As the couple neared the grove of trees, away from the small herd, Crush glanced back over her shoulder to the group that they had left. She smiled when she saw young Iliana getting the newest mare, Flicka, to play with her. That filly was just full of energy; but it may not nessacerily be a bad thing, because it was always good to have a variety of personalities to keep a herd alive. She was glad that all of these mares had decided to stay here.

With a contented sigh, the sabino mare turned back to the black stallion, her thoughts again wandering to her and Galliant's conservation. She began to slow, surely they were far enough away from the others not to be heard... and asides from that, she began to worry that what he wanted to talk about was something bad and started to fret that it may be something about her. Slowly and very tentatively, Crush spoke.

"What did you want to talk about?"

c r u s h
three year old
chestnut roan sabino
bashkir curly mare

The black stallion continued to walk, rather silently, towards the brush nearby. As they took even steps along the ground, Galliant searched for any reason to try to take his mind off the growing feeling of nervousness that had suddenly struck him. He listened to the wind blowing against his ears, the few winter birds that were still chirping, and also the background silence that gave him a strange feeling as well. However, through all this, he also felt a pang of happiness. This pang was powerful though, surpassing his nervousness greatly. He couldn't let himself get this way though. He didn't even ask his question yet. Now, it may or may not be all that important, but to Galliant it was, and he hoped with all his might that Crush would feel the same.

Finally, after what could have been forever but what really felt like seconds, they reached this stand of underbrush, and Galliant took a hefty step to the whitened, bare-branched trees and bushes. "Now," he began, feeling quite awkward once he was facing the mare again, "you can see this any way you want, but I have a question for you. You can think it's important, or you can just pass it off. Whichever way you choose, I hope you go the way you want." he spoke, pausing just a moment to let these words sink in. He wanted her answer to be truthful, and he really didn't want her to 'just pass it off'. He wanted thought to go into this. Suspense, oh the suspense. Finally, he continued. "This is the first herd I've ever had for myself, and so far it's only been me at the head. And if anyone leads alongside me, I want it to be someone I enjoy the company of, quite a lot." he paused once more, wondering if she got where he was getting at now. "That is why I am asking you to be my lead mare, Crush." he suddenly finished, his ears swiveling forward quickly to catch any words she had for him in return. Did she feel the same way? He could only hope, but somehow, he really felt it was meant to be this way.

GALLIANT
Gallant steed.