Dark eyes return to the swirling eddies of the water ahead, but they don't stay there long. The stranger breezes past her, and from there she watches his casual strides into the water. Rowena can't tell if his comment is critical or light-hearted. Her ears flicker in response, but she says nothing, for now.
So many thoughts turn in her mind, wild emotion, and dreams of what might have been, but she seldom attempts to translate into words. No one wants to hear Rowena's story, and neither does she want to admit aloud her own epic failures, so she really can't explain what compels her to answer the question that follows so honestly.
"No, I just thought you were someone I used to know."
With the newcomer standing before her now, she takes a moment to study his features. He reminds her of Ailill, with his handsome face, and golden coat, even if the shade isn't quite the perfect match. Though, he lacks Ailill's boyish charm.
It's been so long since they've seen each other that Rowena's logical mind knows Ailill isn't the young stallion he was when they met. Wherever he is, he's grown and wisened too, but the Ailill she'll always remember is the young gentleman she met in the Falls all those years ago
Beyond that, this stranger's battle scars and roguish smile remind her of her father. For all these reminders of those she's loved and lost, her heart softens for him. Without realizing it, Rowena catches the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Embarrassed, she makes a motion to walk past him towards the water, but this only makes the situation worse. Her feet squelch loudly as she frees them from their muddied traps. There is so much force behind the movement, that once her feet are free, Rowena stumbles forward, first knocking into the stallion shoulder-to-shoulder, and then falling to her knees. Mumbling a hurried apology, the mare rights herself and shuffles into the stream. She lowers her head to drink, avoiding eye contact. If her cheeks weren't covered in fur, they would be blazing red.
Rowena is normally sure-footed too, but this has been a hard year for her. Winter blues only served to amplify the sadness of all that she's lost. Her mood left her feeling unmotivated at best, and survival takes effort. She is thin for her breeding. With a thick winter coat still mostly hanging on, her condition wouldn't be obvious to see, but to touch her would be to feel her bones. Rowena is feeling the physical repercussions of a long depression. She is weak, and she is exhausted.