There is much we do not know about each other. He had said on the eve of their battle in the wake of her offer. Considering how tense their previous interactions had been, despite (or perhaps because of) the blood that they now shared, it had been a surprising concession on her part. I will not withdraw my claim, but I will echo your offer. He had offered, against his better judgment. A part of him still resented the fact that he had offered such a thing, now that he was no longer under the influence of an impending battle and his blossoming respect for the pony mare.

Ultimately, there had been a clear victor. The crown had not come easily, or without injury, but it had come. And now, despite the fact that he felt as though his attention was being pulled in a hundred other directions - Sabriel, Cicek, Wren, Feray, and so on - he had to deal with the aftermath.

He had gone to Aranck first for a multitude of reasons. He had no trust for the painted stallion of the Arch, and therefore, knew him to be the largest threat on Tinuvel. Ironclad had already given his support for the Cove King, and Valka too, if begrudgingly.

But Aranck had not. His support was based only on the fact that Solomon was older than Ironclad, and in possession of testicles. So he had gone to the painted stallion first, despite the looming absence of Cicek and his need to speak to Valka about their terms.

Now, it was time to turn his attention to the Bay.

After a moment's consideration, Solomon had bid Solvarr to stay in the Cove, at least for now. As to whether or not their precocious son would listen was debatable, but Solomon wanted this moment to be between the two rulers. As much as he adored their son, he had a feeling that the complicated feelings that his conception and raising engendered would only serve to make this moment more tense.

With a moment's consideration for her previous welcome and his new status, Solomon stepped across the border of the Bay. He did not encroach far, not wanting to put her on edge before their conversation even began. Raising his head, he called out for her, his emerald gaze sharp on the horizon.

Solomon