Since Daffodil had decided to take his offer to grant her freedom, the stallion had yet to see her return to the Lagoon. It hadn't been long since her golden form had left the verdant territory, but it had disheartened the brute more than he had initially expected. Alioth had grown used to her company, which he had taken the time to earn. He gotten lazy in the shared warmth of their nights together. And in the raw ache of Daffodil's absence, Alioth yearned to make himself useful to the brotherhood.
Chance had placed him near enough to the shore when one, then two horses darted into the shallows. Dark ears twist forward and then back with a moment's indecision followed by piqued curiosity. He slipped into the cool saltwater, relishing the bite of it against his dark skin, then made to follow the other swimmers.
Alioth emerged from the saltwater with his attention already focused on the scene before him. He took stock of the dripping sabino mare clinging to a grey draft female. Pity pricks within him for the trinket. He's glimpsed the loneliness gnawing at her from his refuge in the shadows and dank of the Lagoon.
Letting her be had seemed the better option at the time. Better that he not breech that wall again between prisoner and keeper. Better he not open the door for a new attachment when already yearning for another. Pity would keep him from setting teeth to her to bring her back.. for now.
Resolutely, Alioth made to join his pale comrade, coming to stand at his side. The Appaloosa speaks to the sabino and her would-be saviors with a matter-of-fact if not dry tone. "Dog or not, she'll be returning with us."