Now or Never

[Kreios]

kreios don't you tame your demons, but always keep them on a leash with the black and white stallion off grazing again, I can focus entirely on Naira. She accepts my offer – the Desert and then the Country – and I smile happily. I am ready to go, and even turn slightly as she tells me to lead the way. Only then do I realize that the pinto has reacted to my suggestion – and not in a pleasant way at all. I have no time to tell him that I did not intend to offend him because he’s already whinnying loudly at something I cannot see. He questions my protection of Naira but that does not stop me from taking another step forward, moving my shoulder from where it was pressed reassuringly against hers in order to stand slightly ahead of her. He seems to dislike my horns, even asking Naira if she thinks I am more ram than horse. Though I would usually roll my eyes at such an insult, I’m already weary of his puzzling behavior and bothered at the way he continues to scare Naira despite her obvious discomfort. When he says he’d make a good army member I frown – he might have good stamina, but I have a feeling he’d start more wars with his mouth and behavior than he’d ever be able to settle. Naira is clearly growing more agitated, and my frown deepens into a scowl as the stallion begins to speak again. He mentions Pevensie – Kreios’ queen – but I cannot imagine that my queen would let invite someone like this to the Desert. When the other male begins to circle the palomino, I decide that I have had enough. I had done my best to be tolerant and kind, but even I can be pushed too far. I know that Naira is not my possession, but that does not mean that I do not care about her comfort. I see her rearing up at my side, doing her best to appear threatening, and while I am sure that she can take care of herself I am also aware that I am, by nature, a bit more intimidating than she is. Snorting harshly, I lower my head, my ears pinned back into my mane. “Back off,” I say, the warning clear in my tone. He might find it funny that I have ram horns, but I doubt he’ll think they’re as amusing once they’ve been used against him. He finally seems to get the message that he is not wanted here, at least not while he’s acting so unpredictably. “Let’s go,” I say quietly to Naira, glancing over at her before gesturing toward the path that leads to the Desert. The other stallion has already run off again and is down by the river. I assume that means he will not be following us, but I linger long enough to be sure before turning to show the palomino mare the way to the mythic kingdom.