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

The pace of their wary dance slowed, though it was clear that neither creature was capable of releasing the tension from their bodies. For Rade, such wariness was an act as autonomous as that of breathing; the roan stallion could no more abandon it than he could deny his lungs the air that they sought. For now, the tentative accord - and grudging respect - that was taking root between the two strongly-contrasting individuals was enough. It was a beginning, and within the budding core of their trust Rade could sense the seed of promise. The things that they sought were not do different, after all, and he felt that what had been unreachable alone could be achieveable together.

"As I will support you," the palomino responded with a shake of his ivory mane. "I only meant to establish that when aid is not freely offered, either of us might ask - with the understanding that such support will be limited." His ochre eyes left Adelheid's figure to focus on the small band of stallions visible in the distance. Though the time they'd spent conversing here had been productive, a restlessness had begun to tingle through Rade's inert limbs. Until he had the opportunity to probe the bachelors' feelings on recent matters, any agreements he held with the Vulcans - official or otherwise - were little more than empty formalities. It was the men who would determine whether the war ended here, or continued until one of the sides was either assimilated or annihilated.

In his youth, Rade would have been more assured of his side's victory. But now...

"That said, if you don't object, I would prefer to begin as soon as possible." The palomino roan did not phrase his words as a supplication, but instead made his wishes clear and left them to Adelheid's approval. "It will take time to speak with each of the men, and I would sooner do so before they are released back to their rightful home. I find that our kind are more... pliable when they are uncertain and in unfamiliar surroundings." Of course, he would find ways of communicating with the captives whether the Friesian-blooded mare condoned it or not, but sensed that that particular detail didn't need to be spoken.

Though they might be different in some ways, in others the two were very similar; Adelheid had already defied the will of her sisters in offering her support to the stallion. And Rade would likewise defy the dark woman if that was what it took to accomplish what needed to be done. Neither held ultimate authority over the other; indeed, neither could hope to. And though that meant that some clashses were inevitable, it was a comfort to know that neither party needed to alter the foundation of what they were. They only needed the understanding and acknowledgment that for now, they worked towards the same ultimate goal - and were free to pursue it in the ways that either individual saw fit.

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