Common

The slender black mare was quiet, but friendly. Cerosi decided she liked her. ”Nice to meet you,” she said with a smile and a happy bob of her head. She reminded Cerosi of the mare’s of her tribe, though without the fearful skittishness. Maybe Nasa was afraid, but she didn’t show it, and Cerosi admired her courage amongst the strangers.

”An unofficial welcoming committee,” she confirmed with a short laugh. ”It’s nice to meet you both. It’s nice to talk to anyone, actually. I’ve sort of been avoiding everyone since I got here...” Her tone was almost guilty in her confession. She didn’t owe anybody here her time or a conversation, but she felt some type of guilt, perhaps toward herself, for missing out on friendly faces. She had too many experiences with cruel ones that she had perhaps forgotten that friendly ones were out there at all. This was a pleasant reminder.

She listened as Cain informed Nasa of the dangers of the Common, confirming Cerosi’s observations. His offer to the slender black mare was kind, and Cerosi decided she liked him, as well. She knew it was a possibility he was lying in order to get them alone, but from what she knew about the Common now, that seemed unlikely. She doubted any witnesses would object to just another stallion forcing a mare or two off the island, or care if he decided to harm them or take advantage right here in the public.

His offer of a home, with the reassurance of choice, was also surprising to Cerosi, and she watched both Cain and Nasa to see what the black mare would say to the offer. She was not sure if she was ready to settle before exploring this place, but it might be good to have a safe home to stay when she wasn’t running about. She thought about it while she waited for the arabian to respond. She liked her, and at the very least would enjoy visiting the hot island of Salem to see these friendly faces again.

She turned to Cain again. ”If we came with you… do we have to stay? I would like to explore, and see the other islands. But your offer is very kind, and I appreciate it either way,” she said, hoping he did not take offense to her question.

• CEROSI •