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

The way that the Vulcan and the stallion interacted was so rife with tension and thinly-veiled hostility that it was not unlike two wary predators circling one another. It was not exactly an unfamiliar dance to Rade - he had spent the earliest years of his life balanced precariously on one figurative ledge or another - but never before had the stakes been so high. It was a challenge to release the tension that ebbed and flowed beneath the dusted gold of his skin, particularly after the brief confrontation that had taken place with the painted mare before he’d descended from the ledge. The words she’d spoken had only served to dredge up the long-buried remnants of his resentment for the Vulcans and their ilk. Of course, what had happened then was not the fault of the mare before him - or her sisters. What had occured was in a past so distant that it may as well have been a different life. Understanding this, Rade dragged a deep breath of brisk air into his lungs and then released it slowly, allowing his amber eyes to fall closed as he did. When they reopened, he would hold to the silent vow he’d made to face everything with an impartial mind.

Even after Rade’s memories - and personal feelings - were set aside, the conversation was still unable to achieve the easy flow that might have been expected to exist between two creatures with mutual goals. Circumstances had united him and Adelheid, but the cycle of violence and vengeance that had ever been present between their two tribes formed a chasm that could not easily be breached. Nuances of expression and inflection could easily be misunderstood and become the spark that caused their impasse to erupt into violence. Focusing on keeping both the planes of his expression and the peaks and valleys of his voice neutral, Rade offered his thoughts aloud.

”In my time spent leading the Lagoon, I observed many things about men,” he began, eyes roving over the unfamiliar surroundings of the Peak without truly seeing them. ”But most of all, it was that many of them were content to follow, and few truly equipped to lead. I believe that many of them would happily follow another, particularly after they have seen the path that Cullen led them down. But if it were to come to a battle in order to dislodge their leader - I doubt that there would be many who would volunteer. The majority will choose the path that is easier to tread.” Rade could not entirely conceal the twist of his lips that showed his disdain for such creatures. In his eyes, refusal to choose a set of morals and stand by them was more cowardly than possessing values that jeopardized the freedom and safety of others. It was easier to stand for nothing.

Of those Rade was familiar with amongst the Lagoon’s ranks, there was at least one whom he believed could be convinced to step up. Tucking the errant thought away for later consideration, the roan stallion contemplated the latter half of Adelheid’s speech, ears turning outward in an expression of the uncertainty that he felt. That the obviously-skeptical mare was offering to perform a deed that would undoubtedly contradict the will of her sisters was puzzling but also promising. Still, Rade recognized that such an offer was a double-edged sword - as anything he asked for, he would need to be ready to part with in turn. For that reason, the palomino was reluctant to be forced into a hasty decision. ”If we are to be partners, it is true that we must be prepared to aid one another. I would offer one such favor - within reason - to you, and ask the same in return. Any further support would be negotiated upon by both sides, and could be freely declined.”

In itself, what the once-Boss proposed was a test of faith - and as his golden eyes met her dark gaze, Rade wondered what boon this Vulcan would inevitably ask of him. Either of them could be bargaining with their freedom or possibly even with their life. But even if she declined, it would show them where they stood - and buy him time to consider a more specific way the Vulcan sister’s offer might be of benefit to him.

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