The old matriarch chuckles at Enigma’s pouting; perhaps she’d lost the game based on a technicality, however, in Saffron’s eyes, the girl had won in spirit. For Saffron might not even feel the desire nor need to play, if not for Enigma’s vigor. ” That’s alright, Enigma. You win almost every other game we play. “ .. Not that there were many. But Saffron had hoped, one day, Enigma might look back on these days and realize just how tender moments these were, and that she would have someone to share them with, when she was long gone, and Saffron was only a distant memory. For they had changed Saffron’s life -- for the better.

After the younger mare bounds away, Saffron looks to Liland as he speaks. A nerve was struck and the spanish blood that flowed through her veins intensified. ” I hope you’re in a listening mood -- I’m about to lay some truths out to you, Liland, Earl of the bay. “ she practically spits, over-emphasizing his hierarchical status like it was foul tasting, ” I am not here to ‘touch’ your mares. But if I see something out of place, or unacceptable, I will correct it, and there is little that you can do about that. Chase me, or bite me as you will -- you will not run me away from my home. This was my kingdom first, and it is only through my good graces that I tolerate your authority. You would do well to remember that. Additionally, Enigma is my family. MINE. ” she barks possessively, and although her accent is noticeable when she speaks, it becomes more obvious as she raises her voice, making Enigma’s place at her side an unnegotiable. The hoarseness of her tone cracks, breaking way into the powerhouse of what was once the hardy mare in her prime. ” And she will stay with me as long as SHE desires. I will not abandon her, not now, not ever. “ she replies, contradicting her earlier admission of having ran from, and hidden from Enigma with the hopes that she might find a real family.

But the reality was, Enigma was right -- home was where what was familiar. And where-ever Enigma was, that’s where Saffron wanted to be.

Riled as she was, Saffron had the restraint to not follow up her words with action. This wasn’t a fight she knew she could win -- but she wasn’t so certain she’d lose, either. Her flames hadn’t been stoked and fanned so high in what felt like a lifetime, but, it was almost startling for the mare to be reminded that such a side of her was very much still present.

It was unfortunate that the game Enigma and Saffron were playing was cut short, but, at the very least, this was a learning moment for young Enigma.