Freya wasn't sure whether to apologize after Zevulun spoke. Losing one's parent was never easy. Bjorn and Schuyler had both lost Dogun, although they had been a bit older than Zevulun. She had never really considered that, maybe, Baldr really was better off without his father in his life. The last thing she wanted was for him to embrace the values of the Lagoon stallions. "Yes, you might be right about that."

When he spoke again, Freya's demeanor turned coy. She was certainly flattered that a handsome (and younger stallion) like Zevulun had any sort of interest in her, and was so willing to step in as a figure for Baldr. Still, it was his job to protect. Perhaps he was like this with every mare, she tried to reason with herself, not wanting to get caught up in fleeting emotions. She wasn't a flighty, naive filly anymore, prone to fits of impulsiveness. She hadn't been that way for a long, long time. Years of queenship and motherhood had cooled her hot head, blessing her with the patience and insight she had lacked as a young woman.

"Thank you, Zevulun." A grateful whisper fell from velvetine lips. The more she thought about it, the more tempting his offer became. She had always considered Tinuvel to be her true home. Living in the Forest with Persephone was great, of course, and she had felt nothing but welcomed since the moment she stepped hoof into its borders. But there was still something missing, and until now, Freya hadn't quite been able figure out what it was. Now, as she stood approached the border of the Inlet, she knew: the Forest would never compare to Tinuvel. The Forest did not hold years worth of precious memories, would never have the same place in her heart that this frigid island did.

Still, she couldn't just up and leave. Although she knew Persephone would let her go if asked, she had to consider the implications of such an action. Although Baldr was already strong and healthy, she knew frequent travel between the Islands couldn't be good for him. With autumn and winter coming up, the waters were bound to get even colder. She wasn't sure he could survive a trip to Tinuvel in the middle of the cold season - even as an adult, the journey was taxing. Freya wasn't about to risk it.

As they approached the border of the Inlet, Freya paused. A few meters off, Baldr kicked at a wayward patch of snow, squealing in delight. "I do want to come back to Tinuvel. But I already made a home with Persephone, in the Forest... I wouldn't want to just up and leave. But to know that if I ever want to come back, I am welcome, is comforting." Reaching out, Freya sought to press her nose against the warm skin of Zevulun's neck, a brief gesture of her gratitude. It meant more to her than he could know.

((ooc: sorry for the not so great post. If you want, we can wrap it up with your reply, and then I might start a new open thread that has Freya returning to the island after finding out about Persephone.))