If they could have, Adelheid’s ears would have flattened even further against the nape of her neck. Foal or not, it would have been wise to have at least answered her question. The colt clearly had not known where he was and offered no explanation as to why he was there. Instead questioned her in her own home. Not only in her own home, but in a place where she was an elected official. The woman bared her flat teeth, her inhale a sharp hiss.

Step lightly and speak carefully, Jay. she warned, her voice starting to take on a growl. You are not so young to claim utter stupidity. She made a note to teach her own son manners. Glancing over the smaller painted body, her soft nose flared angrily. You have entered the Peak. Home and haven to mares and their children, protected by Vulcans. The Codebreaker kept her name and title to herself, deciding it not worth her time to explain who exactly who she was, or the politics of the Peak, to the youth who had the misfortune of finding himself here. At least not yet. Stallions… and older colts… are not typically welcome here. This, at least, she had the patience to explain to him in hopes he understood the gravity of the situation. Her tail lashed against her flanks and a single ear flicked to him briefly before settling back in her usual expression of annoyance as she considered what to do with this boy now.

He could clearly technically take care of himself and still had a lot to learn in life. Her eyes narrowed further. You have a choice. Leave now, since you understand what this place is. Or submit to being a captive and Trinket of the Peak. Serve your time, and leave. Possibly in good standing. She snorted and shook her head, eyes still narrowed and fighting to keep her teeth from baring further. Adelheid never had been a good greeter, and it seemed as though having her body and blood walk outside of her only added to her determination to keep the Peak well guarded against unwelcome intruders. The mare had to remind herself, this boy could grow into an ally if she gave him the change. Her white snipped nose flared. It was an idea to simply hand him to Rade, but she figured that would be a waste of a favor.