Indira bores into the stallion with all the intensity of her stare. His explanation though, is a refreshing surprise. "We all make mistakes" he admits. These, and the words that follow, draw indira's tattered ears forward, and smooth the harsh lines of accusation from her face. He seems sincere, and Indira is in no condition to challenge it.

"I appreciate your honesty." She responds. "And I again, thank you for your hospitality." This isn't the first time Rougaru has offered Indira safe haven. His kindness will not soon be forgotten.

The questions that follow are of little surprise to Indira. If she were in his position, she would be asking the same questions. What is a mare from enemy territory doing here? Well, Indira will tell him, and she will tell her story with the same open truth that Rougaru offered her. "The forest was raided by bachelors. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but now I'm just thankful it was me and no one else." Indira's face falls to a somber expression. She worries about her family in the forest. "Raider took me with him to the Ridge and raided that too, but he couldn't do that and hold me captive at the same time. I got away."

Indira got away for now, but her heat is still strong on the autumn wind. Raider forced himself upon her at just the right time. This scenario won't be over until its old enough to be weaned. Indira thought she might one day have another foal, but this isn't the scenario she imagined. Indira thinks back to the conception of Tarek and an idea begins to form. Indira was raped by Angus then, and found a handsome bachelor to couple with after her escape. Tarek is a spitting image of that handsome bachelor. Angus thought he would leave Indira with a living memory of him, but Indira made sure the face she saw when she gave birth was not Angus'. Maybe she could do the same this time?

The mare regards the stallion with curious eyes. She turns the possibility over in her mind. Is Rougaru's face, a face she would like to see when she gives birth?