Mariael had never been able to speak of her grandfather with anyone aside from her mother and conversations with her mother had been difficult to come by when she was around. Hollowshank had been a kindhearted and loving mother, but only when she was able to remember she was one. Mariael listened to Freya and smiled warmly, her heart lifting to think of her grandfather sharing similar qualities to her. She would have liked to have known more about him, but she could settle for this brief encounter which told her even a snippet she hadn’t had before.
Pride came next, when Freya admitted Tinuvel was in control of one worthy. Mariael’s smile showed just a glimpse of her youth, but slipped away into the carefully constructed composure she often had moments later. It was difficult sometimes to remember with the way she carried herself she was just a child… but every so often there were glimmers… little reminders she was young to have taken so much responsibility on her shoulders. “Thank you, Freya.” She said, her tone soft. “If you ever find yourself missing Tinuvel, you’re always welcome among my herd. We’ll make certain to keep you safe during your stay.”
Mariael knew the call of Tinuvel, when one lived there long enough, and imagined that same pull must have tempted Freya many times before today. She would always be welcome here, and safe, should she miss the northern island at any point.
Zevulun straightened as Freya began to speak as if ready to part; his interest in the older, attractive mare was hardly over. Clearing his throat, he started to speak a little rushed, as if afraid he’d be overlooked if he didn’t get all his words out. “I know we assume the Inlet is empty, but we haven’t actually traveled through it’s borders in depth. We’re not sure if the wolf pack has taken residency there.” He paused, his blue eyes shot to Mariael (who was only partly buying into his “concern” for Freya). “Please, let me escort you and your son at least until we’re certain the Inlet is safe for you to travel through alone.” He smiled, a handsome, hopeful smile… and hoped his eagerness to spend some time alone with her wasn’t too obvious.
Mariael suppressed a sigh and instead gave Zevulun a thin smile. “I’ll leave you three to it then.” She said only after Freya had agreed to the escort and nodded, her smile warming as her eyes turned to Freya, and then her gaze narrowing as she looked at Zevulun. Don’t you dare do anything stupid. She seemed to mentally convey and then turned, intent on continuing to escort the borders of the Bay on her own while Zevulun took off with Freya and her son.
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