Rhaego was interested to hear what sort of response he would gain from the strange mare. Would her answer be as bewildering as the rest of her? Or would she grow angry at him again for not seeing the forest as she did? Yet she does not bristle in the way that he almost expects her to when he brings his muzzle to her and in fact acts much like he would expect any other mare to react. She breathed in his scent as he did hers and Rhaego is pleased at the fact.

Her sigh of relief does not escape his attention and his pulls his heavy head away from her slightly, without moving his hooves, to better see her expressions as she spoke. Her tone is much calmer than before, relaxed now in the wake of learning that he did not wish to lose the forest his herd called home. She went on to speak of her duty and how in a sense, it was not so far from his own wishes. He can agree that he does not wish to see the forest suffer from a drought or illness, for the adverse affects would be counterproductive to his goals and aspirations of a thriving and successful herd.

Rhaego could hear truth and sincerity in her words, now more than ever - not only just in her tone but also because he could understand the logic that she spoke. It made sense that they should share a common goal, even if their particular perspectives did not line up so perfectly - there was nothing he could fault her for in her speech. He wasn't entirely thrilled that she said she may at times travel to other forests, per say, but is pleased that his forest seems to hold a particular appeal to her. Her loyalty to the Dale's forest is appealing and Rhaego finds himself envious of very trees themselves for being held in such high regard to her. He wants to hold the same status in her mind, even if she can be a little loony at times.

The burly hessian shifts his weight, boldyly meeting the Mustang's pleading orbs and he revels in the thought that he holds that very opportunity that he craves, a wickedly triumphant simper crossing his face. "I'm not the least bit fond of you leaving, especially if these other forests are anywhere near another stallion's land... but if you certainly must travel, I would not have you not do it alone." He finished meaningfully, looking at her sternly to be sure that she caught on. Whether it be himself or another that he trusted, she would not be left unguarded... because certainly in time, Rhaego assumed, he would have made some enemies who would be delighted at an opportunity to steal a mare from under his nose. He was not fearful of this occurring, but he was thorough in his planning for the future. He pauses a moment, as if hesitating, but in truth he is studying her one more time before speaking his final words. "You may stay in the Dale. I hope that your allegiance to me will rival your allegiance to this forest. I need loyalty to strengthen the herd - it would do the others good to see loyalty such as yours if you hold true to your words." Here he did hesitate, broody and thoughtful eyes flicking over her. He takes a deep breath after a moment, decided. "Prove your honesty in the coming weeks and I can see you earning some respect within the herd and even from myself... a notable role perhaps." Rhaego was not much for 'ifs' but he honestly wished to see this bold little mare live up to her words, for if she could, he saw potential within her - she had the guts to speak up to a stallion such as himself but also the sense enough to know who deserved her respect, both valuable qualities in his opinion.