a hatred that spans generations

Things had happened quickly, but not quickly enough. His companion had yanked the coyote off its feet and he noted that the crystals growing on it made it slower. Well, that was good to know. Sure, he had mushrooms growing on his wounds and ears and stuff, but it didn't slow him down just yet. Well...maybe the coughing fits did sometimes, but not as much as the crystals affected the mangy coyote. An ear flicked to catch the girls words, and he glanced at her for a moment with an answer on his lips, but that was all the coyote needed as it lurched towards him and snapped at his forlimb. Balian snorted and reared, front legs flailing in the air before he brought them down and stomped on the little beast. Crystals cracked beneath his force, but the coyote seemed...well...like it hadn't been phased. Confused, Balian faltered for a moment as the bloodied little beast lunged at him and its teeth caught his pastern. Squealing with surprise, Balian reared again and spun. The coyote let go, and the moment it hit the ground, Balian came down on it again, but this time, he made sure to put all the force he could onto the coyotes head. The sound of crushing meat and bone was heard, and the sound was...gruesome, to say the least. Crystals shattered beneath his hooves, but so did the coyote. He had never quite been so violent with another life before, but at least it was out of its misery...

Coughing from the effort, he tossed his mane and looked at the girl. "Sorry about that...but it had to be done." He shrugged. Surely she understood.

"Speech"