Mild surprise at Siobhan’s offer for advice clouded Faolain’s otherwise still expression. She had not expected the offer, but she was grateful for it nonetheless. Humbly, the dark Akhal-Teke bowed her head. "I would appreciate that. Thank you," she said. As though her speech earlier had taken up a strict allowance of words, Faolain was now mostly silent, save for a very quiet sigh. In truth, she was greatly relieved at Siobhan’s offer. It would be incredibly helpful to have someone who knew not only the details of leadership, but also the land and the herd. This, paired with Ailill’s support, took a great weight off Faolain’s narrow shoulders.

Despite her relief, Faolain did not allow herself to relax into her position. Confidence would come with time, as was the case with every other tool she needed to protect her family. In the meantime, she needed to pick one aspect and focus on it. Speaking with Siobhan allowed her to realize that the size of a herd was less important than the bonds within. Not that she had been actively pursuing new members, but she also had not been paying attention to the ones already here. Was she making the same mistakes Björn had? She was not better than the icelandic stallion. Simply claiming the Ridge did not make her a hero or a savior by default. She had to put the work in.

It was time for her to find Rivaini and Iscariot once again. They were the reason she was truly here. They were her family, and she had not seen either of them since her arrival. A gnawing sense of urgency caused her stomach to clench. Did they already think she had abandoned them, as Björn appeared to have abandoned his herd? She did not know Björn’s story, but the loyalty his old herd still expressed for him spoke volumes about the old king’s character; he must have had a good reason to leave his family alone for so long. Faolain did not have such an excuse.

Gently, the ‘Teke reached out her muzzle to exchange parting breaths with the red mare. "I am glad to have you here, as long as you wish to stay," she said, her tone genuine and decisive. She didn’t want to push her luck this time by asking - she had already asked so much of Siobhan - but some day, should the chestnut woman allow it, Faolain wished to meet her young daughters. She had not been oblivious to the possibility of having her own children, but until now the idea had seemed far away and unlikely. Now, with everything changing as much as it had been, the concept was less distant, but she had never really interacted with children before. Perhaps it was time to address the possibility, with some assistance from resident foals if Siobhan was comfortable with it.

But that was an adventure for another day. For now, her conversation with the former Ridge queen had come to a conclusion, and both mares had lives and loved ones to return to. Faolain offered one last subtle, friendly bow of her head before slipping back into the shadows of the jungle.