It had been awhile since he had thought much about what qualities he looked for in someone who either was a queen or a king. His experience was rather lacking as he only had a couple experiences to draw from. His father had been a leader at one point or so he was told but how does one know this for sure unless it is proven knowledge. Their herd leader had been strong, respected, brave and everything else that suited their herd at the time but not many knew of what lay beneath the surface hidden from the prying eyes. He had seen the lust leech into his eyes with each new season followed by lengthy absences where he was going about the land tending to things as he called it. Anyone with half a mind could see that he was not exactly tending to the land but rather the faes who happened to be wandering around high in their estrus. If it was not for his father's guiding hoof he might have ended up just like him driven crazy by simple temptations leaving him unable to control himself. A barbarian, a player, a disgusting brute. Certainly not someone respectable or trustworthy.

Could there ever really be an ideal leader with ideal traits or characteristics when so much lay hidden behind locked doors? Basically it came down to what could one live with, if you could feel safe in your home was that enough to make you blind to the other negativities? As he listened to the mare speak he tried to picture what such a stag would be like. Was icy kindness a way of shutting others out or did it mean more than that or in fact the complete opposite. Was complete control the way to earn respect from others through the force of fear and iron rule? It was a touchy aspect that many chose to base their strategies off of but it was not the way he imagined a herd being ruled. There was a time and place for everything, using too much coldness would drive those away who feared action while drawing those who craved power. He did admit that everyone had their version of darkness within their soul even himself but he did his best to reign it in.

Loneliness was indeed a huge driving factor in ones decision to lean one way or the other. Darkness felt inclined to be less likely to follow through with promises in his opinion but he couldn't judge. Feeling a pang of sympathy for the golden toned mare he stepped forward beside her and gently nudged her shoulder. He knew what it felt like to feel lonely and he was not blind to the pain masked behind her smile. "No one should have to feel alone." He commented softly gazing out over the sea that drew the mares attention as well.

" A leader should be respected, but not necessarily by fear. Respect comes in many forms but if you prove yourself by actions you find many more will rise up with you to have your back in times of need creating obedience. " Pausing a couple moments to regather his thoughts he continued. "A leader must be trustworthy, noble and compassionate to the needs of others. At least those are things that I would look for, Apollo meets pretty much all of these in my eyes which is why many stand behind him. Together they all create a family that will not leave you behind or let you become lonely." Finishing his little speech his eyes drew back to the golden's wondering what all thoughts ran through her mind.