Meadow

Solomon

Solomon does not know the uncertainties that plague her, or the doubts that make her wary of his flirtation. He cannot know that she is uneasy to stand in his shadow, uncertain of his trustworthiness. Still, he is not oblivious to the way that she remains timidly quiet while he speaks, allowing him to steer the direction of the conversation. In truth, it is a welcome break from the fierce interactions he has shared with other mares this season, those that make him twist and turn like master puppeteers to find the common ground that allows both parties to get what they want.

She turns from him and his brow furrows momentarily, uncertain what expression crosses her face. His own muzzle half extends as though to comfort her, but the scent of another stallion finally unburies itself from the season-sweet scent of her and he thinks better of it. She was taken then, he thinks. Or, he amends before he allows his hopes to be dashed, at least covered. Someone had courted the pretty blue mare well enough to convince her into the selfsame act he'd already imagined enacting with her. It was disappointing, certainly, but it did not deter his desire to have her among the other denizens of the Cove. If caught early enough, he might still be able to replace it with his own, but he was not so pressed as to worry about it overmuch.

He had raised other stallion's children before, and he was certain that this one would not be the last.

Finally, she gives him a name and a place, although neither mean much to him. Solomon knows little of Luthien, having never had much reason to travel to the forested island, despite it being Tinuvel's closest neighbor. He contemplates what she means by the stallion vanishing, but finds that, largely, he doesn't really care. Whether the stallion was truly gone, as Bahadir had been, or only temporarily, such as the stallion Bjorn, it doesn't matter. Either way, they have left this beautiful treasure unguarded and clearly unhappy with their care.

Solomon is prepared to sell his home to her, to paint her pictures of the land and it's mystery when she does it for him. He stands, momentarily speechless before a chuckle ripples from him and he nods. Her tone had not seemed excited or flirtatious, just quiet and timid, and he wondered if perhaps Ruger had manhandled her somehow. Although he had done so to others himself, he bristled at the thought of someone forcing themselves upon a mare that he fancied himself. He pushes aside these thoughts for a moment, not wanting to lose the thread of their current conversation.

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Zimri." He offers the words warmly, and considers stepping forward to touch her neck. He decides against it, even though his eyes linger there for a moment before he tears them away again. It seems fairly certain in his mind that she will return with him to the Cove - and not by force in this case - but there is still more he might be able to do to earn her loyalty.

"Are you running from Ruger?" His tone is serious and he meets her gaze in attempt to read the truth of any answer that she gives. "I will protect you, if so."

And he would, whether she liked it or not. Regardless of what she decided now, he has already taken her under his wing in his mind, and he will not be thwarted from having her securely in the Cove with him, where she would be safe. Solomon stretches forward, offering his muzzle again as though to emphasize the words that he speaks as well as to allow him to breathe deeply of the scent of her once more.

He withdraws after a moment, to consider his options. She had surprised him already, by mentioning her coming with him to the Cove, but her nature was overall demure and he doubted that she would push the issue further. And in truth, the sooner she was safe within the borders of his home, the sooner he would feel comfortable getting to know more about her. "The Cove isn't far, if you want to go now."

Dutch Harness Horse Mutt | Champagne Grullo Tobiano Stallion | 17 Hands | The Cove