The welcoming party isn’t very welcoming but it is the greeting I had expected which makes it all the more easier for me to ignore the brutes dense stare and lack of social skills. I appreciate his directness but his choice of words catch in my head; I have no use for temporary. Maybe this brute actually does have some standing in the Lagoon? Even so my attitude does not change toward him, my slightly mischievous smirk remaining firmly on my maw.

”You have me all wrong mister” I daringly interject before he proves my theory right by coolly revealing his job description. My expression doesn’t falter, like I never even heard it, like it don’t even matter. Although his gaze hardens on me, I pretend not to notice the thickening tension. ”Look” I say gruffly ” I ain’t interested in a free ride; truth be told I’d rather die out in the field before I allow myself to be carried by you, your men or anyone else for that matter so get that idea right out ya head” I speak with an honesty that mimics my intentions. I am the epitome of self-reliance.

Then why are you here?

”Im willing to all but die for this mob and its cause if that’s what it takes to ensure me a safe place to retire to after a bit o’ hell raisin’.” my tone is playful and a bit matter of fact, but I mean nothing of it. Trying to hide my desperation I suppose.

Stepping back slowly so as not to spook the unamused brute, I turn to present my near side to him in an almost comical fashion, as if presenting myself for sale. It just so happens that it is my near side that holds the most scares- complete coincidence I swear. ”I like me a bit’a fighting if that’s what you want me to do or if it’s a thief ya after, I have the brains and the skill to steal ya more mares than ya know what to do with”. Though my coarse vocals have adopted a more light hearted tone I am genuine about my claim. I might not lean towards the normal herd life but I still have issues all the same and my need for acceptance and my need to impress both seem to be insatiable and I will do as I am told if that’s what it takes to be noticed.

With my enthusiasm mounting I shift on the spot flexing my dappled grey shell as I continue ”I’m straight-forward, reliable and loyal to a fault. I am what you would call a man of my word and unlike these young bastards that don’t have the know-how to get the job done right- I have a lick of sense about me and can work, let’s just say, ’productively’, on me own.”

”And all this comes in one handsome, intelligent package” I look to keep his gaze, my eyes almost challenging is their sincerity.