15.3hh - Gypsy Vanner - Lead of the Inlet
The stallion smiled both to himself and to the mare in front of him when she asked him her numerous questions. It excited him that someone would show interest in seeking a home, but also wanted to make sure it was a home they could enjoy, and they would work with him as a companion. Jumping blindly into a herd or to a territory could cause destruction for everyone involved. He wanted to know if someone would want to live there, instead of be forced to. It made living so much more pleasant.
He swished his tail in thoughtfulness, choosing his words carefully. The answers to her questions had long been answered in his mind, he knew what kind of a stallion he wanted to be when he had the chance to build a family. He had known for years during his time of lonely travel, but had never had the chance to vocalize them.
”You will not be the first. One other has chosen to make herself at home, and others rolling the idea in their head.” His grin grew a little as he spoke, assuming that, since she was asking him questions, she was also tossing considering it. He chuckled quietly at her question about children. ”No, I would not expect you to give me children. I would be honored if you did, but I have no desire to create a herd of only broodmares.
Soon her questions became a little more complicated and he pondered for a moment. As he searched for the words, he scratched his head against his knee and shook some flies away from his mane. ”In truth, I don’t know if you will ‘work out’ in my tundra. It can be a harsh land. Winter and I claimed it at the same time, and I learned where and how to survive it alone. You just stated that I know you as a ‘bold mare’, with a will to survive and the intelligence to do so; considering you checking to see if you would like it before you are even there.
It was her last question that was the most challenging for him. The stallion studied her. Not her body, or the temptations of it, not her colors, or how pretty her mane and tail were. He looked into her face, and studied her actions, reactions, words, eyes, and smile. Her intelligence attracted him, her boldness overrode his shy nature. The attitude and spirit she possessed warmed him in his mind, pulling him forward from the cold of the winter that was his years as a lonely rover.
”Yes.” His answer surprised even him as he said it. ”If you wanted to come with me, I would fight for your right to. If I lost, I would do what I could to free you. If another tried to take you against your will, I would defend you as best I could. If I could not, or did not, I would not have the right to stand by you.”
PAGAN
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