to live and burn is
the most exquisite form of self destruction

There was no resemblance between this young stallion and Rade’s tawny half-brother. From the build of their bodies to the color of their coats, the two were as different as night and day. And yet… listening to the firm moral stance of his companion— hearing everything that was honorable and good in Carbon’s voice— the old roan could not help but to think of Conquistador. Nor could he help but to respond, his stern and distant facade breaking to show a glimpse of the young stallion he’d once been. “No, I should think not,” he mused in a lighthearted and thoroughly unconcerned voice. “No more than you could hope to change my own. But I hope that you won’t think less of me for that truth, my young friend. We are— both of us— only what this world has made us to be.”

This time when he laughed, the sound was genuine and warm as honey. Falling silent to listen to the boy accept his offer, his enthusiasm only increased; gold eyes brightening with a life that’d been absent since he’d spoken to Fearghas for the first time. It’d been too long since he had a purpose that wasn’t dark and grim; too long since he’d felt something other than anger or grief. In moments like this, he felt— and truly believed— like he could conquer the world. “Soon,” Rade responded, accepting the offer even as he brushed it aside. “But before we go, I would have you show me. Show me who he is in what he has taught you, so that I might know you both.”

He stalked forward then, lean and fluid as a cat on the prowl as he began to circle the muscular black boy. But whatever openings that he found— whatever vulnerabilities he might have glimpsed— the Boss of the Lagoon did not exploit them. Instead, he simply watched his young companion, delicate head tilted expectantly to one side. Poised to respond to and retaliate against an impending attack, but with body language that expressed his disinterest in initiating that conflict. If he chose to meet the older male’s challenge, it was Carbon who would have to strike the first blow. It was time to determine the scope of his talents; to test the depth of the strength and resolve he’d already shown in his words.

To learn just what sort of man he’d grow into, and whether or not he might have a place in the brotherhood that Rade hoped to rebuild.

stallion . twenty-three . palomino roan . mustang mix . 15.1hh
debonaire x neassa