I would honestly love you now,
But I would lovingly let you down.
Jabari cocks his head to one side and narrows his gaze on her as he begins to grow impatient. His tail flicks more violently over his rump in response. He watches the mare intently and could tell she was desperate to try to convey some kind of message to him. But it wasn't until her name slips hoarsely from her lips that it dawns on him. She is mute.
Jabari's copper-colored ears swivel forward and then came to hang dismissively at the sides of his head as the realization sinks it. A wave of guilt and shame washes over him. How could he be so thick-headed? Him, of all horses on these islands, should be more in tune to her needs. "Lucifina." He repeats, and offers her a sheepish grin. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize..." He offers awkwardly, letting his voice trail off as his blue eyes fell to the ground beneath his hooves.
"My own mother was mute. Like you." He explains further. "I should have... I know better."
The painted stallion watches as the mare bobs her head in response to his question. "I would love the chance to show you the Prairie." He offers now, his mind no longer on Warsaw and the Inlet and the like. If nothing else, meeting this mare was a strong dose of humility for the young stallion. "If you'd let me."
He pauses now, waiting to gauge her response before trotting off toward the sea. Along the way, he muses of all the details of the Prairie he could share with her during the swim. The golden sea of reeds, the rolling hills, the kindness of his mother and the herd that Shamwari collected.
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