he is surprisingly friendly… and apologetic, again drawing sharp contrast between himself and nattergal. Božena finds his cordial presence oddly soothing and pleasant… after having such turbulent relationships with males lately, his easy going-ness is refreshing. her dark eyes watch carefully as his expression change from curiousity, puzzlement, and deep thoughtfulness. he seems careful to make his apology known, smiling at her as if she were just another acquaintance he has met in passing rather than his jailor… she shakes her massive head as he explains his challenge, brushing it aside as if it hadn’t happened. it just shows her that he has convictions… and that he would fight for them if he needed to.. not that he was out to stir up trouble.

her broad ears fix on the stallion curiously as he explains further, mentioning a mare she has not met. he seems serious and troubled by the predicament, worried. Božena could well understand that. the isles were plagued by political troubles and worse it seemed lately. the mare exhales a soft sigh, lowering her head slightly. ”i did not take captives from the lagoon to keep you here forever, bratr. i did it so that we might learn to live together in peace. so that we might find things in common.” she pauses, trying to think of how to explain her actions without offending him somehow. ”the leader of your bratri, cullen, murdered someone dear to me. to all of my sestry. you’re all here not only because i wanted to take something from him, but to show you all who we are. we are no different.”

Božena knows he hasn’t asked her any of these things… only if he could leave. but she still feels compelled to explain. that, and frankly, the painted stallion just seemed like a good listener and the towering black mare still felt somewhat guilty about verrat. she didn’t want the rest of the bachelors to think so lowly of her.

the towering dark mare draws in a contemplative breath, wondering what should be done… loathe as she is to do it, she knows conditions must be made for his departure. “well met, collision. you may go in search of Shenzi. if you need help to liberate her, i only ask that i may come to your aid, as a friend. my only other request is this… please do not return to the lagoon unless you plan to help usurp it’s current leader. we must all work to heal the divide between our two herds and cullen only seeks our destruction. we must look to a future, bratr, where we can lift each other up.”

all she can do is hope that he will take her words to heart, to see why she has placed those conditions on him… and trust that he will do the right thing with the carefully placed dream she has laid before him.