Kendry backs up to give the mare room as she struggles to rise and watches the scene unfold with mild amusement. The young stallion, Noctis, interests him. He watches Vasilisa’s son as he chides the blue roan, gently, for choosing to nap so soon after a swim. The family resemblance there is quite clear, as is the boy’s selfless gesture as he moves closer to share his body heat with the mare. Kendry blows out in amusement, then catches himself and belatedly offers his muzzle to the blue roan to exchange breaths.
His ears flick between the two, one occasionally twisting to monitor the small, sharp sounds running like an undercurrent to the roar of the falls. He eyes Noctis when he describes his home, or lack thereof, thinking perhaps this explains his aggression toward his own reflection. Were the mare not here, he’d follow up on that, but at present it does not seem the right time to delve into what hurts the boy might be harboring in his heart. Hard enough to be vulnerable in the company of strangers, much less in front of a pretty lady.
“Well met, Nadja, Noctis,” Kendry says as he nods to each horse in turn. “I’m Kendry. These Falls are part of the Crossing Isle, Nadja, and neutral land. Islands such as Atlantis are separated into territories. I’ve come from Luthien, myself.” His glance toward Noctis is casual. “I’m seeking residence in the Thicket. It is uncomfortable, isn’t it, to be between homes,” he observes. “What of you, Nadja? Fresh from the mainland— welcome to the Lost Islands, by the way.” He points both ears at her. “Have you had a chance yet to find yourself a home? Or were you planning on settling here, in this... cozy neck of the woods?” He smiles as he says it, clearly teasing, his blue eyes shifting merrily between his two companions as he invites them to laugh. |