The other mare’s body language shifts again, although not how Rhadra had expected. Instead of joining her in relaxation and calm, the other mare’s attention moves to their surroundings, so keen to the slightest hint of strange sound or suspicious movement that Rhadra feels she is in a bubble of protection in this mare’s presence. It is a little like being back in a herd under the capable watch of a lead mare. It is a great gift Rhadra has just been given: be at peace, for I will watch over you.
Calm, basking in the stillness of her internal lake, Rhadra takes no offense or surprise at the mare’s irritated stamp. While she strives to emulate Kestral’s calm this mare’s energy burns and snaps like fire, sustained within herself but prepared to lick outward and consume any threats. Woe be to the enemy caught in her eye.
“Fun can be had alone,” she replies, thinking of the pale girl’s fish-catching game and her own history of having to entertain herself. “But you’re right. It is not ideal for our kind.” She nods her head, eyelids drifting lower. She’s not sleepy, just fully confident in her companion’s ability to cry warning— and deal with a threat. Rhadra has not been so relaxed since leaving her home herd.
Her ears twitch at the mare’s question and her eyes open fully as her gaze swings up to the other’s regal face. “This land is an island? I had thought it to be another place like ho— like where I came from.” She wrinkles her white-snipped nose and snorts amusedly. “If that doesn’t answer your question.... What about you? Are you also new?” She asks the question eagerly, surprised at the sudden lift in her chest that maybe she’s not the only stranger to this Someplace, to these Islands. |