Nier leaned against the railings of Darcy's stall, drinking in the sight of the sleeping foal, when the scent of wolf hit him. This was a new scent to him, someone he hadn't met yet, though he was sure he recognised something of the smell. He turned his brown tinted face to the wide stable doors and eyed up the approaching boy and horse, flaring his nostrils to get more of the boys smell.... Teme. It finally dawned on him that he had scented this boy on Temeraire, just faintly, so this must be his nephews newest friend, he could even smell the Stormbringers scent on this strange male. Nier let a polite smile touch on his muzzle, Hi. He offered as a response to the boys surprised greeting.

It seemed the boy knew whose stall it was that Nier was standing at as he gave an accurate description of Darcy; beautiful and well tempered. Nier grinned at that, always glad when people appreciate things of his that he was proud of. He nodded as the boy disappeared into a stall with what he assumed was his own horse. Yeah, Darcy's mine. Got him on the same trip that got us Temeraires filly. He nodded his muzzle at his little colt, Saul gave Darce to me as a gift. I couldn't be happier to have him, handsome little devil, and as ya say, one the most well tempered horses I've ever met. It seemed Darcy had heard voices and woken up, his long legs unfolding as he heaved his piebald body off of the floor. He shoved his pristine white nose into Niernans hand, almost demanding some attention, making the wolf chuckle. he stroked the colts face lovingly, pulling a stunted apple from the pocket of his shorts and offering it to the foal. darcy whickered happily and gently took the apple from Niers hand, lipping his fingers in the process, his way of thanking his master.

Nier nodded at the large mare the boy was tending to, I take it she's yours then? admiring the horse with inexperienced eyes. He felt a little bit like an impostor in the stables, having never owned or been around horses much. Darcy was his first and he was glad that things were going so well with him, but he knew he would run into trouble eventually. He eyed the boy, he certainly seemed to know what he was doing around horses, and he already smelled like Vinatta, so Nier reckoned he could be trusted. I'm Niernan. Niernan Stormbringer, by the way. He said, his Irish tones adding a lilt to the words.

Nier smiled in response to the others assurance that Darcy would be a good horse, he chuckled lowly, I hope so. His words came with a fondling of the foals short mane, the fuzz soft and silky between his pads. His smile widened happily as he watched the boy interact with the mare, the affection and connection between them obvious and enough answer to his question, the boy gave a verbal answer anyway, affirming what Nier had already seen. He could tell they considered each other family, the way she practically demanded attention but also withstood the boys canine behaviour. He hoped that one day he and Darce would be like that, the way he and Ciaran had bonded.

The boys words about Vinatta being family did not go unnoticed, he raised his eyebrows, surprised that the boy had found a feeling of home here already, but glad that he considered his pack members family. It was that way of thinking and feeling that cemented a pack and made it strong. Nier filed away all the information he could gather on the boy, sure to bring up the boy in conversation with Saul at some point, or maybe he'd talk to Teme, knowing that his nephew would be more than happy to wax lyrical about his new friend.

Nier gladly heaved himself from the slats of Darcy's stall and moved over to take the boys hand to shake it, giving the paw 3 brisk shakes before letting go and sinking back to his perch. A pleasure to meet you Ink. He flicked his ears up as the boy mentioned his cousin and then his horse again, talking of Montreal and the health of his mare. He was more than happy that the boy found solace here, and ecstatic that his horse was happy and health again; he had a soft spot for animals, evidenced by his cat companion and the way he loved all of Graces menagerie. Nier nodded as he listened, wagging his tail slowly, We're glad to have you in Vinatta Ink, as you could see we needed someone who knew horses to help us out. You're that guy. I'm glad you and... Jericho? Are happy here. He meant the words, always glad that the pack was expanding.

A strange tugging feeling made him jump, something was bothering at his shorts and he looked around, finding Darcy's white face straining to reach the canvas of his shorts. Nier chuckled, and turned his pockets out, I ain't got anymore apples Darce, you'll have to wait until I go to the orchard, ya daft bugger. He gave the little horses face an affectionate lick, the colt making quite horsey noises in response.

Nier smiled at the grin that spread across the boys face, he was always glad to see a pack member excel, especially if that made them happy. He could clearly see that Ink was settling in and had found his niche. He was somewhat startled out of his little reverie when Ink's question came. He told himself mentally that he was being silly, zoning out at this moment.

He flicked his ears back, looking to the ceiling as he thought of when he last took Darcy out. He chuckled quiet;y as he recalled the frolic the foal had had recently, kicking his legs out and doing his best to neigh like the horse he would one day be. Round about two days ago, I took him down to one of the meadows. Nier paused and looked back at his white faced foal, sighing quietly he looked back to Ink, Ideally I'd like to get him out everyday but with everything as it is I just don't get the time. The Irish man felt guilty about the fact that he couldn't get Darce out everyday, but he did try to get to the stables to socialise with the foal.

Nier flicked his ears forward then, a thought occurring to him; Ink was good with horses, he seemed to know what he was doing, maybe he could teach him how to train Darcy some new things. His little draft foal was a quick learner but Nier had next to no idea about horses, only how to recognise good breeding and conditioning. Nier flicked his cyan eyes to the white dog, Ink? If you've got some spare time do ya reckon ya could help me train Darce a little? He waited nervously, not accustomed to asking for help from others.

Nier saw the beginnings of a frown on the boys face when he admitted to not having taken Darcy out in a couple of days, but it seemed that he had brought himself back into good favour with his admission of not having the time. He really did feel guilty about not having the time to spend every minute he could with the foal, but if he wanted the time he would have to abandon his job and let the pack down, which he definitely could not do. Ink's offer to take the foal out with Jericho was more than welcome, he smiled happily and let his shoulders relax, his cerulean eyes clearly showing the appreciation he felt for the boys offer, That would be amazing, thank you Ink. I'm sure Darce would have a great time with Jericho, he needs socialising with other horses.

Nier noticed the goofy smile on Inks face and felt himself begin to grin, the happiness infectious. Nier nodded along with Ink's explanation, thinking about tack and what it all involved when the boy mentioned that it wouldn't be long before he'd be training Darcy how to bear a rider. Niers eyes widened in shock, But he's naught but a foal, he barely reaches my thighs, how can he learn to carry someone when he's that small? Admittedly Niernan didn't know all that much about horses, but he couldn't imagine Darcy being able to handle anything bigger than a cat right now, his young body so small and fragile looking. Nier did know that he was of draft stock, so would be heavy set and powerful, but right now he was still spindly and leggy. Nier shrugged, Ink knew more than he did, he'd follow the boys guidance.

Nier busied himself with preparing Darcy to go on a walk, taking down the head collar Nier had constructed from soft rope, slipping the band over the colts nose and fastening the other band behind his ears, the lead rope dangling from under the nose band. He shrugged at Ink, I know it's rudimentary stuff, but it's the best we got. Darcy looked up at Niernan, eagerness shining in his bright little eyes, a willingness to learn glinting there as well.