The spotted stallion was kind, it seemed. And while he had not offered a question for her to answer, his own response was given easily enough. Interestin'. I wonder why the brute took 'im? Hardly seems like a way to get loyal help. It was strange to think that a stallion could be stolen and traded around like a mare, but she supposed in the grand scheme of things it wasn't really that different. Strange, maybe, but not that different. Stallions couldn't make babies, but they probably didn't attract as much attention from strange herds either.

Aye, o' course it does. She thought bitterly as he explained more of the climate of the land. If the sweltering humidity and ever-present risk of big cat attacks weren't enough, she'd have to deal with more of this heat. Rougaru adds in his own commentary about the water and a short bark of laughter escapes the disgruntled pinto mare, though she does not voice the smart ass thought that surfaces. Aye, I'm sure I could think o' pretty sunsets whilst I'm drowning. Mebbe a warm bed on the sand, pile o' plucked grass at mah feet.

Rougaru adds to Gnome's question, giving context to the situation that had led the spotted stallion to reside here among the warm beaches. She catches the name of the mare that had once apparently, held claim over Gnome and probes further, curious about this figure. Owing to her limited knowledge of the isles and her generally traditional view of hierachy, she knows not of the insult she proposes. "Did you claim this Xiomara too then? Why'd she send ye to this blisterin' land?"

It is only then that she turns her attention back to Gnome with a wry grin. "A season or two, mebbe? Fall was half-thru when I arrived. Liland near about chased me out o' the Commons outta fear o' you. Couldnae stop goin' on about how you were going ter show up and interrupt 'im."

She nods towards Rougaru as she mentions him, her gaze appraising. Her freedom was a rare thing to relish, one she had never considered to be that important before. She'd traded the claim of one stallion for another when she'd come here without batting an eye, but the illusion of choice was tempting. He's a strong sort, but it's hardly better than the Bay. I'm not 'ere because he wants me. I canna forget that. Her ears flick back momentarily at this thought before she continues, surprised and genuinely pleased he'd finally bothered to ask her something. Not that it took much, but it already placed him over Liland.

"I wasnae, born here, no." She said with a small shake of her head. "I dunno if the land had a fancy name like these Isles, but it was like Tinuvel but more green. And misty. Ma da had given me tae an old friend of his as a young filly, and I lived with him for a good few years before he passed."

Heaven rest ol' Dougal. She thought to herself, fondly. As a young two year old she had been less than thrilled to go live with an aged friend of her father's, but they'd quickly developed a raport. It had not been a romantic attachment between the two of them, but like old friends they'd weathered the years side by side. Even when they'd conceived her only son, it had been out of her request, rather than his. And if she was honest, neither of them thought it would work. The pony mare clears her throat before continuing, brushing aside the grasping fingers of her emotions before they could take hold. "Anyway, when 'e passed I really had nothing tying me back home. I'd done my duty by my da already and I was about done letting the menfolk decide my fate. Wanted ter find someone that'd pick me, ye see?"

She shifts uncomfortably, annoyed with herself for letting her tongue get that far. Shut yer damn mouth, woman. They don't wanna hear ye blatherin' on.

"An like I said, Liland all but rushed me out o' there to the Bay and I figured at least I'd give 'im a chance, and see what this place was all about." Now I'm pregnant, far from what I had begun to consider home, with only one soul on this whole damned world tae trust. The small mare turns her attention back to others, her gaze flicking between the three of them, neat ears pricked. "Wot about you lot?"

She does not miss the way Valka seemed to genuinely dislike Rougaru, and wonders anew at the cause. It seemed almost certain to her that the mare was not here of her own free will, if the sullen look was to be believed. Especially considering that her glowering countenace lightens as they exchange breaths. A warm smile, the first true and genuine one that she has offered thus far today, lightens the pink of her muzzle and she unabashedly shuffles to be closer to the small mare.

"I'm Grier, lass." Curiously she tips her head toward the girl. "Ye doin' okay?"