to live and burn is
the most exquisite form of self destruction

Inaction has never come easily to Rade, but he stood as patiently as he could while each woman spoke their part. The first mare to arrive continued to prove her blindness by insisting that Cullen was in charge of the Lagoon, even as its residents were imprisoned in her home. What power did the Boss have when he had no soldiers to command? The Lagoon’s power was here in the Peak, leaving his son to rule over an empty land and nothing more. As far as the roan stallion was concerned, Cullen was welcome to sit his empty throne - it was the bachelors he’d once commanded that would determine who truly reigned. If the Vulcan leaders were clever, they would begin speaking to the stallions in singles and pairs, forming relationships with those they had taken and turning the stallions against their leader by whatever means were made necessary. The Lagoon was not a snake but a hydra of legend; cut off its head and two more would simply take its place.

When the words were parroted by the black mare whom he had primarily addressed, however, it became clear that Rade would need to respond. ”That was a lot of words from a bunch of mares as well, and a distinct lack of desire for action. You stand there and suggest that I fight my own flesh and blood, but which of you would do the same if commanded? And which of those would trust a father who killed his own child?” It was a rhetorical question, and he did not wait for a response, but plowed onward resolutely. ”The power of the Lagoon is all here, and an empty figurehead sits in its lands. I care not what Cullen does when he is alone and powerless, but what his men think of him - and whether they believe in him. If you would have me overthrow him, the path to success is paved in diplomacy, not blood. I decline your proposal if it is under the condition that I allow you to use me as a tool to deliver your vengeance. I will have no part in that.”

It is clear enough between the lines of what some of the Vulcans said that they hunger for change. But change is easy to envision and harder to enact, apparently. Rade was prepared to set aside the seasons of torment he’d suffered at their hands - such as the theft of his mate when he’d been all but broken with grief. But he would not be made to dance like a puppet on its strings. His attention shifted to the tallest black mare, whose words had been thickly accented, though a glance was cast at the woman of Friesian blood. ”And I said nothing of children as prisoners, of tearing families apart. We are striving to be better than those who started this war, are we not? The children would be free to visit their families while under our care, as the families would be free to visit them. But it is clear we cannot entrust their education to one or two individuals alone. If we wait for injustice to occur in order to act, then it will always surround us.”

The press of bodies on the ledge was becoming overwhelming; every small motion seemed emphasized in their close quarters. Rade could sense the tension in the bodies that were closest to him, and knew that it could easily turn to violence. But he was not one to back down. ”You say that justice goes two ways. So does trust. I am prepared to earn what I ask - as long as my presence is tolerated here, I will rally the men that I can and make note of those who are beyond redemption.” He had no desire to lead again, but it seemed the mantle had fallen upon him whether he willed it or not. Perhaps he should have anticipated it, and left the islands to their war instead. Perhaps he should have embraced selfishness, as he had done too often in his youth.

But this was an opportunity to rebuild the foundations of their world, and Rade could not turn his back on it. Instead he lifted his golden eyes to meet those of the dark bay, who appeared to be held in the highest regard. ”As I have spoken, I am willing to do my part to earn your trust and allegiance… within reason. But so far I have not heard what you would be willing to give in turn. If the answer is nothing, then that is what you will have of me. Change, too, requires two sides - else my efforts are as waves crashing against unyielding rock.”

stallion . twenty-one . palomino roan . mustang mix . 15.1hh
debonaire x neassa