It doesn’t take long for news to travel around the islands. Now Ashitaka wasn’t the sort to pay too much attention to gossip and rumours but when he heard that the shore had a new leader he couldn’t stop but think about her. Cursed Dreams. The feisty little mare that had answered his sparring challenge. He knew very well that she could take care of herself but he wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully until he confirmed that she was safe. He left the Inlet at first light and made the brisk swim to the neutral lands. At first he headed towards the falls, where he had last seen her. But he catches her scent on the breeze which leads him in the direction of the common.
He hesitated for a moment and swallowed nervously. The commons was where herd stallions went to gather new mares. Ashitaka did want to start building a small family of his own but he also wanted to avoid conflict where possible. Perhaps Cursed was here because she wanted to find a new home? Would it not be the right thing to offer her shelter? He spots her and swiftly trots over in her direction. He could tell by how she carried herself that she was not in the best of moods and he doesn’t blame her. Colorful language comes from her mouth and the bay roan might have laughed if the situation wasn’t so serious.
“Does that extend to friends?” He asks in his usual soft tones.
He comes around with his tail and head held high. Positioning himself like a dominant male hoping it might persuade any other potential suitors to stay away.
“I heard about the shore,” there is a sympathetic tone to his voice. He continues to speak quietly so they could not be overheard,
“You’re welcome to stay with me and Nicodemus in the Inlet.” He had started rather confidently but he didn’t want to piss her off anymore than she already was and hastily added in a more sheepish tone,
“That’s if you want to, I understand if you would prefer to go somewhere else.”
ASHITAKA
Male. V. Bay Roan. Hokkaido Horse. 13.3HH. Beta of the Inlet.