Adelheid blinked in surprise as the other mare also seemed to relax more. She so easily slipped into a stature of comfort. The warm smile offered set her off balance and she looked almost dumbfounded. For a second, she felt a flicker of jealousy before she smothered it and realized it was really just the old embers of pain. This mare had done nothing to Adelheid to warrant her jealousy or ire. In fact, she had smiled at her, encouragingly so, just like her friends of the past had done before the dreams of fantasy had been taken away from her. Adelheid ached at the thought of letting it all go. Shaking it off her entire body, like the silent one in front of her shook her own tension off so easily. Unable to completely follow suit, Adelheid roughly shook her head and neck, releasing only her thoughts, still holding the pain in her body to be addressed later.

As she watched the other woman take her words, she could not help but start to smile pleasantly. This stranger reminded her so much her friend growing up, the wonder in her eyes was captivating. At times, she shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, wondering what the other mare was thinking and wanting, and unable to say. It was scary to think of what would happen if Adelheid was easily readable. Someone would know the longing behind the pain, the regret behind the anger, the hurt behind the wrath, and the dreams behind the nightmares. The smile flickered and her eyes fluttered at the thought and the fear. Opening herself to the trust and to be able to be hurt again was not something the dark mare thought she could do. She settled into a reserved calm as she spoke to the other mare, trying to gauge her actions and reactions, and also keep herself steady and calm as well.

When she finished speaking, she watched her companion closely, hoping to interpret her movements correctly. She followed her gaze into the mountains and swished her tail. I take it no, you just got here… She watched the other again, a slow grin once again coming over her face. Stepping a little aside, she tossed her head toward the trail she had taken up here. Would… would you like to see more?