Of all things, it would be the stallion that would be the least harmful to the young filly’s health. He was dangerous, of that much she could be assured, but he had never wasted his considerable talent on anything but an opponent equal to his stature. He was cunning, sometimes cruel, but he was never, never rude and to the filly’s benefit, it would have been undeniably rude to harm one so young, especially since she had come to welcome him to what he was already considering his humble new abode – whether he was welcome there or not.

His ears tilted forward toward the filly as she replied to him, once more assuring him that this place was the safest in all the fairy tale lands, and he simply shook his head. Whoever had gotten into the young girl’s head had done an exceedingly thorough job in her education, however skewed the perspective may be. At the mention of a new name, the stallion’s mind shifted and quickly rendered Impazienza into his every growing database of names, places, and other bits of information he deemed vital to his survival. He chuckled at the filly’s mention of imprisonment and treated her to a rare, warm smile.

“I suppose that would depend upon the company. I think here, in your beautiful home, I could be quite cool – or perhaps you could teach me.” He lifted a brow at her then, the warm smile still flickering casually around his grey lips, wavering only for a moment before he spoke again. “Forgive me, child, I have only just realized we are not properly introduced. I am Hannibal and it is an utmost pleasure to make your acquaintance – and your name? He shifted his weight then and tucked his chin toward his chest in a regal, but polite bow.