Olaf was right. I had no idea who those horses were. Because of that fact, I didn't really care or consider their worthiness; at least, not until I saw the product of their union and parenting in action. My blue-eyed gaze was sullen and steely, the lines of my face plain and hollow. I was a pitiful creature indeed, but I had an iron will and I expressed it well.

The chieftain I stood face to face with accepted my plea; he gave me boundaries, too. Hot breath shot from my nose and I stomped a foot stubbornly into the sand below. It created a small crater and a plume of yellow-gold dust kicked up. I knew I had no say, I had no terms to negotiate on beyond what he allowed, but I would be damned if I were barred from necessity. “ I have no problem staying away from your herd – for the most part – but I will not simply ignore those who engage me. You can rest assured I will not let anything flourish between myself and your mates. I am new to this sort of terrain, but it is not too different from the one I was born in. I know that water is scarce, and if I am correct – which I can smell so, do not try to deceive me, boy -- it is at the heart of the best you have to offer. Until I am of better health I will reside there to drink and eat. “ I stated boldly. I knew I flirted with danger when I dictated what I would and would not be allowed to do in a territory that was not mine, but I knew where my allegiance lay, and he would just have to trust I would honor my word.

I knew how disrespectful I sounded, but sometimes a push (or in my case, a shove) was necessary. I was more than happy to respect his wish I make myself (mostly) invisible to his family. While I was a warrior – a marauder even – beyond everything else, I was still a social creature and I would not forsake company should it find its way to me.

Not for Wolfheart, not for anyone.

BLOODMANE

i'll not bow down;
i'll rise through the sun