I wanna chain you up, I wanna tie you down

The encounter was going far better than the painted stallion had originally hoped for. Though he was good with words, and generally pleasant enough with mares, he had been known to ruffle more than a few feathers. Granted, he took it as jealousy. It was obvious (to him) that he was bred of superior blood. Strong, hardy friesians who survived the cold of the Tinuvel. Warriors, men and women alike. While others were soft, unable to cope with the pressures of the world and the demands of nature. This specific woman however, he found he liked quite a bit. Hardy. Intelligent. Such uncommon traits it seemed these days, and he could feel himself winning her over as the smile spread across her maw. Perfect.

Blue, like the beautiful ice, were her eyes. Striking against her cream colored body. If he must have a neighbor, she would do. The boy’s amber gaze flickered with interest and slight joy at his current company. ”Perhaps we are biased, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t correct,”His laughter was hearty, deep from his chest, a small wink following his words.

Black ears swiveled as she shared a small piece of her story. He liked to collect tales and thus stored it away in his memory. It was good to know she shared heritage here as he did. A generation less yes, but it seemed that she had good blood. Yes, the elements were unforgiving. If you were not quick witted and able bodied than it would claim you, but as she said, the rewards for those who survived? Spectacular. ”Lovely. Shame my family was not here when yours arrived.” As much as he loved his mother, he still held a flicker of anger inside him. She had forced them all to leave their home. Had he been as quick on his feet as he was now, he and his grandmother could have convinced her it was worth staying. It was worth the hardship and waiting it out. After all, what did they find in their new home but weakness? Owdeht had spat in the faces of the stallions there. Sterkte had grown soft towards the end of his time with them. It made him sick.

Attention back on Mariael, he nodded as she spoke. Of course he would much rather have this warrioress as an ally than a foe. Perhaps he could even convince her that they could be more than that in the future? But alas, it was not the proper time. Build up, up, up, he told himself. In their hands, the island could become great again, he was sure of it, as long as his new friend here did not go soft. ”I think that would be best - on the condition that we can agree we keep these lands within our families when that time comes. I assume you agree seeing as we both have such strong ties but I’d rather make it clear and out in the open.” A small smile formed across his lips. He would win this one over.