Faolain waited patiently as the strange stallion gathered his thoughts. He held her gaze steadily, but when he spoke, he seemed almost rusty, and his words confirmed that he was not one for small talk or introductions most of the time. The black mare heard him out, her head tilting slightly like a cat’s, ears pressed steadily forward. As he he spoke of living under Shamwari, and of needing a new home, Faolain nodded. She had not known Shamwari very well, but he had seemed level-headed and honorable for the brief time they had spent together, and she was not surprised to know that he had had an impact on the lives of others before departing. She was, however, a bit surprised to hear that some was interested in the Ridge in this way. The territory made for a decent home, with its great many hiding places that provided shelter from strangers and predators, and the intimidating height of its stone. Defending it was theoretically easy, but the reality was that this place attracted a great many hungry eyes. Cruelty seemed to live at the borders, reaching in to snatch the unsuspecting whenever it had the chance. Faolain did not think this was a secret about the place.

Only to offer my strength against your enemies as a second in exchange for a home.

As he finished, Faolain nodded, rolling the thoughts around in her head. She appreciated that Ruger was upfront about his request. She was almost sorry to have to inform him of the second’s position, which was taken, but that did not necessarily mean the end of the negotiation. After all, she could not simply turn away the offer of strength, especially when it seemed the Ridge was in constant need of just that.

Especially when Faolain was beginning to suspect she may be pregnant once again, and not easily able to defend her family on her own.

“You would have to speak with Ailill,” she said, nodding after a moment of silence. “He is the second stallion of the Ridge currently. As it stands, he is not often here, but I like him, and I care for his family. If you have a desire for his position, he might be willing to give you that responsibility, and I would be willing to take his herd into mine if they all wish to stay in the Ridge. Ultimately, that would be between the two of you to figure out, but you have my support if you go through with it. The Ridge could certainly use your addition.” She gestured over the steep slope of the Ridge as it climbed into the clear morning sky. “You and your family are welcome to stay, either way. I won’t deny that we could use the help.” For a second, she let her carefully impassive face slip to reveal a friendly smile. The Ridge was overdue for some change, and she was glad that such a thing had not come in the form of an enemy this time.

“My name is Faolain, by the way,” she added.