The mahogany mare smiled. She wished there was something she could do to calm the dark stallion’s nerves. There was probably nothing she could say that wouldn’t make Lukasz more self-conscious, so instead Kirova just listened, watching him with a calm gaze as he spoke.
”Why lonely?” she inquired. She couldn’t remember if he had mentioned having a herd in his home in the Badlands, but she was sure the kind stallion had some companionship. He was sweet; certainly a few mares would have noticed and followed him home by now. She tilted her head at him curiously, her question genuine, when she remembered she had asked him to show her around the Badlands last time she had seen him.
”Do you have other business here on the Crossing?” she asked, wanting to make sure she didn’t interrupt his plans. ”If you’re not busy, I’d love to see your home. Of course, if you’re here to get away from home for a bit, I understand as well,” she said with a laugh. Kirova herself had nowhere else to go, and nothing to do now that Vasilisa was gone and her family was not going to be found here. She felt a little sorrow for their loss, but it had been so long since she had seen them. Kirova felt as though she had always known deep down that she would not find them, but coming to the isles had at least brought her closure. She was still interested in exploring and learning about the chain, and eager to accompany Lukasz, whether he decided to spend time on the Crossing or journey back to Salem.