Faolain could tell she was struggling. The black mare could not fathom what Siobhan was going through, and so she did not know how to help, but she did know it must have taken courage both to come to a decision about her and also to confront Faolain about it. The least she could do was be genuine and patient while the other woman found the words she needed.

When she called her Queen, Faolain gave a gentle shake of her head, offering a small smile. "Just Faolain, please," she said quietly. Nothing she had done, in the black mare’s mind, was worthy of a title. She did not like what power and pride did to most who possessed them, and did not consider herself any purer or more able to resist corruption than anyone else, so she wished to avoid the things that caused it. There were kings and queens deserving of their titles in the world, but they were rare, and Faolain was not one of them.

The black mare let Siobhan speak. She waited until the other woman had said everything she wanted to say before responding, and when she did, her voice was calm, and her tone neutral.

”No apology needed,” she began. ”I am equally at fault for not seeking you out. I wished to give you space in your own home to adjust, or decide whether to move on.” Though her face was never easy to read, she spoke everything that was on her mind. She would have been honest either way, but she thought Siobhan especially deserved her honesty. ”Yes, Ailill and I have spoken. He is a good stallion, and a valuable friend to you. He cares greatly for you and your daughters. I believe he will stay with you here in the Ridge, and I consider myself lucky for that; I hope to learn from him, and I know he will protect your family. I am… very new to leadership, and I am aware that physically I have little advantage over any who wish to harm you. It doesn’t help that I underestimated the responsibilities of leadership.” She drew a deep breath and straightened herself up. It was both difficult and a relief to lay everything out in the open. ”I am learning, and adapting, and I’m lucky to have the friends that I have here with me. It would honor me if you and your family stayed, and trusted Ailill and I to protect you.”

She stopped. It was rare that Faolain spoke this much. She did not wish to overwhelm Siobhan, but the red mare had been sincere with her and Faolain owed her the same courtesy, however long-winded.