Mariael prepared to nod her head and wish them well, ready to instruct them on how they might come back to find where the herd stayed if they came into any trouble as they went. But, before the pair’s decision to simply explore could be set, Jola spoke and Mariael had to fight hard to hold back a smile. She warmed up rather quickly to the mare that seemed of a like mind as her, which was somewhat a first for Mariael. First Persephone, Queen of the Forest, and now Jola.
Mariael chose to remain quiet as Jola spoke with Jusket, though she did not look away or play as if she wasn’t there. She stood witness to Jola as she argued on behalf of her whims, a silent encouragement cheering on from the sidelines. For a moment she wondered about the two of them, whether they were siblings, lovers, or simply companions. Mariael didn’t often worry over the relationships of others, too caught up in keeping an eye on her herd and her home, but while Jola handled this moment she could allow her mind to wander.
At Jusket’s nod, Mariael was unable to keep the edges of her mouth from curling up into a pleased smile. Even if the pair only stayed for a season, she was pleased at the prospect of getting to know them a little longer. “Well then,” she said, “welcome to my queensguard, Jusket and Jola.” Mariael felt a flare of pride burn hot inside her. The guard was one of the most important pieces of the herd and having more members within it, ones she trusted (and she did trust Jola and Jusket rather quickly), was a commodity she could never run short on.
Mariael shifted her limbs, the soft snowfall crunching beneath her hooves. “Would you two like to explore on your own before meeting back up with the herd, or would you care for company?” Mariael hadn’t yet done her patrol of the border – she’d sent Zevulun out this morning – but if they wanted to discover the territory for themselves, she wasn’t going to stall them from doing so.
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