Vincenzo looked somewhat worried by his father’s arrival, but he quickly composed himself and took up a stance beside him. Valentine would scold him for his foolishness later, but for now his attention was focused on the stallion that had found his way to the Prairie’s borders.

The stranger’s body language was calm and respectful as he stood before Valentine, making him inclined to believe that he had not come here with the intention to cause trouble. Valentine relaxed a little, though he remained on guard for now as he listened.

His ears were pricked forwards, attentive as he drank in the words, considering them carefully. The man seemed pleasant enough and his intentions well meant, even though he made the small mistake of casting the bachelors in a negative light in front of someone whose whole family had for generations served their time in such herds.

When Pagan mentioned Vincenzo, Valentine’s gaze followed his towards the colt.

“I don’t make alliances,” Valentine replied simply when Pagan was done, returning his gaze to the other stallion. His tone was blunt, but not unkind. “But I don’t cause trouble without provocation, and I am inclined to make deals.”

He considered his next words carefully before speaking them aloud.

“I’m Valentine, and you seem like a decent man, Pagan. My children are generally free to go where they please when they are old enough, but if you can promise them safety and protection in the Inlet then I will encourage them to make use of it.”

He paused a moment, judging the other stallion’s reaction to his response.

“Your family would be afforded the same protection here in the Prairie, of course.” Turning his gaze towards Vincenzo again, he added, “And I’m sure Vincenzo can decide for himself whether he would be interested in that offer.”

VALENTINE
you bleed just to know you’re alive