Her words were almost too poetic - the strange lilt of her voice almost too melodic to follow. Gaucho's mind was a simple one, and for all of the verbal obstacles he had overcome since coming to Helovia, he still felt stunted in the presence of one who could speak as eloquently as Maren. But the Wildfire did not falter, nor did he back away. His mind reeled as she spoke, trying diligently to place and retain her words. In his antlers, Mara assisted with this as best as she could - but even for the serpent, Maren's accent was a little difficult. Still, the pair did well enough.

"No, Gaucho not think Maren like to be afraid. " His lips closed for a moment, sure that whatever came out of his mouth next was sure to get him into further trouble with the tiger-mare. Still, he held his convictions. "Gaucho see Maren finding bandaids. Not solutions. Maren yell at Gaucho and blame him, even when Maren know that this fire won't hurt you. Maren watch Sun God make bridge - Maren watch others use bridge. Fear of fire is one thing - fear of this fire is ..." He wanted to say silly, because it was. Irrational would have even fit. Maren had found every excuse in the book to avoid this one type of fire, when her fear was founded in something else. She was afraid of fire that burned and could destroy. This fire was a gift - one that she knew was harmless. Being afraid of something that had no potential to hurt or destroy was silly. But as his hardened gaze found hers, he found that he couldn't diminish her fear that way. Or at least not when she looked at him the way she did. So, he let his words trail off and shrugged.

"No, not a joke." He agreed, as she continued to berate him with her words. "The bridge is a test." Now it was time for her to learn some history. "Sun God make this land ... but long time ago, when Throat was ruled by others, Sun God was not respected. He was tolerated, but fealty to him could come and go. When Gaucho take power, that change. Gaucho make Sun God part of everyone's life, make them recognize that it was Sun God who give us this land, give us our magic, and our life. No more could Sun God be ignored. So, if anyone want to come live here, they must be faithful to Sun God. All devotion requires a leap of faith - to trust and believe. How is bridge a test? Bridge shows that trust. Trust that fire wings won't burn and won't drop you into the ocean. That what is invisible or appears harmful will not harm, and will keep you safe. Gaucho has trained warriors - Gaucho can train bodies that are weak. What Gaucho cannot train are minds and souls that are weak. Bridge show Gaucho which those are."

Gaucho's nostrils flared as vapor began to pool and swarm around Maren's legs. Was this magic? Or just some odd localized weather? Had she always had this ability? Given that he didn't know about her halo, the Wildfire decided there was likely much he didn't know about the oddly-painted mare. Though given the tone of their conversation, he wasn't sure he would have the chance to find out.

"Gaucho not punish those who are afraid. Gaucho know about fear, and know that it takes time to overcome. But-" Now his gaze flickered back to her, searching for her eyes and trying to hold them with his own. "-must be willing to try. Gaucho help with fear, but Gaucho can't erase it alone." It was ambiguous as to whether Gaucho was speaking specifically of Maren now, or of everyone in general. Regardless, his gaze was earnest and soft as he looked down at the mare complaining of fire, while she stood next to a burning pile of twigs, a magical bridge, and her Sultan who was constantly on fire.

[SHIT DOES MAREN EVEN HAVE HER BOAT RIGHT NOW. IF NOT, JUST IGNORE THAT PART LOLOLOL dammit]