Gabbar

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stallion . arabian . bay . 14.3hh . 6

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Gabbar cocks a hind hoof and settles himself in to watch the exchange as the blanketed cur talks back to Valve in a mild tone. His words are an insult, although Gabbar does not take them personally. Had he been less distracted with problems outside of his own home this exchange would likely not even be happening. The bay stallion is fully aware that he failed to protect his own borders from trespassers, and so will not snarl and click his teeth at this other breeder as if he is justified.

Valve, however, has been a steadfast icon of these Dunes since even before Gabbar’s arrival, and he tips his chin toward his chest to hide a smile as she responds crisply to the interloper. No need to ruin her moment by chuckling. He straightens as the stallion offers to allow them to stay— that, he feels, is a direct blow to his pride, as if this new owner of the territory pities Gabbar and Valve and their inability to retain the rights to the Dunes and so will allow them to retain a small corner of it (and it is through no fault of Valve’s that she could not possess the territory in Gabbar’s laxity— these Isles are so backwards, refusing a mare such a right). Valve speaks for them a second time, and the bay Arabian continues to hold his tongue.

There is no reason to let the mutt know that these two desert-bred are capable of acting independently. Let it appear as if though Valve calls the shots —and in a way, this is not a lie— and as if Gabbar has neither voice nor power at her side. There will come a time when it is right to dispel these notions, but now is not it.