Kieron noticed the defensive posture the mare kept, but couldn't help hiding back a smile. he could faintly hear some commotion off in the distance, but chose not to look in the direction, to not frighten the mare into thinking or assuming something he wouldn't even think of doing.
He watched the love and protectiveness she carried and respected her for it. he listened carefully to her sweet vocals that were not soft, but held regard, for she did not know his intentions. which he understood perfectly well. he looked to where her gaze fell for the first time and saw the two young ones. one was trying to block the other one from venturing over to the grown-ups.
"Fayte, it is nice to meet you." he said sincerely. "i wish not to take away your home, and you are welcome to stay. as for cavier, he is welcome to stay under my protection until he comes of age. then i must ask him to leave. as for you and your daughter, i have two options for you. you may stay here unclaimed and i will give you the protection just as any other mare and foal here. and i only offer this option to you because this has been your home as i can see for quite awhile. or you could opt to part of the herd. it is your choice."
Normally, these options a stallion wouldn't even bother offering, but he did not feel threatened by her or her little ones and knew it had not been her choice to live in a land that was not protected.
"I just ask that you keep our arrangement to the two of us. if not, then i will either have to ask you to leave or join the herd. and with the breeding season drawing near, if you choose not to be part of the herd, i can't protect you from those who may attempt to force themselves on you, as i have to protect my herd first."
Kieron realized that some of these rules may not seem fair, but he had to lay some ground rules upfront, or he knew he would be walked over and a king always laid down the law and followed through with it. but his kingdom would be ruled by mercy, grace, wisdom, love, and justice.
Patiently he awaited the maiden's decision. he didn't expect anything to be decided too quickly, but all the same, he at least deserved some sort of an answer.
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