Only after she had made the jest did it occur to Meg that it’s meaning might be a little vague. She didn’t thing Gaucho was unintelligent by any means, but as strait forward and plain speaking as he was, Meg might have to stick to a similar manner of speaking when on official business. The newly made Sultana glanced back at the oasis, wondering if Gaucho was entirely aware of her situation. It had been a long while since they had had time for a real conversation, and so much had happened in that time. Two gods, a baby, and a strange black stallion to be precise.

The stallion chuckled, and voiced his assurance, which had Megaera turning back with a smile. “You’re confidence is always a blessing Gaucho, and I thank you for it. The Sun God appeared at the Heart not long ago and set me a quest. Protect, he said, but learn to do so without destruction as well.” The mare’s face pulled in a wry smile “I wasn’t sure I would find that lesson as a warrior, but it seems now I’ll have to if I am to be a good Sultana.” The concept still seem backwards to militant Meg, but if her Sultan and her patron god both asked her to serve as a shield rather than a spear, there must be a reason and a way.

Gaucho advised more sparring and Meg nodded in acknowledgement of the suggestion. Dragon’s Throat was still a warrior clan, and even if there were new ways to learn Meg knew better that to slack in building her own strength. If she was going to be worth her salt as Sultana, she was determined to have the strength to defend the title. She made no comment and finally the stallion’s talk turned to the conflict in the northern herds.

Her experience with any of the three was painfully limited. Her venture to the Falls and the confrontation with the Basin members on the floating isle had both set a slight prejudice against any outsiders for Meg and she had never ventured into the Edge at all. Despite the negative history, she listened carefully to Gaucho’s word, determined to learn as much as she could. “We’ll keep a close watch on our borders then, to be sure that their troubles are not brought into our home.” She considered for a moment, still unsure how much she dared put forward. She had become so used to Gaucho being placed firmly above her in the herd; he was Sultan, she was a soldier. it was comfortable that way, it was safe. But he had broken that dynamic, changed it, and surely he knew her well enough to know she would take that responsibility seriously. “We should’t stay in the dark.” She finally spoke, resolved to be as bold as she ever was. “If there are power shifts happening then we should have eyes and ears in the north. We don’t want to get caught up in any fight, so maybe not right away, but I don’t think we should just wait here for news.” Now that she had said it there was a large part of Meg that wanted to be the one to go. As soon as the urge appeared though, she was forced to shove it aside with a swift snort. “I would travel myself but I cannot leave Mordecai for long just yet.”

@[Gaucho]