He watches the stallion’s dark ears flick back and forth, not only at his proposal but as the other digests everything Kendry has imparted to him. He seems a careful stallion, one who weighs his words before speaking and is deliberate in his actions— one who has perhaps been as misguided or aimless as Kendry used to be. In recognizing that the great draft cannot hold it against the other that he has come to the Forest supposedly under the banner of the bachelors. Had he not just said that belonging to the Lagoon erased all individuality? But that was not true in fact. This stallion, and Kendry, and likely others are all confirmation of that.
“As you must,” Kendry agrees with a nod. “Find her, and bring her good tidings from me.” He would do the same. Personal confirmation is better evidence than trusting the words of another. Especially one you’ve just met, one who has attacked you simply because you smell unsavory. Kendry’s lips tick up in a smile, the expression growing when the stallion introduces himself.
It is unfortunate that their encounter began with violence, but here he must commend the other for standing his ground and tackling this war with his words. It is a bold move, one that has given them both a far better outcome than further violence. It is commendable. Kendry lowers his head in a deeper nod. “Well met, Collision.” Their encounter can have been no accident. Here, again, is evidence of fate.
Kendry lifts his head and turns, ready to move around his former opponent and delve deeper into the forest to see if he can be of any more help to Ruger in this war. “When you’ve found Shenzi, swing by the Thicket for a visit,” he offers as he begins to move. “If I’m not there ask Vasilissa where to find me. We will meet again, my friend.” Kendry touches his muzzle to Collision’s shoulder as he passes, resisting the urge to nip in a gesture of gruff affection learned from his time in the Lagoon. He misses brotherhood and camaraderie, but he will build his own community— one that does not taint those who live within it.
But first, Kendry must go to war. |