A rare turn of a smile suddenly made its way across Mariael’s lips when first Persephone spoke. She knew the expression was an unexpected one and explained, unable to pull the smile from her mouth. “When I first was given the Bay by my father, a mare claimed the territory beside mine. I disliked her immediately and perhaps my hotheaded temper and pride got the better of me,” she didn’t look ashamed when she said it, fully admitting to her fault with a soft breath of a chuckle, “I started a war with her and I can agree to your comment, it’s very difficult when you’re at odds with your neighbor.” She blew a soft breath and shook her head. “Thankfully that mare seems long gone and the neighbor I have now is of a like mind to me.”
Mariael thought of Asp then, how easily one stallion could disrupt the nature of the world with his arrival. A piece of her had always loathed him for taking the Bay from her and making her feel weak, inadequate beside him, but another piece of her had understood him when he’d spoken to only wishing for the Forest. Still, her first reaction would always boil in her gut and there was always a piece of her that wanted to teach him a lesson for daring to think, even for a second, he could lay claim to her home. She looked at Persephone with some care, but made her mind up quickly. “Should Asp return to the islands and give you trouble, I’d offer my help in any way you need. It’s never sat right with me, how he came and took my home for even a moment. Like I said, I’m quite prideful.” She smiled again, almost as if she was sharing a private joke with Persephone.
Her ears flicked as the Queen of the Forest spoke. Mariael was often wary of taking allies without fully understanding their nature, but the conversation with Persephone had been one of the most pleasant conversations Mariael had to date with another territory leader. She respected the mare immensely for going out of her way from her home to learn what she could of it. Within this mare was a great leader and for once, Mariael had warmed up to someone rather quickly. There was a mutual respect between them both, even without being spoken of.
“I’m of the same mind,” she agreed with a pleasant smile, “I would like to consider you my formal ally, and offer you the same respects in return. If I hear anything regarding your home or family, I’ll let you know and, should you need my assistance, you’re more than welcome to ask for it.” Mariael knew what it meant when she was looked upon as a good leader and so, for a moment her expression held over Persephone and then she smiled. “I believe the Forest will prosper beneath your leadership.”
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