Table code and image © to Alaine
OOC: :]
For some reason, the young man's reassurance settled deep in her stomach. Alaine was always a worrier - as a mother, it was simply her job. If nobody worried, then nobody cared. But she managed a faint smile in Heath's direction regardless, even if emerald eyes continued to scan the land mistrustfully. It wasn't that she'd anything against this place, more that it held something against those who could not defend themselves, as land often did. And, given the opportunity, she'd no doubt that it would just as easily break a young form than care for it.
The bite of winter on the breeze did little to ease the thrumming of her heart. Winter goaded the pack now, and the too-young mother merely thanked whatever heavens there were that it had not thought to snow.
When Heath spoke again, his voice was low and determined. Alaine spared him a momentary glance and was shocked to discover that he appeared more and more genuinely concerned, despite the gruffness that seemed to shroud the stable-master. Her gaze sharpened as he directed the horse, and the large beast seemed to respond eagerly to it's master. The connection between them made her both curious and wary; Was he not a predator to the mare? How did such a union, such a partnership, work between them? Distracted by Heath's question, she made a soft sound of shallow humor, not quite heartful enough to be a laugh.
" No, though the girl has enough gusto in her to take many carers by the ear. I've a son, also... He is her age," She paused, and a genuine smile crossed dainty maw, eyes softening momentarily at the thought of her son, " She makes a good companion for him. Rouses him from his laziness, as you could suspect."
She did laugh now, if briskly, and it was a pleasant sound. Frost crunched under footpaws as the strange trio made their way up into the Northern pasture, and Alaine resumed her serious and anxious face once more.
Speak think walk