Vodnik worries he might someday regret his decision to pursue this mare and create conflict on the island. He is relieved the mare has yet to generate regrets. She clearly has half a brain, as she stays calm in the face of everything that's happened. Her short legs are athletic enough to keep up with Vodnik's long strides, and she's brave enough to navigate moderately tricky terrain. But this doesn't change the rattle in his breath that betrays scars he'll carry for life. This is a decision a smarter stallion may have hesitated to make.

And these are not is only concerns.

Perhaps he was too harsh? In her presence, Vodnik finds himself constantly questioning his own actions and words. Habit incites phrases, short and to the point. Conditioning influences a deeper, more masculine inflection to an already deep voice. A long life among bachelors left him in competition to be the most masculine, the most intimidating, in a constant battle for dominance. A large percentage of the group were transient. The herd dynamic was ever-changing. The hierarchy was always being established and re-established. The position, and the expectations of him as a lead on the Ridge is a much different one, one that he has not yet fully adapted to. But it's too late to doubt what was already said. He tries to swallow his worries and work ahead.

Vodnik watches Macabre slide down the hill, and there is a brief vision of winter. He imagines sliding down the icy hill for the fun of it, and for a moment, the ghost of a smile touches his lips.

The draft stallion hangs back, allowing the small mare some space while she drinks. Once finished, she turns to him and asks a question Vodnik isn't prepared to answer. He can't think of a good lie on the spot, so the truth escapes. "Because I like you.", he barks. No sooner is it said does Vodnik wish he could retract the statement. With his heart laid bare, and a softer side of himself revealed for the first time, Vodnik feels more vulnerable than he ever has before. He'd feel safer bleeding at the hooves of an enemy than standing here right now.