As she answered the dark mare her questions, Ysabel likewise stole observations as to what the other mare was expressing. There was much expressed in that half-blind façade (something Ysa quickly identified early), but the desert minx thought to label nothing short of experience and tact…the hex did seem like a rather tactical sort. Ysabel already admired her for that in addition to her demeanor as a leader of this mount. She was assured once more of her decision to come here (even if the cold mountain winds brought a bitter taste to her mouth). The cold winds seared her skin but she carried on as if it did not bother her. Adjusting to her surroundings was another obstacle to be overcome, and she would not fail in so meager an objective.
The pair came to talk of stallions as the Pirate Queen had brought up the matter. When Impatienza spoke, the vixen listened attentively, and was just as attentive to her path and footing. She did not seek if the other mare needed assistance. The other was older yes, but it would be more of an insult to think her helpless and it simply was not in Ysa's nature to help those who could easily help themselves. "They do make for amusing pets and entertainers I suppose. Otherwise men will be men: ignorant and foolish as when the first took breath. They are no different here than in my country, though in Calphir there were a few females of power. The isles however seem rather traditional." Ysabel wondered a minute how bitter the other's experience with men must have been, she seemed fairly stern on the subject matter. Ysa was no intent on asking…there would perhaps be a time, perhaps when time had taken to building trust.
“The Peak is my home…I love this mountain,” said Impatienza with a finality to her words. The Pirate Queen was silent but smiled thoughtfully as she was fully able to comprehend what the other mare meant. For she herself had ruled a mount once, where olive and fig trees were wild and springs ran sweet, and all who had nowhere else to go were welcomed and sheltered by other "misfits." There was loyalty, trust, and family that ascended blood. The fall of her home was a devastating blow that she masked with casual composure and it was Ysa that envied Impatienza her fondness for her home. The continued on now where the winds were behind the mountain and the ground was easier to trek. And lo and behold there stood the bay hellion. Impa's impression made Ysabel grin.
R O D R I G O
The Spaniard
The desert minx never left him to his own devices for long, and even as they slept at night she remained poised where she might see him. He never felt insulted nor did he make complaint. He certain was sizeable enough to fight the jezabelle, but it simply was not in the gentle giant's nature. Furthermore, it was not in him to defile the laws of another's land and certainly not those of Vulcan mares. Ysabel labeled him a rare find in a sea of worthlessness. The big bay and black took this as an attempt at a compliment from the sharp tongued Pirate Queen. In the days they had spent together after Taytim had gone, he came to think of her much like a comrade soldier than his captor. They would converse at times with Rodrigo rather sparing in regards to his past, and Ysabel was easily frustrated by his formality that she hardly took to probing him further. Speaking of his captor…she now descended the mount with a stocky draft mare, dark skinned and something about her stride and movement alerted him to something being off. The lass was half blind it seemed.
The nameless draft commented to the Pirate Queen, approached and repeated herself. He derived she was a native of the peak unlike Ysabel and no sooner tucked his head in a sort of reverent bow to the she-galleon. Rodrigo certainly did not behave like a captive, lest he was a highly subjective one. He righted himself though his frame had relaxed and he kept his crown lower than the dark tainted mare's. Ears pricked and he kept his eyes attentive on the mare before him. "Miss Ysabel speaks truth. I did come here with a mare…" Ysabel had made it a point to keep Rodrigo from seeing his petite companion as she tended her new child. Ysabel would grant the little mare that privacy though she herself had followed Taytim to ensure her health. The Pirate Queen had a sense of loyalty after all, but this being the case it was impossible for Rodrigo to know where the little mare was. The sooty buckskin made to intervene but the brute spoke before she did. "Miss Taytim is Southwest of the mountain, where a small shelf of the mount gives shelter and perhaps a bit of warmth I am sure."
The brute seemed a little guilty speaking this tidbit and he did not to look at Ysabel to see her agitation. "Just how long did you know that you sneaky bastard. I made it fairly clear that you were to leave her be." Ysabel stepped forth and practically barked over the virile. He smiled weakly, but lowered his head in a sort of apology. "With all due respect Mis- Ysabel…it was a guess." Rodrigo spoke honestly and calmly with a good dose of sincerity that was so akin to the dark hellion. He had be observant of his surroundings and the said space seemed the most ideal for a mother seeking privacy and warmth. Though, judging by the desert lass's reaction, he had likely guessed right and this made him more content thinking on the well-being of the little mare. It was likewise a comfort to know the Pirate Queen had also been checking up on Taytim.
Ysabel snorted and kept silent. It was a façade really. The beast was not one to break his word, but she was again impressed by his keen sense of observation. However, she would have to deal with him for making her look foolish yet again. Rodrigo did not dwell long so that to leave the other mare would be left unattended. Attentions returned to the dark draft and he lifted his head just a little more. "Ysabel believes she has given birth by now…but only she could be sure as I have not ventured to see for myself--upon Miss Taytim's request and Miss Ysabel's orders." It may be a wonder that the dark man could be so submissive, perhaps it was in the face of all the women about him. But no this was simply how he was, how he had always been. One would be a fool however to think his build were not made from a great deal of training, practice, and even warfare. The brute fell silent now awaiting what further might be asked of him.
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