Meadow

Something was wrong with the ocean. His swim to Salem had gone easily enough, except for the crying, but he had made it to the Desert in one piece. Ironclad had even broken some ground with Cerosi on his passionate adventure, but the time to go home was near. This is why he entered the sea to swim back home, but the further he got out to sea the stronger the waves got. Everything was going fine, he was on course for home, until a large wave wraps him into a cold hug. Ironclad is dragging into the water as his body thrashes in protest.

The water rolls him like he was weightless until it finally dumps him on the nearest shore. For minutes he lays there motionless until finally some unknown force wakes up. He coughs the water out of his lung as he fights to get back on all fours. It doesn’t take long for him to regain his strength, but his lungs burn with each breath. The salt taste in his mouth caused a sour look on his face even as the scent of a mare fills the air. The hormones he thought had gone away with his time with Cerosi soon returned at the stranger’s scent. Blue eyes roll at thought of how these mares sway his direction.

There is a shake to his first few steps, but slowly he regains his King-like gait. He follows the scent trail easily as if it was a marked path just for him. Ironclad needs some rest before he challenged the sea again so this mare could provide all the distraction he needed to bide the time. The sooty mare’s form becomes closer and closer until she reacts to his approach. She had a look of a mare on guard, typical especially this time of year. Ironclad knew the fate a mare could face being in heat and in the presence of a stallion. She was correct to be on guard. Ironclad may never harm a mare initially, but he was a slave to his hormones.

She speaks in an interesting way which made him eager to reply. ”The sea I guess,” he says with a smile on his dark lips. Ironclad takes some steps closer to her, but her reaction quickly caused him to stop. ”I’m sorry I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” But he did wish to get closer. He blinks for what feels like minutes when it actually wasn’t that long. Her scent overpowered his brain so images of his lips on her skin fill his thoughts. He had already proved he could easily cave with Kvothe last fall and now Lace this season. He must be more careful. ”I-I am Ironclad de Warsaw, King of the Inlet. May I know the name of such a pretty stranger?” His eyes flutter a few times in a flirtatious way.