I don't really like myself without you
He knew nothing of Arael’s beliefs, but if he did, he would be blushing. After having Chalice tell him he was not her man of fire and leaving because of her beliefs it would be nice to hear of Arael’s different perspective. That reminds him the mare has yet to visit after promising she would. There was no point of dwelling on that thought right now. Ironclad does not notice the hint of jealousy in his greying herd mate, but he does take note of the respect she shows him. Arael dips her head respectively as he smiles and greets Medusa. His own lightening ears perk as she speaks in response to his question of the Inlet. She seems delighted to answer. He nods at her mention of the Inlet’s beauty. ”It may get frighteningly freezing here, but the land makes up for it once spring rolls around. The summer is even more beautiful.” He takes a quick glance around.
His gaze returns to Arael as he asks if she has met the rest of the herd yet. Her response wasn’t exactly a shocker. He has barely seen her and he hasn’t gotten to spend any alone time with her since she arrived. Sure, he wishes she knew everyone already, but that was not possible. Not with Kvothe gone and Pike and Lakota always missing. Arael continues, saying she didn’t want to make a bad impression. He was happy Medusa was making use of her new title and meeting the herd. Making them feel welcome was an added bonus. He bumps his shoulder into Medusa lightly to let her know he was happy with her work as Queen so far. Hopefully she would understand without him actually saying the words. As soon as his eyes meet Arael again she is asking how he was. Ironclad stiffens before he realizes it.
Right away he knew Medusa would feel the change in him even as he tries to change his posture to hide his reaction. ”Arael I’m sure you could not make a bad impression. You are sweet and so very kind. Everyone will love you.” He grins. ”Me, on the other hand…” his eyes move back and forth as he thinks of what to say. He could feel Medusa’s gaze burning into the side of his skull. He clears his throat nervously before continuing. ”I am okay. There is a lot going on around the herd right now, but everything will work itself out eventually.” That’s right stay positive. He didn’t want to give Arael any indication that anything was seriously wrong. Medusa might pick up on his underlying tone, but he prayed his new soft hearted mare would not.