Even the sound of his gentle voice causes her to flinch like a rabbit ready to bolt for its life. Fortunately for her she has stumbled into one of the more ‘friendlier’ territories. The thought hadn’t even crossed Ashitaka’s mind that he could lay a claim to this young mare. Nicodemus had bestowed upon him a Beta position which meant he had the permission to gather a little herd of his own. But Ashitaka wanted his mares to be there by choice and not because he forced them too.

The young mare seems reluctant to ask for his help and he could not fault her for that. He was, after all, a stranger to her. His dark eyes are sympathetic as she recounts her story, brief though it is. The Ruins? He had heard of them but never been there. She must have traveled a long way. No wonder she looked so frightened and tired. His eyes stray to the distant horizon once again when she mentions that her mother should be joining her soon. She then asks if this was the cove and Ashitaka slowly shakes his head in response.

"No, this is the Inlet," he informs her hoping that she isn’t too disheartened by that revelation. "The Cove is on the other side of the island," he motions his head in the correct direction. He could send her on her way and let that be the end of it, but that simply wouldn’t sit right with him. This poor little mare had awakened his instinct to protect, "I could escort you there if you would like me to, miss?" He smiles at her softly hoping that she would accept his offer. "Perhaps your mother is waiting for you there?" Male. V. Bay Roan. Hokkaido Horse. 13.3HH. Beta of the Inlet.