He rolls his eyes at the colt's first response. It was clear why Raini had so much trouble with him, but it was not his first time raising a son. It was his hope that one day Tino might claim him as a father figure and Raini might learn to relax. If she could have the time to let her guard down they may be able to build a real connection. He still had to ask her if she wanted to be a mare of his or just a common mare of the Inlet who did she she pleased.

Tino mentions his mother was still asleep and that he had just come to look for him. Nico nods as he steps closer to the tall colt. He wasn't about to debunk what he was saying though he doubted his words were fully true. Riani probably was still sleeping, but he bet the colt decided to go exploring on his own. Tino then asks to learn from him. "Of course I can teach you," he replies. It was time he starred to build trust with Tino just as he was building trust with his mother. He couldn't so that by calling him out on his lie.

The colt's expression changes suddenly as his eyes shifted to the ground. Nico watched him in confusion until his words explained everything. "I see," He says as he advances closer. Nico reaches out and nudges the colt's shoulder with his muzzle. "Sometimes even having a father around doesn't help, but thankfully I grew up with great parents. Both my mother and father had a lot of experience that they passed down to me and my siblings. I was also able to watch them myself and learn that way." He smiles and pushed his head under Tino's to raise the colt's gaze.

"Keep your head up. Each thing that happens in your life is a teaching moment. You only have to listen to what the world is teaching." He pulls away with a step back. "I have a son I am training to one day take over the Inlet when Im ready to retire. Like you, he still has much to learn. Not everything can be taught in one day so practice patience." He had a feeling patience was one of the first things Tino needed to learn.