Medusa’s reassurances went a long way towards calming the chestnut mare, though she was wary of the uncertainties that still lingered. If nothing else, she was grateful that the Queen seemed to be on her side, and touched by the tobiano’s vow. Before today, Kvothe had considered her loyalty bound to the Inlet’s stallion alone. For the kindness he had shown her, and the life he had given her. But now? Now the Friesian felt as if she had been divided, and a part of herself - whether equal or lesser, she could not say - was pledged to this woman, too. Medusa was young, but she was a ruler worthy of following regardless of that truth.

Bowing her head in deference, Kvothe sought to express just how much these moments - and the aid her Queen had offered - meant to her.

“It is clear that I could learn much from you, including strength and wisdom. I will do my best to be worthy of your protection, my- Medusa.” It didn’t occur to the red woman that she might have qualities worth imparting as well. That she might temper some of the Queen’s fire with her gentle spirit, or teach her that trust was not always a weakness. That anyone might stand to gain anything from what she had endured - and still emerged from soft and warm and king. But Kvothe knew that she would offer her companion whatever she had, if it was asked of her. “Thank you, and - if there is any way that I can ever help you, you need only ask.”

She paused then to consider the question that the painted mare had repeated. While she still wanted to trust Tyr, it was clear that she could trust Medusa. So perhaps it was best to take the other’s advice - for now - and be cautious about how she proceeded with the golden stallion. Until she could be certain that his intentions were good, she must assume he was a greater risk to her potential child than the Inlet’s king. Ironclad was good, and despite her fears she only believed that he might try to drive the foal out of his herd. The bachelor’s motives, on the other hand, were completely unknown. “I - I don’t know, Medusa. If there’s a chance that he can’t be trusted, then for now I would say no.” Regret laced these words, and she inhaled a deep shuddering breath before continuing in a stronger voice.

“If he is truly kind and good, then I could not justify the child’s right to know him. But for now - the first step I must take is to tell Ironclad, and face whatever judgment he sees fit to place upon me.” Kvothe tried to tell herself that she wasn’t afraid, but she was. She feared the loss of what she had built so far; the loss of a life she’d never thought to have. And the loss of the new and unexpected friend she'd made today.

But if her Queen could face everything with such courage, then the chestnut was determined to try the same.