arabians were often proud beyond their means, that nothing could touch them – or perhaps that had little to do with breeding and more to do with this individual’s personality. Ceolwulf didn’t care much either way other than that her reaction was beginning to make her seem like more of a prize. She was only of a passing interest to him, a game to pass the time, but she could be a rather hot commodity amongst the band stallions. Salem would no doubt be the most fitting environment, but the desert bred herds on Salem had proved tricky to trade with – proud heritage and all that. Perhaps he would send the young recruits out to gather more information on who would be the most interested and would give the lagoon the most in return.

The mare said her name was Empyrea but that little bird was fine too, just as well, because he had little intention of remembering her name for any longer than he had to. When she asked his name, he responded simply, ”Ceolwulf.” Golden eyes watched her for a beat, ”What brings the little bird into the wolf den?”

XY . IBERIAN MUTT . BLACK . EE aa nPrl . 15.2 HH
Styrke x Solveig