Dark blue eyes locked onto the golden stallion as his laid out his deal in front of them. She had to appreciate the blunt words Rade used to to tell the truths of the ways of the islands. The impassivity on her face did much to hide the fire that slowly started to heat the mare’s blood. Years of building walls against the world around her served her in this moment. All that passed was a sharper gleam to her eyes, heavier breath from her chest, and her soft white nose flared as if she could take in his truth… and his motives.

She could feel her insides turning, blazing and simmering. Mares and fillies were being traded and bargained for as if their lives meant nothing at all. Stallions were fighting to take away their right to lead, and their right to choose. Still, the traditions of captives and claiming ran deep in the hearts of many who lived on the island. Even their new long list of Trinkets was proof of that. For a moment she looked past him at the growing number of horses in the fields. No one knew how many of those stallions were innocently caught up in the politics of the Lagoon and the Peak. Who knew how many of them looked at the growing number of mares in fillies as prey just ripening to be consumed and destroyed.

Adelheid watched the other draft mare as she all but danced around on the treacherous cliff. If she did not watch her words, or her feet, she would fall. Still, she spoke and others arrived, some as silent observers. It was not until Bozena and Wasp appeared on the scene that a small smirk quirked the corner of her lips. These were the mares who had taken lead and had the most to lose. They were the ones that had the most to fight for.

She had to fight back various venoms from her teeth as her lips peeled back to speak. She had more to say than her sisters and she struggled to keep her tones as calm as she had before.

What you said is true. Mares and fillies are being traded as items. Slaves. Forced to breed against their wills, forced to breed in return for the safety in a herd. She looked hard at the stallion before them, knowing full well many of the Lagoon considered themselves proud rapists and knowing many herd stallions were not much better. Rade himself had admitted it without so many words. We are not ones to force families to give up their children. Maybe if reputations had been different, sending their young to us would have been a pleasure instead of a sentence. Her voice simmered and hissed. How many times had she explained to new faces there were few Sisters, Vulcans, and Valkyie among the homeless mares of the Peak? The few and the proud to call this place home, instead of a haven for those who had no place else to go. She glanced at Wasp as the bay pointed out the obvious need on the cliff.

Trust.

A single ear flicked, and she clicked her teeth together. I have another...proposal. The tones returned to their cooler dry guard. My sisters are right, as of now, you have nothing to stand on. We offered the chance to mutiny and no one stepped up. First. Get rid of your son - which you claim you can do. Second, here is my offer. Captives and trinkets can still be claimed, if they are guilty of crimes. Justice- For those injured on either side. - goes two ways. Her dark tail whipped with a crack against her own flanks. Once you gain our trust, maybe we can stand united. Fillies would want to come and explore the options of life, and colts would be sent by their fathers to understand others cannot be taken for granted. All would know we do not tolerate the scum that has infected these island. Her face had changed to one of a challenge. He did not hold high ground on the mountains, though he claimed to have influence. What they spoke of was change. Never before had the Peak or the Lagoon involved themselves with the affairs of the herds. War had changed that and they had taken sides against each other in true battle and had lost one they loved. Now, if more than a truce could be formed, if an alliance could be made, both the Lagoon and the Peak could thrive again. Prove your words, Rade. Earn what you ask for.

What he said had never been done.