Ashitaka watches as Nicodemus approaches him and places his muzzles upon the crest of his shoulder. He’s mildly surprised by the respectful gesture but takes comfort in the warmth behind the touch. The painted stallion then speaks his condolences to Mizuki and lowers his head in her direction. Ashitaka isn’t sure if his sister saw the bow, since her dark eyes seemed to be staring blankly at her stillborn foal, but he did detect the slightest flick of her white ears. A tiny smile graces his lips for a moment. It was luck that had brought him and Mizuki to the Inlet. There wasn’t a day that went by that he wasn’t grateful for the herd leader's hospitality. And it was moments like this that made Ashitaka’s fondness and respect for the stallion that took them in deepen.“I think she heard you, and understands,” he whispered in response to the request to translate what had been said.

He knows there is nothing he can do in this situation and time would be the best healer. Was he always going to be useless? Before his mind could dwell on negative thoughts Nicodemus announces that he had something they needed to discuss and that they should give his grieving sister some space. With one last heartbroken glance at the white mare standing over her lifeless baby, Ashitaka turns and willingly follows Nicodemus through the trees. They continued to walk like this, the smaller bay roan a few paces behind the lead stallion until they were a good distance away from the copse.

”You wished to speak with me sir?" He asked in his characteristic calm and polite tone. Beneath the surface there is a nervousness that is starting to fizz. Like a schoolboy that’s been requested to stay back at the end of class by their teacher. Had he done something wrong? He certainly hoped not.

Male. V. Bay Roan. Hokkaido Horse. 13.3HH. Guest of the Inlet.