It’s interesting to hear she was born on Atlantis; the lush green island is as close to Salem’s opposite as Rafe has found so far. This is the first equine he’s met that was raised on the main island. It’s interesting to hear - it’s still a shock to him that a mare would opt to live without a herd, would attempt to raise a foal without being tucked away somewhere safely under the protection of a stallion, without the assistance of a herd. He had grown up with aunts and cousins and older siblings scattered around - the rearing of a child was never something done just by the mare who birthed them. To hear that Mae was raised in such a lonely manner intrigues him, although he’s not fond of the idea if it is common. Will any mares he takes into his herd expect to raise his future foals in such a way?
Mae remains surprisingly agreeable, although it seems the mention of his home has clarified his intentions. She asks politely if he wants her to join him there, and he nods. “Yes,” he agrees. “I’d like it if you joined me there.” No use in pretending otherwise - playing coy or trying to mislead her is of little use, since he actually does want her to return with him. There also hasn’t been a reason to get pushy - she seems either indifferent or resigned to the fact that she will be going with him. Rafe sees no benefit in herding her away, nothing to be gained by getting physical and dragging her back. Perhaps this is a better approach - resignation is better than hate and the avoidance that Viveka has pulled since his claim of her. Mae’srequest is reasonable, so Rafe shrugs. It is a terribly long swim, and to even get to a realistic point to leave the land and venture into the ocean, they have to head far to the south of the Crossing Isle. “That sounds reasonable,” Rafe murmurs. “I’d rather you not drown on our trip over.” He tosses his head once and offers, “It’s different than Atlantis, or than this isle; it’s harsh, but there is beauty to be found. I hope you will find it as well.”