Meadow

Ayiana had not meant to upset him, but it was clear from the apologetic smile that tugged his dark lips upward that he felt some guilt. However Ayiana found herself laughing good-naturedly. The scene must have been an amusing one, for him or any other passerby that happened upon them. Her startling like a yearling doe over the thick voice of a herdmate. It was almost comical really. She gives her proud head a shake, her slender forelimbs shifting beneath her, ”It's not your fault. I probably should have been paying attention to where I was going. It's a wonder I didn’t trip right into a rabbit hole.” she teases, dramatically tripping over nothing just to shove her weight against his with a playful laugh.

She was sure that the concern in her eyes moments ago had not missed his watchful yes, she could sense it in the glimmer of worry that danced behind his friendly eyes. Though she did not remember much of the time they were able to spend together in the Prairie as foals, Ayiana does remember his politeness and calm demeanor when faced with the rambunctious and perhaps even overly forward cream filly. At least that was what mother always told her albeit in a playful voice. She almost felt guilty but father would not have her change, at least that was what he told her. Never change who you are.

So, she hadn't.

He speaks now, his tones playful and teasing and Ayiana cannot help but to feel the worries and strains that had plagued her only moments ago begin to disappear. Affectionately she reaches out to tug at a strand of his dark mane, ”I suppose that doesn't make much sense now does it.” she laughs her pale silver blue eyes shining. He offers to find a stranger for her, and even to hide behind a tree while she converses with them. The picture it painted in her mind is enough to have her doubled over in a fit of giggles. ”I doubt we can find a tree wide enough to hide your big butt.” she taunts, bumping her hip against his own before dancing a few feet away from him, glancing back with the swish of her cream colored tail. ”In case you haven't seen yourself lately, you're not little enough to hide behind the shrubs in the Prairie anymore.”

Truthfully, she did not know what she wanted. She knew that she needed a few moments away from the Prairie and the weight of truth that lingered like a quiet voice in her mind. She needed a moment away from the sickness that had plagued so many in their tight-chested coughs and sniffling noses. Even the twins had not been spared though she doubted even a winter cold would ever come between them and a good game of tag. She had not intentionally meant to meet anyone new even though she knew most of the islands came here to congregate together in amiable conversation. She had just thought to get away and let herself dwell in her own mind without the watchful eyes of father or mother or Darshan to question her tears. With Ryder here, with the distraction he offered, she felt that weight beginning to lift, despite the facade of teasing and play that she put into place. He did not deserve to carry her worries. Surely he had enough to keep him busy enough.