Common

Though he no longer lived on Atlantis, he had returned to find Xiomara. He was still her General with his herd living in the Inlet until he officially got to talk to her and explain he would be living back in the Inlet as its heir. It felt nice to have that title again. It was even nicer to have his firstborn drop on the same island he was born in. The image of little Pike struck his heart like an arrow. He needed to get back home to her, but he still needed to have that hard conversation with the mare who allowed him refuge when he needed it most. He also needed to do something for her in return and maybe this could be it.

The quick rush when he raced over to the golden champagne mare was slowly coming down. His intense want to have her was perhaps greater than his desire to give Xiomara a present. But there was two of them here. If he could play this correctly the other mare could settle in a happy home on the Shore where she could visit her friend in the Inlet whenever she wanted to. Ironclad’s head was filled with happy thoughts of accomplishment, but he hadn’t expected either mare to see his approach as something unwanted. He had never thought one might react violently to his nip of claiming because no one has before. He heard the palomino mare shout a ‘hey’ just as the mare he nipped throw a punch.

The mare kicks, scraping the edge of his chest as he steps away. Ironclad stares in bewilderment at first before collecting himself and explaining with haste. He tries to smooth the kicking mare over, but she was too quick thinking and witty. Kvothe never challenged his motives and Valka had not entirely understood them. This was the first mare to speak up against his wishes and his wants. His ears were shifted backwards, but his eyes stare at her wide. He does not understand the first set of words she says, but he clearly understands her the second time. He nods like a little boy being scolded by his mom.

The palomino comments on his entrances making and he nods with a grin only to shoot a glance towards his claimed mare as his grin quickly fades. He introduces himself to them in hopes to move the conversation forward, back in her favor, but he knew he was now in a tougher situation. The two mares step close to each other for comfort. Perhaps they would decide to fight him off, but he wouldn’t back down just because it was the nice thing to do. He wanted this mare so he had claimed her. Xiomara taught him to stand up and fight for the things he wanted. This is what real stallions do.

He snorts as he adjusts his body to show a prouder young stallion. His claimed mare introduces herself as Chalice followed by more confusing words. She may be too smart for him. Chalice goes on to say some weird stuff about preferring his father’s methods? He was quite confused at this because he knew his manners were a shinning star compared to Warsaw’s. Her tongue twists even more to comment on the free time he shouldn’t have holding the title of General. Seems this mare will say anything she could to shine a dark light onto him. ”I can assure you, Chalice, that you would much rather have me than my sire,” he comments with a snort.

He does not comment on his status as the Shore’s General, but he did pick up on her mentioning he was claiming her with no purpose. ”How would you know you will serve me no purpose? We have only just met and unlike you, I am quite excited to get to know you and your friend if she will allow it.” His gaze turns to the palomino who has yet to introduce herself. He decides taking them to Atlantis would be a better chance at his redemption than taking them, well Chalice, to the Inlet first. He attempts to change the tension with a radiating smile. ”You ladies look like you could use some time on tropical island to relax. I just transitioned my herd back to the Inlet, but I still have some rights to the Shore if you wish to see it. I am in good standing with the Shore’s Queen and I feel the two of you would get along well with her.” He wasn’t sure how else to explain it, but he wanted to keep his herd friends with the Shore.

”You may even find you like it there,” as he says this he turns towards the palomino mare. If she decided the Shore could be made her home then he would be successful in gifting Xiomara with a new member as a thank you. ”The Shore’s leader has done a great deal to help me and my family when I needed a place to stay. She would be very grateful to help a new resident to the islands find her way.” Was that enough talking Xiomara up? He turns to face Chalice. ”And I hope you can give me another chance for a better first impression.” He smiles lightly with anxious eyes watching them both.