It was a better meeting than she could have hoped for, although not filled with joy and affection like many other meetings - no doubt the greeting Vercongetorix's own children had received had been very different - but Therese had not expected that. She had expected violence and anger, and instead she received tolerance, not acceptance but something close enough that she could deal with it for now. Perhaps he would understand that she would protect this foal with her life, that Sverre was and would be (until he finally outgrew her) the most important thing in her life and that eventually he would extend some sort of friendliness towards the colt.

When Vercingetorix returns her nervously offered touch she realises that her heart has been hammering in her chest, her shoulders sag and she exhales loudly, taking a step backwards as Sverre moves to her side again, clacking his teeth under her chin in apology. She does not smile, but she does move to comfort the boy, who is aware of the trouble he has caused (but still resisting the urge to go and greet the larger stallion).

The moment of silence is broken when Therese lifts her head and turns her blue eyes back towards the red dun, "his name is Sverre." Her voice is soft, and at his name the little colt pricks up his ears, his eyes darting between the two. But Therese's eyes are locked on Vercingetorix. "His father is...Garrick, I don't...he...is not important," dead, if Therese is lucky, or at least disinterested enough to never come looking for them again. "I never wanted children, Torix. Mother liked children, but I...it wasn't what I wanted. He..." her eyes drop towards her son, "he is mine, not Garrick's. Mine."

It was a subtle declaration of love, an explanation and a request.