Ailill exhaled in relief as Bjorn stepped forward from the dense forest. The sight of the king assured him those who had been here before would continue to know the love and protection of the lord they loved. As the two leaders spoke, Ailill slowly started to realize what this could mean for him. He had been General to Bjorn, a second in name. Codes of politics and history declared there could be but a leader and one second.

His heart broke in his chest, his head falling just so from its proud arch. A single velvet ear twitched to train on Aislinn and Siobhan. Chances were high, after this meeting he could be asked to leave. He had no desire to lead, no seated urge for power or command or control. He merely wanted to stay and watch his daughter grow and spread her beauty into the world. He wanted to bring others under the blanket of safety a home and a herd could offer. Faolain said she would not force any away, but custom dictated otherwise. Ailill looked between Bjorn and Faolain, knowing his fate was in the hands of these two rulers, and knowing the possible threat and abnormality that would happen if he were to be allowed to stay. Also the challenges that would occur if this were to end in battle.

The gentle stallion inhaled to steady himself as the feeling of relief quickly dissipated from his body. Preparing himself, he looked over at Bjorn to see what the stallion would do, or say. If it was true that Faolain said, and he would still be welcome here, perhaps he could stay to raise his daughter. He would never dream of taking her away from the woman who raised her as if she were her own child, and he could never abandon her. So, he stood stoic and silent, all too aware of the delicate balance that was about to play out before them.