As Svenja reaches her side, the sabino mare's attention is grabbed by something ― someone ― else. Too wrapped up in her daughter's antics, she's oblivious to the stranger's approach until his call meets her ears. Immediately the woman turns, placing herself between his path and her child's petite body.

'Threat, threat,' her mind shouts before it has truly caught up. But she's quick to realize that he's not much of a threat, if at all. He's far too timid, and when he begins to speak he stumbles and stutters over his words like a smitten little weanling talking to his crush. His eyes are dark but there's an unmistakable light inside; she sees it often in her daughter's own gaze. Youth, clear and intense as the sun that illuminates the sky above. Nostrils flare to take in his scent ― frost and pine resin and musk mixed together. It's undeniably Tinuvel.

'My name is Gavriel, and you look new,' he says, and it pulls a silvery laugh from between her pale lips. This must be his first time visiting the Bay in quite some time if he thinks her to be one of the new ones. "Well, Gavriel, not exactly. I've been here since last autumn, at least. But I haven't had much of a chance to leave the Bay, let alone Tinuvel, thanks to this one." A downward gesture of her muzzle indicates she's speaking of her daughter. The little filly remains steadfast at her side, honey-brown eyes narrowed suspiciously up at the stallion, darting between his face and her mother's.

"Why are you talking to him? You said not to talk to strangers!" Svenja protests.

"Yes, but he's not a stranger." Is the mare's simple reply, confident in her assessment of the young stallion and his status as a Tinuvel resident. If she was wrong, it would be her price to pay, but she would do everything to ensure her daughter was safe. Still, given the sheepish nature of his introduction, she's certain he wouldn't harm a fly, let alone a child.

The focus of her azure eyes shifts back to him, ashen tail flicking against the ochre expanse of her hindquarters. "It's nice to meet you, Gavriel. I'm Brynja, and this audacious one is Svenja. What brings you into the Bay?"