He couldn’t help but smirk along with the mare as she responded. ”No, I suppose you don’t,” he mused. He watched her as she continued, and wondered at her. It had been some time since he’d met someone so outspoken. Aside from the way she’d brought him here, she was rather refreshing. For the moment, anyway. Who knew what her true motives were. ”Ah, well keeping company I can do! And sight seeing in such a beautiful climate is easy. Awfully cold, though.” His tone was more cheerful now. It had been so long since he’d spoken to anyone, and though this was merely small talk to for now, it felt good to use his voice.

He rolled his eyes and snorted amusement at her mention of statues. As he followed her, he answered dryly, ”You know, I can grow hair for winter, it just takes longer than two minutes.”

Walking certainly warmed him some. Even in just the short time they stood atop the knoll, his muscles had begun to stiffen. They easily released with the movement, and by the time he and Xiomara had reached the cave he was nearly dry and warm enough that steam lifted from his body in delicate tendrils. He had let the mare lead the way, and so he was just a moment behind following her into the darkness.

Once inside, it was rather roomy. He supposed it once belong to a bear or some other large creature, but no such scent lingered. He shuffled sideways in order to give Xiomara some room. ”This is cozy!” He paused for a moment, considering. ”Was this your plan all along, to lure me into a dark hole and have your way with me?” He chuckled and winked at her to let her know he was joking, but for all he knew that could’ve been exactly her intention.

Gnome