Faolain felt quick to heal, but she knew it was only her perception of time since Hades’ birth. Rivaini and their dark chestnut son consumed almost all of Faolain’s time, such that the only time she was away from them was for border patrols, and even those were quick and (she was ashamed to admit) half-hearted. It was for this reason that the painted stallion was left alone within the borders for so long without being addressed or greeted, and Faolain was doubly ashamed and embarrassed when she realized an outsider had made his way into the Ridge without being noticed.

When the ‘Teke did realize, she raced down the path to the shore. She slid to a halt before the dunskin Mustang, nostrils flared, but not intentionally aggressive - she was just alarmed. With a gentle snort, she settled, pacing for a moment in place before falling still and actually getting a look at the stranger. He was waiting peacefully, his stance unassuming and calm, and Faolain let out a breath. She didn’t really expect any danger to come to Hades from outside of the Ridge, but she had been subconsciously waiting for someone to come for Zvaid. Faolain had never met Aranck, and did not know what he looked like, but she was immediately certain this stranger was not the terrible stallion of the Arch. She bobbed her head to him apologetically, her dark tail swishing against her sweat-dampened hind legs. If she didn’t get a handle on her stress soon, she would start going grey, she thought.

”Welcome to the Ridge, and I apologize for the wait,” she said. ”I am Faolain. What brings you to this place?” As she calmed herself, Faolain reached out to exchange breaths with the stranger. She was no longer suspicious of him, only curious, and she watched him with a gaze that was no longer hostile in its alarm.

faolain

mare // 6 // EE aa // 14hh