There is a recognition that seems to pass between them, an understanding that defies explanation but nevertheless changes the tone of the conversation. Like the precursors to an earthquake, the subterranean shifting was invisible to most, save those who were looking for it. And Rehoboam was most certainly looking for it.

Call me Işık, the soot-colored stranger insists, not yet having abandoned the pretense of civility despite the drastic shift in the conversation. The grullo's expression does not change, and he waits quietly for the answer to his question. And I want what I want when I want it, he explained, as though the answer should have been obvious to the Marauder from the start. Rehoboam wished that he could say the same. For him, life and bachelorhood both came with unshakeable expectations; weights that he had borne across his shoulders for so long that they'd left permanent indents in his body.

"Few things come without obstruction," he murmured after a moment, his gaze still locked upon the other stallion. "Even when you believe yourself beyond limitation."

Rehoboam could not know exactly what Işık spoke of. His dire choice of wording and the finality with which he ushered the words into existence gave Rehoboam the distinct impression that Işık was not the sort of stallion that would care about the Lagoon's reputation. Or rather, that he would not care to improve it. Which, if Rehoboam was honest, was not an uncommon opinion. Other than himself, Rade, and Tyr, the tobiano wasn't certain any of the Lagoon's men cared what the island thought of them.

"The bachelors here used to live like that. Disregarding the opinions of the public as they sought their pleasure in the world." Reh speaks quietly, tone neutral. Such wanton living had been mostly before his time, but the far-reaching consequences of unfettered cruelty had not yet abated. "Now even bachelorhood comes with conditions."

For a long moment, Reh is quiet and contemplative, his gaze searching Işık's for answers. It was probably his duty to explain just how limited they were now with the Peak-Lagoon agreement, but he could not shake the feeling that he would only be wasting his breath. I want what I want, when I want it. Somehow, he doubted that Işık would be swayed by decisions made for him by stallions he had never met, and therefore the listing of rules would only be disregarded in favor of doing as he pleased. And really... Rehoboam wasn't sure such change was inescapable. Without the ability to punish 'bad' behavior, rules were really only weak suggestions.

There was, however, one area in which Rehoboam would not take chances.

"I cannot stop you from whatever chaos you seek in the world," the tobiano said quietly, sincerity lacing each careful syllable. "But should your chaos touch my family here," he thought of Bellona and her baby and of Celestine, "I will make sure it is the last thing that you do."