Again, Mariael mentally reminded herself to mind the stallion’s reaction on not treat him poorly for being blindsided. She could not say when the change had come about the islands, though she’d certainly been one of the first mares to lead a herd. Having practice with other stallions returned to the island, surprised by this revolution, Mariael only tried a small, patient smile. It did not quite touch her eyes; a fighter first, a diplomat second.
“Yes. I have led the Bay herd for the last three years, my father passed it to me when I was two.” Too young to lead a herd… and maybe they were right, for Mariael had quickly challenged an older, more experienced mare to a fight almost immediately after gaining the title. Since then she’d raided stallions, claimed stallions, and tried to recruit as many to her herd as she could. She had learned… but some would argue there was still so much more.
“It’s only been the last three years mares have led herds here on the islands,” she paused, trying to explain to him – maybe he would understand it was okay to have his foundation shaken, but he’d need to recover fluidly. “It’s commonplace now.” With the Lagoon fell utterly silent and only a small stirring amongst the Peak, herds kept to themselves, isolated among their islands and there was little trouble to be had. Peace… quiet… Mariael worried these were two things only meant to be temporary. Chaos would return.
When it did, she would assure Tinuvel was ready and strong. Never would her island fall.
Her eyes focused on Warsaw. “Do I have your allegiance?” The question hung in the air, tension creeping at the edges of their meeting. Everything depended on what answer next fell from his lips…
|
