Vodnik didn't expect Macabre to submit to the idea of staying in the Ridge easily, so he is prepared for all that comes next. But even he must stifle a laugh at her own proposition. Vodnik's is, in all ways, feral. Diplomacy is not a thing he does. He will respect the boundaries of lands he's conquered and he will respect any that offer him respect in return, but he cannot release a mare, especially not this mare, into the clutches a careless stranger.

The heavy draft moves out after the small mare, long strides keeping close pursuit. "Macabre stop." He commands in a serious tone. "Listen to me." But there is a hint of pleading in his last words. "What has Ailill to offer you? Clearly he and his open Paradise can't offer you shelter from storms. The Ridge can offer much more than just shelter. I'm sure you've heard it promised a thousand times, but who better to protect you than I? Ailill is just a Colt."

Vodnik falls silent for a moment, then with his next breath he makes a promise, or perhaps more so a threat. "If you return to Paradise I will fight Ailill."

The stallion is fighting an urge to force Macabre to stay. He could easily overpower her. He knows this and temptation is strong, but Vodnik has never wanted a mare so badly. If she were any other mare he would make a game out of trying to contain her, and if she escaped, he would find another form of entertainment. Lucky for Macabre, she is not a game, at least not a game of that sort.