Avangeline watched as Evaline turned about and headed inward, toward the shore. Her concern for the mare was worn across her expression, which searched Evaline’s face the closer she came. Avangeline had never been particularly gifted in hiding her emotions as she’d never had reason to be. Both ears pressed forward, her thin neck holding her head high (though not in a proud way, it was doubtful Avangeline ever could be so).
Evaline said nothing but it mattered little to Avangeline. The moment the palomino mare stopped before her after having come inland, with saltwater dripping from her hide, Avangeline smiled gently. “I’m sorry if I interrupted your swim.” She wondered if maybe she should have just turned about and let Evaline do whatever she wished. “I saw you standing in the ocean and was worried something had happened.” She glanced over the mare in a quick, curious sweep but saw no sign of wounds. Clearly, Evaline had likely intended to remain in her solitude and Avangeline had ruined it.
“If you wanted to be alone, you can tell me,” she offered quickly as a sort of apology, her head lowering a little bit as a more sheepish turn took her lips. “I didn’t intend to intrude on time you wanted to spend alone.”
Avangeline knew well about wanting time to spend alone. Though she’d never chased anyone off who’d been too curious to leave her be when she’d been living on Crossing Isle, there’d been times she wished she could do it. Sometimes it was nice to be alone… but sometimes, she thought, it was nice to know there was someone who cared enough to check and make sure you were okay.
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