**as the other bids the unknown to come forth and be scrutinized, garnering of sustenance from jade shoots is ceased as chiseled crania is elevated slightly atop slender 'boa' and slim but sure pistons churn 'neath silver'd bodice to cause peregrination in the direction of she dubbed tidus. heedless trampling of virgin terre beneath, for what is left innocent is better dead. halt is executed comfortable distance away from tensed duo of everdusk and the other that had called, the shattered jest of a half-amused, half-bitter smile superimposed over her patrician visage**

.well, well.

**an upstart? surely not...would a subordinate, and a relatively fresh arrival at that, dare defy a trusted and respected mare? inquisitive amusement displayed at the curious scenario, questioning whether it was impudence on the side of the lower, or paranoia on the side of the higher-ranked. perhaps a bit of both...everdusk was not thought to have shown disrespect to her betters in the eyes of the siren, or at least not extensively so; but perhaps the word 'dominance' was not advisable in the speech when conversing with a superior-ranked femme. and after all, though bonds were what brought a harem together, battles were what kept it alive. no interference is made, merely a low whicker to discreetly announce her presence**

.a spectator.

**though not quite enjoying sport the way an audience would at a game, hearty interest is taken. would everdusk show submission and end the confrontation before it had fully begun, or would she refuse to give in, as Syntical had done, and meet the wrath of the teeth and hooves of tidus? indeed, it could be swayed both ways, and while the lonely soloist supports neither more than the other, intrigue is apparent in her twin pools of eerily cloaked vigilance**

~siren~

[.take or leave my respect.]
[.though I offer bonding with none.]
[.respect is seldom an option to.]
[.any.]

[.do not take this as a regular occurance.]
[.for my mind shall be lost altogether.]
[.if I must force submission yet again.]

**a companionable whicker is utter'd to tidus as greetings are exchanged equably. you have handled the situtation with remarkable smoothness, if i may say so; dominance held, superiority reinforced. brusqueness held to a minimum, considering the circumstances .. the more i see of you, the more my opinion of you escalates, tidus**

.worth.

**and you, everdusk. i was not of the mind to condemn you, for of course strength of mind is desirable in an equine. your first error in judgment occurred in your mention of continued dominance, even in the presence of tidus, and that is somewhat forgiven. you continued to smolder with fury unexpressed save in silent words, and this is not advisable, though you had the presence of mind to hide your wrath. if you will take my advice, do not attempt such dominance again unless it be of one to lower rank than you. if there is a next time, perhaps it would prove seriously detrimental to your health. lappets melt back'ards onto shattered poll in half-threatening display, but no harm is meant currently t'ward the other. i am watching you, everdusk, and while redemption is still within your grasp, you must reach for it yourself**

~siren~

**plummeting in the depths of her eerily deep pools o' vigilance is deep-rooted composure. indeed, the two thought alike, for it had been her own intention to propose an alliance. curious? hardly. both viragos, now beginning the uniting of their causes**

.of course.

.i accept.

**in swift and gracefully accented dip of regal crestal, acknowledgment is made of their new binding. indeed, let this fellowship be of one made of adamantine consistency. a melodious bugle penetrates the thickening aura of darkness, pledging eternal partnership**

~siren~