Meadow

She complimented him on talking about his parents and Akello merely smiled. He would always be proud of the deeds of both his parents, seeing them both as strong independent leaders. Though they may not be together, he saw them both as role models and he willed himself to be half the horse they were when everything was said and done. For a moment, the mare before him seemed pensive, maybe even in pain, but righ when he would have furrowed his brow in worry, she moved on to his next subject, so he allowed the moment to pass. He shook his head with a small smile. "No, not at all. Logical, but not heartless. It makes sense in the grand scheme of things, even if it's not the majority outlook." That's part of what made it more fascination to him, after all. At least the mare was able to laugh about it. That made him feel better. She didn't seem to be offended by his response.

As she spoke about finding horses she could be herself around, he pricked his ears in full attention and even leaned in a little. She spoke so passionately about things she believed in. He was entranced. He nodded along in understanding. "That sounds like a blissful place to be, surrounded by others, free of judgement or resentment. I hope you find it, if you haven't already." His eyes shone genuinely, wanting her to find everything she wanted and more. She went on, even dipping her head and he couldn't help but raise a brow in question. Her, shy? That was a first since meeting her. He listened again as she explained that it was hard for her to admit she was wrong. He smirked a little. "I doubt that's a rare fault to have. Pride seems more common than grass some days, but even admitting it to be a fault can prove just how far you've come...and how far you're willing to go to improve and change."

She asked then to be understood and he smiled again, the light softening in his eyes as she said his name. "Are you willing to let someone have that chance? Understanding only comes if you let someone in. That's a risky desire." He hoped she didn't think he was lecturing her or anything. If anything, he was curious as to how she would achieve that understanding she seemed to want so badly. Maybe there was another way? He wanted to see it, if so. When she tossed her head toward him, he tensed for a second but held his ground, wondering if she was going to actually bite. When she didn't, he pricked his ears again and watched her with curiosity, his skin trembling where her muzzle brushed his shoulder. When she pulled back, there was new energy to her posture and he didn't know what to do with it. She told him his uncertainty made him seem more wise. He didn't want to brush off her compliment so instead he dipped his head.

"I have no words then but to thank you for your kind words. I hope I can live up to them." He almost expected her to laugh at his own desires, so when she said it was noble, he couldn't help but smirk a little, but there was hope in his eyes. "But corny, right? Generic. I bet everyone tells you they want to make a difference." At least she seemed to be relaxing again with him, a welcome sight after her shy moment earlier. Her last words held more mystery than anything, but he couldn't help but smile. "A more true sentiment, I couldn't find. And it is definitely precious." His words grew soft, almost a whisper at the end as he continued to watch her. He didn't remember ever feeling this connected to someone before. What was she doing to him?