it is clear the colt is set against her, his bitter tone and disapproving attitude are not subtle… but she doesn’t shy away from his disgust. let him think what he wants of her because she knows, in her heart, she couldn’t have stood by and done nothing. she couldn’t have let that murdering thief live in peace, surrounded by his comrades, after the evil he had wrought.

she is used to schooling her features, appearing calm and placid even in the face of such displeasure, but with his scolding she feels her temper awaken. her muscles stiffen and her eyes harden at the fjord as he delivers what he thinks a proper tongue lashing and by the time he is finished, her ears lay thick against the crest of inky hair at her nape. a frustrated snort spills from her lips as he speaks of that which he clearly knows nothing about.

”i would teach you a lesson as well as the tyrant you long to return to…. you know nothing about me, nevděčník. you wish to return home? to a murderer? to someone who threatens to rape and steal from families or have his lackies do so on his behalf? and you wish Bran to be subjected to such influence? you are the fool if you think i keep you all here for the sake of my entertainment alone.”

it is a crushing weight the mare lives under, truly believing she had taken all the captives for a good cause and still being subject to their hatred of her. so far she had found some of them to be indifferent to their change of scenery, and even made friends with others, but she knew there were plenty who would push her off the side of the mountain if they ever got the chance. luckily she is a fortress. a determined one at that.

the stoic black mare had hoped she could change the colt’s opinion of her, through reason… but now she fears she has lost the opportunity. her tail swishes, an effort to dispel some of the anxious energy that he had woken, and she finds herself quieting. her voice is more level when she speaks again, “had you spoken up about your displeasure instead of stewing on it, perhaps you would not still be here. some of your bratry have gained their freedom by using the tool of civility. i may look the fool, but i only seek to do what i believe is right, whether it garners the approval of others or not.” she turns away, dismissively, as she realizes that no good will come from arguing with the angsty youngster. though he did not appreciate it, she was certainly glad he and bran would not be witness to whatever ugly dark dealings went on in the lagoon during their absence. this conversation only cemented her desire to help unseat cullen and see a true leader installed… one who would be a role-model to those like the fjord. she pauses, her ears following the sound of tumbling rocks that scatter down the cliff that her large hooves had unseated, and looks back at him before clattering up the path, ” i will be ready when you would like to have a clearheaded conversation about your future.”