Need's not that stoic and serious. When she's not making an effort, almost everything she says has at least a trace of humor and challenge that can make it look like she doesn't take things seriously or is not far from mockery. She's just very stable and rarely shaken.

"Seems likely," she allows, half turning. "I'm thinking brother or cousin. I remember that horse and that she'd bite anyone but me. Maybe he was exempt."

Most of the herd has passed them, only a few stragglers cantering to try to catch up.