†
Temblor's plans for the rest of the day fly out the window the moment the small mare shows her spirit— and she's not shy, for it flares to life the moment she deigns he's crossed her boundary. Firestorm draws his undivided attention with that squeal and kick. The gesture itself is harmless, but not without meaning, and he grants careful attention to the exact slant of her ears as they regard one another beneath the trees. He's already noted her stature and color, but it is her energy now upon which he focuses. She radiates confidence. Almost, he thinks with amusement, she regards him like an interloper in her home.
He recalls his conversation with Oswin in the Peak, however, and understands now that these Islands function in a way different from what he is used to. A mare very well may set foot on his land and decide she wants it for her own. The idea that he might come to blows with a mare is laughable (perhaps only because he has not yet engaged in such unconventional behavior) but Temblor has appropriate respect for the strength and agility of mares— he's led a band before, and well does he know the wisdom, and temperament, of women is not something to be taken lightly. He's suffered his fair share of bites and kicks for perceived encroachment, and witnessed more than once their fierce defense.
Though not
that awful afternoon
when it was, perhaps,
most warranted.
Though confident, she lacks the arrogant mantle that graced the silver stallion's shoulders, and so Temblor considers her not a competitor seeking to displace him from Paradise but an independent mare making her own way in the world. It is a force he has not yet seen on these islands —which is not to say he hasn't seen strength expressed in other ways—and it appeals to him. Immensely.
He is not unaware of the way her gaze lingers on him. Temblor arches his neck in response and cautions himself to stay put, even though his personal impulse is to draw nearer, to woo her with touch. The mare has made it clear, however, that he would be wise to keep his distance. Her response to his question is straight-forward, even bold as she strives to end their conversation, but when she tries to move around him Temblor deliberately blocks her path. It would be a great loss, he thinks, to let a mare such as this simply walk away.
"We have water and grazing aplenty here," he informs her— and then shifts his substantial mass to one side, so she might pass. He drops a challenge at her feet: "And if you can find it, you are welcome to it." Temblor knows where to go for grazing, and fresh water, but he wants to see if she as adept at such discovery. This dense jungle seems to repulse all who enter: locating resources is a crucial skill, one he invites her to show off. The dapple gray stallion will keep pace with her in her search. Not directly at her side, no, but near enough to speak, and certainly near enough to keep her pale body in his sights. He has questions for this small, striking mare.
TEMBLOR
& swallows you whole
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