Macabre's plainness caught Vodnik's eye like a beacon. In a world full of mares flaunting their bright colors and loud markings, tossing well-kept manes into a summer breeze and spreading their legs in a most desperate manner. Macabre is unique in her common chestnut coat, and her average height and build. As much as Vodnik's size has worked to his benefit, and his loud, sabino markings have encouraged bold behaviors, there's always been a part of him that wished he could be someone else. Despite his attitude, he's never been happy in his own skin.

Vodnik's marches on, south to where their obstructed journey through the forest finds them free on a well worn path. The path guides them around a bend and begins to climb. Many generations of horses, and other animals alike have carved this path into the mountainside and up to the highest, naked cliffs of the Ridge.

Sure steps carry Vodnik to a physical destination he can safely predict. The metaphorical path that he and Macabre walk now is traveled with steps less certain. Each twist and turn stops Vodnik in his tracks, wondering where to go next. This next words that escape the red mare's mouth leave Vodnik standing at another crossroads. As his heart stops with the shock of it, his feet stop too.

The draft stallion halts, and turns a stern face to Macabre. His ears are turned backwards and his brow furrowed, not in anger, but as a show of his reeling thoughts. He listens to the whole of what she has to say.

There is a moment of heavy contemplation where he's tempted to shut her down hold on to her with more of an iron vice than he already does. A glance cast in the direction of Paradise doesn't go unnoticed. But then Vodnik remembers what he wants from this mare. First inclinations would tear down what he hopes to build with Macabre. In the end, he chooses the riskiest of paths, but the it's only one that will lead him to where he really wants to go.

"I understand." His initial response is short. His eyes reveal thoughts still turning. He carefully chooses what words to say next. "I'd like a chance to trust you too." Vodnik takes a deep breath before giving Macabre much more than she asks for. "I name you lead mare of the Ridge. You represent us. You are free to come and go as you see fit for the benefit of the Ridge. If you do right by me, you earn my trust, and keep your freedom. Betray me, and face the consequences." Vodnik always saw Macabre in the role of lead mare. What a better time to see if she's fit for the role than now? If she wants a purpose, let her prove her worth and earn her keep. For now, the assignment is just a trial. Only time will tell if the arrangement should become permanent.