Arneis is a little confused by this mare. She’d approached him so confidently, went straight in to nip at his shoulder and make it absolutely clear who he belongs to, only to then ask him? It’s disorienting. Maybe she’s as unfamiliar with this whole process as he is? After all, she can’t be much older than him. He’s impressed by the fact that she already has her own land, has a herd she can start to build. He’s never wanted such responsibility himself, but is glad that he’s found someone who does. How else would Arneis be able to find a home? He wasn’t keen on having to beg some stallion to let him skulk about at the edges of a territory - her approach is better than any outcome the handsome young appaloosa had expected. She’s quick to reassure that she actually wants him and Arneis grins at that, happiness lighting up his face. No one ever wants him - not his mother, not the herd he was brought home to. She does, though, and Arneis knows that he will do whatever it takes to keep her happy. Being wanted is a heady feeling, one that Arneis already knows he could become intoxicated on. “Okay,” he agrees, blinking at her forceful demand. Is that how things usually go? Well, it doesn’t matter. They can learn together. He’s never heard of a name like hers, thinks that Solomon must be her Father’s name. He doesn’t know his father, has no way to identify himself so he says, “I’m Arneis, and I’m not a Prince. I don’t know who my father is? And I’ve never been to Tinuvel. But my mother was Riesling - I left my old herd to try and find her.” He perks up at the potential, asks, “Have you met her? I don’t know what she looks like but the mare who raised me said she’s darker than I am, but….spottier.” She’d also had some choice words for what she thought of a mare who would abandon her own newborn, but Arneis doesn’t repeat any of that poison. He knows that there must have been a reason. Besides, could she have hated him so much? Instead of leaving him to die, she left him with another who could raise him. Arneis got a sister and an extra mom out of the deal, even if he hasn’t wound up with a father. “I’ve been looking for her since I was old enough to be out on my own. But it’s huge out here. I don’t think I’ll ever find her, at this rate.” He lets out a defeated sigh, ears swiveling back in disappointment. “I won’t give up - maybe you can help me look? If you’re a princess, you must know loads of people.” He nods at this, more confident in his path now. “I’ll be in your herd and I’ll talk to you and be perfect company, but you have to promise that you’ll ask about her, ok?” His honey-brown eyes are bright with optimism when they land on his pretty new leader, and Arneis can’t help but look forward to what comes next in this journey.
ooc note: happy to call it here and pop him into the thicket, or so so after your next reply. Up to you!
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