There were times when Olaf was peaceable and times when he would lunge headlong into a fight. Given the ground and weather conditions plus the current disorder within the herd, he knew he had to pick his battles carefully. Taking a deal at this time was in his best interests but only if it was favourable and did not impact the herd poorly. When the stallion spoke, Olaf considered those words carefully – one mare now and another at a later date. Although he had allowed Jörmungandr and her daughter to remain with the herd, he did not plan the same for Dreadbite. Come better weather, he had been planning on seeking out a home for her; this stallion’s deal would save him the bother.

Casting a look between Xina and Bjorn, he gave a sharp snort. ”No. he stated firmly, ”You may take my daughter, Dreadbite, when the travelling conditions are favourable and I will bring you a second mare of my own choosing when I am ready because I am a reasonable man.” The smoky stallion was the possessive type, giving the other male a chance to pick one of his would never be a deal he would agree to. ”Should this be agreeable, you will not steal from my herd and I will not steal from yours. Should one of us want a member of the other’s herd, we will be open to deals, and battles should no favourable terms be met.” Olaf was not about give this stallion so much with nothing in return. Sure, he'd leave the forest be, but Olaf was more than confident he could drive the sooty male out if it came down to a fight. The deal wasn't particularly necessary.

His gaze remained steady and posture ready to chase the stallion from the forest if he had to. He had the upper hand in terms of numbers here but he couldn’t guarantee that someone wouldn’t get seriously hurt on the icy ground. Fighting was risky, they all knew it, but he was prepared to go ahead if this male did not accept his terms.