He smiled in response to her remark about being a block of ice. With her pure white coat she could have easily been carved from the snow and ice all around them. Cursed Dreams looked so small and delicate from the outside but he’s certain that if he said that out loud she would kick his ass. Her outward appearance was deceptive and maybe that’s one of the reasons he was drawn to her. She wasn’t a pretty little mare to be admired like a trophy. She was spirited and independent and she looked …. So confused right now.
For a moment Ashitaka assumed he had made some faux pas and took a few steady paces backwards. He looked at her apologetically. He was a foreigner to these islands and was still learning how things are done around here. He expected her to tell him what he had done wrong but instead she asked him what he was doing. For a moment he blinked, mirroring her confusion before realisation dawned on him. Taking in a deep breath he did a poor job of hiding the concoction of shock and pity in his eyes.
“Where I come from it’s normal to stand next to each other to share heat when it is cold. It’s not always a romantic thing, sometimes it’s a matter of survival,” he explained in a gentle manner hoping that his reaction hadn’t upset her.
“Have you never had a-,” he paused for a moment to think of the right word,
“I believe they call it a ‘cuddle’ in your language?” He waited patiently for her response, still keeping a respectful distance. He was trying to be warm and kind but he couldn’t stop feeling sorry for her. How could someone get this far without knowing an affectionate touch. Clearly he had more layers to chip away at than he thought.
ASHITAKA
Male. VII. Bay Roan. Hokkaido Horse. 13.3HH. Beta of the Inlet.