The corner of his lips twitched as her soft laughter reached his ears. So she was up for playing his game it seemed, and for that he was glad – it was much more fun when his company was pleasant and playful, and it had been a long time since he had talked lightly and easily with a stranger.

Perhaps he had been cooped up too much lately. Family took up a lot of his time these days.

His dark eyes were hooked on her as she tossed her golden hair aside, the words falling lightly from her lips. His grin widened at her playful retort, though he was glad to put a name to her pretty face. Trojan. He committed the title to his memory – a strong name for a strong lady, no doubt.

“Not quite as good a name,” he replied with a smirk, tilting his head. “But I suppose it will do. I’m Valentine.”

He paused a moment, watching as the mare glanced around the Prairie, drinking in her surroundings, before he continued.

“Well, you missed the Crossing by quite a few miles,” he began playfully, “but I can’t say I’m disappointed that you did. What business did you have there that you can’t carry out here in my company instead?”

VALENTINE
you bleed just to know you’re alive