Orhan

When Valve denied having seen his missing family, Orhan was careful to watch her expression. He could not think of any reason why she would lie or have stolen them from him, especially when he lived only a stone's throw away and could easily take them back, but it did not hurt to be sure. Something about the Akhal-Teke mare had always rubbed him the wrong way, and he did not fully trust her. There was nothing in her voice or countenance to suggest that she was playing dumb, however, so Orhan decided to believe her.

"Those" Arabians. For a moment her word choice perplexed him. What Arabians? He had known only one. "Ah, yes," he finally replied. "Nas-... well, El Halin. Thankfully she has not tried to return. She would not be welcome, I can assure you of that." Still, he wondered. Were there other Arabians Valve had a vendetta against, or did she simply mistrust the entire breed after what had happened? It was a concerning possibility, but one he did not want to think about right now.

He let an awkward silence fall, and for a moment all was quiet but for the lightning arcing viciously through the sky around them. Orhan shifted his weight. "I should be returning to the desert. I hope... we can find some kind of common ground, Valve. I'd like to put the past behind us and work together for the good of the island. Our homes have been isolated for too long. Do you agree?"