There would be some ground work to make up here, but he wasn’t sure it could be done in the three weeks Goose was here. He had to try because things weren’t looking so promising with his small herd. Cullen understood one day someone would take his position, but he had always assumed it would be someone his great reputation and experience. The stallion would have to be younger than him to be in his prime, but not as young that he knew so little of the world. The older stallions would find no respect for a young stallion like Fearghas unless he did something big to prove himself. So far, Cullen found no reason the young pup would be anything the other stallions could look forward to. Perhaps they liked things the way they were with a Boss that has been here for years.

They should like it. How could anyone not look at him as worthy of his position? Nothing has been perfect, but Cullen has won more of his battles then he has lost. Some fear him, some loathe him, and others want to have his power. His family engulf these islands with their genes so he assumes one day it would be a blood relative that took over the Lagoon. It was his dream that it would be a son, but Verrat didn’t seem interested. He might have been one day if it wasn’t for his life changing injury. An injury the Peak had bestowed upon him for defending his brothers. Brothers….it was a term Cullen used for the stallions that live with him in the Lagoon. Some of the stallions he considered brothers were no longer with him and others have taken to live elsewhere.

Blood brothers was a completely different topic. He waits for Goose’s answer which he once again judges the palomino. Cullen snorts as his comment, knowing fully there was no way Goose understood his sense of brotherhood or what it meant to him. He goes on to say him coming here did not mean he was bending to his will. Cullen couldn’t help the eye roll as much as he tried to hold it back. He complains about his actions of taking from other homes. Honestly, this is what the Lagoon has done for as long as he has known it. He was born in a Lagoon that took from others and made deals to take the colts of the various herds around the islands. Cullen was no different than Thane (so he thought) and that stallion was talked about as one to fear.

No one ever challenged his authority and won. Not in any story he has ever heard. Goose begins to speak on his bonds with his brothers so his eyes narrow on the Gypsy stallion. It became clear Goose would say whatever came to mind no matter he should or not. “The stallions that live in the Lagoon are my family more so than my own blood. What brotherhood means to me may not be the same as what you see it as, but it may not be that different either.” He snorts, adjusting his weight to the other side. ”Goose, I did not bring up this new deal to you to talk about what I should and shouldn’t do. My morals are not yours and my ambitions are not your own. I do not set out to become everyone’s friend, but I do care for my brethren.”

”There are colts here who look up to me for my strength and my strong guidance. I have raised them to know the ways of a primal stallion and the ways of a brotherhood. I have had many brothers in my time and I have been closer to some more than others. Currently, a lot of the males here are new and we barely know each other so there is ground work to be made.” He takes in a breath as he tries to get his point across to Goose. ”I hoped to bring you here not only for your vote on my behalf, but to show you why I stole you in the first place. Come join the other stallions and see for yourself what this brotherhood is before you decide if this life isn’t for you.” In the short time he knew Goose he could already tell the stallion was too family oriented to work out here. He didn’t have the hard makings of a bachelor, but that didn’t mean Cullen wasn’t going to try to persuade him.



Cullen - Mutt - 17 - Palomino Min. Overo - 15.2hh - Lagoon Boss