Rougaru had not been expecting company, at least not in the female form. What mares were to be found on the islands, aside from the ones who liked in the Peak, had already been neatly tucked away in their own herds guarded by watchful stallions. Most, like the curly eared mare before him, were soon to birth. Rae herself was close and the chocolate stallion watched over her carefully. Though she showed great resilience to the turmoils that the fates had bestowed upon her both mentally and physically, she was still fragile in his eyes, even more so now that she carried his child. Spring meant life, and that life came from within the herds, not beyond. Or so he imagined.

However here she was, the black beauty with her curling ears and inquisitive eyes. It surprised him to think she could even manage the swim from island to island but, perhaps there were reasons that even he and the wolf could never understand. Zjeena had told him once that mares will do what they must to protect their children. Over and over he had seen that in how she allowed her twin to return to their psychotic father even though she could not bring herself to follow them. He had seen the light in her eyes break, shattering like the sun broke across the surface of water. He saw it in the struggle Monster went through, bringing their children into the world, and he saw it in the way that Rae struggled to accept the daughter that she had been forced to carry. Each one struggled and fought for their children and wore their scars on their heart.

This woman was no different. Whatever it was that brought her here, she was willing to risk her own security for the safety of her child. Tentatively she reacts to his outstretched muzzle. She does not brush her lips against his like a tender lover, instead she holds herself close but not close enough that there is any real contact. A warm breath blows into his waiting nostrils. She smelled of salt air and hot dry lands. A far different from his own fragrant flavors that Paradise instilled into his skin. Her brows narrow at his words, and for a moment, he wonders if he has offended her. However, it does not take long before the corners of her dark lips start ghosting upward in the beginnings of a smile. Blackbird. She liked that. The wolf murmured its agreement, its golden eyes shining brightly. Gods forbid he turn down a gift.

She speaks now and his ears twitch at the exotic flavor of her words. He bobs his large head at her words, long cream and carmel locks swaying with the movement. He smiles warmly at her, her explanation reasonable in his eyes. ”Yes, I have become quite content to spend my winters here where the weather is always lovely.” he begins, shifting his multifaceted gaze to the bright green foliage around them. Atlantis had no real change of seasons, none at least that could affect the trees and shrub like it did on the commons. Atlantis seemed to always be blanketed in bright flowers and warm weather. ”I suppose you are used to a different kind of heat though.” He adds, cocking a hind hoof in comfortable relaxation.

He wants to know more about where she came from, wants to know about the sights she has seen and the others she has met but she beats him to it. Before he can form the questions up his lips, she speaks again, asking if he minded if she remained here. She continues on about how the foal’s father would not be searching for her, and that she would only stay long enough for the foal to find its legs. A light chuckle rumbles from his lungs as the stallion gives his head a gentle shake, long tail flicking against his feathered ankles. ”You can stay here for as long as you like… “ he begins, his voice trailing as a mischievous smile tugs the corner of his lips upwards again. ”But in return… you have to tell me more about yourself.” he finishes, taking a step back and pivoting his hips around so that she could join him down the path. ”Come, let me take you to the stream. I am sure you are parched after that swim.”