Common

He recalls the first meeting he had with Valka and Liliya when he had claimed them. Liliya had been bold and curious about the islands, but Valka was shrouded in mystery and confusion. The small mare of fluff did not speak the native language of the islands and so communicating was nearly impossible. This was probably the main reason she didn't come right home to the Inlet and he had found her...well you know the rest. He had made a friend at least, but Sighurd hasn't been around to see him in some time. He was afraid she was among the group of horses that left the islands months ago.

Kvothe was shrouded in the same mystery Valka had been, but at least they could communicate in the same language. Kvothe didn't seem as confident, though, so he wonders if something bad had happened to her. It was probably a good thing she wasn't so bold considering he was still a young stallion finding his way in the world. That, and he was still sweet without all the horrors of the world. Sure he had heartbreak from unacquainted love, the loss of herd members, but so far nothing cruel or torturous has happened to him. His boyish charm stays intact along with his hopes and dreams.

However, this feeling of lust was new to him. Ironclad wasn't sure he would need to exhibit any kind of self-control, but he would soon learn why his father raped so many mares. He would soon learn why a stallion had raped Cherokee and why he saw so many in these commons claiming with force. For now, his focus stays on Kvothe (trying not to stare too much at her wounded cheek) as she answers his questions. His head tilts sideways as she questions her own name. Did she not know her own name or did she not know who named her that? Had her loving mother not named her at birth?

She soon explained her answer along with a custom from her home. It became apparent right away that she was indeed a foreigner as she explained her herd's lead mare named the foals. That was an odd custom to him, but one he feels his father might like. Better not say that too loud, he thinks as his eyes quickly dart the surrounding area for the sudden appearance of his sire. His mother might not jump in on that scenario, but Warsaw usually went for things that made him more in control. He almost missed her last comment, but the shiver that slithered down his spine pulled his eyes back towards her.

"What does that mean?" He asks this as her gaze now drops to the grass at their hooves. He had more questions to ask, but the twist of her lips made him stop. She looked like she was in pain. Ironclad stares at her in silence until she had mustered up the energy to speak again. He wasn't sure what to say to her now. Should he apologize? He has done nothing wrong, right? He was unable to understand everything without asking more questions, but he was afraid she might not be ready to answer him, a stranger, to her customs.

"Immortality..." He pauses before continuing, "Isn't that what a lot of mortals seek? The ability to live forever, to never die, to be invincible?" Beaty blue eyes watch her in amazement and curiosity. She was far beyond more interesting than any other mare he has spoken to as of yet. "Sounds like she cared about you." A smile spreads across his face as he thinks of the simplicity of a mother caring for a child. He might not understand all the hardships Kvothe went through, but he understands the need to be wanted and cared for.