Rougaru was not sure what came over him, what made him feel like Wasp deserved to hear the reasons for his continued allegiance with Warsaw. Perhaps it was the bond that had slowly been forged over the years with the Peak mare. Although she stood for what it was that Warsaw and himself fought against, he did not see her as this. Perhaps it was her continued friendship that was warping his perspective on the war that stood at his front door. Perhaps it was something altogether. She was far more than just a mare who balked at the traditional herd formation... she was a warrior, a daughter, a friend.

She smiles up at him, her head shaking in ernest assuring him that there was no need to explain his decisions... nonetheless he still felt that he must.

His request is a desperate attempt, and not one that he truly believed she would ever agree too. He had hoped of course, but it was a flickering ember that was quickly extinguished by the anguish in her eyes. It was the same that mirrored in his own. She speaks, and her words bring an affectionate smile to his own whiskered lips. His gaze is tender now as he takes a step forward to press his brow against her own. "It was a fool's hope. But I could not respect your decision more my friend." he murmurs, thick cream colored tail flicking back and forth against thick set haunches. She bumps her muzzle against his own, asking that he keep them safe. This time, the somber persona slides away like the changing of the tides. A wolfish grin spreads across his lips as he cocks his proud head to the side. "Of course I will keep them safe. Have you not heard? Wolves lurk in Atlantis... we are a fearsome bunch and protect our own with tooth and nail" he teases, shifting his weight to bump against her own shoulder playfully. "Afterall, I do not doubt they cannot defend themselves with the same fierce independence that you exhibit."