Father was not doing well and this fact has kept him closer to home. He knows he needs to find Medusa to bring his herd back together, but he was afraid if he left home now father could pass away without him. Ironclad did not want to miss saying goodbye for the last time. The feeling of looming death weighs heavily on him, but his small growing family brings him some joy. Kvothe, the child they would soon bring into the world, and their adopted Lakota. He prays Kvothe will stay a strong presence in the filly’s life to show her true kindness of a mother. There was no one softer then Kvothe to show such devotion and love. This is why Ironclad had picked her over the strong-willed Medusa.

He did not expect the call that comes to him now. He did not expect to face the parents of his betrothed today, or ever, especially when she was not here. How would he explain that? The scream of the mare was frightening to him. Not only because it was Monster’s call, but he heard stories of how strong of a Queen she was. Her strength reflected in the strength of her young daughter who already scared him at her age. Who knows what Medusa would be able to accomplish one day? His kingdom should become a stronghold under her watch. Maybe she could even cause him to become a strong King. Ironclad answers the call of the mare who one of his own to let them know he was coming. His call was not nearly as powerful as Monster’s had been, but he tries to sound grown.

The young stallion holds his head high to attempt to impress the parents of Medusa once they were in eye view of him. He smiles halfheartedly, nerves nearly making his legs shakes. It takes him a lot of energy to stop his body from embarrassment. ”What do I owe the pleasure of such an infamous couple coming to the Inlet?” He tries to seem witty, but he will see how the power couple responds to him display of growth. He wonders if one day this is what he will look like standing next to Medusa. Will he become like Rougaru or his father? Will Medusa rise him to become great just like Vita Nova and Monster had done for their mates? Ironclad, too, comes from a powerful couple and so great things were expected of him.