11-02-2016, 08:18 AM
She squeaked in surprise as his voice shook her from her deep musing. He hadn't meant to startle her. He hadn't even meant to speak to her, but it felt like the thing to do. She steadied her breathing as he waited.
"You surprised me," is all she said before a long silence settled between them. Gaze for gaze, they only watched each other, neither one disturbing the eerie but peaceful quiet. He wondered briefly if perhaps he should have left her alone with her thoughts. Maybe she didn't want anyone around in a time like this. But there she stood, returning his stare evenly. Not afraid, not angry. Almost as though she'd suffered so many emotions in such a short time that she could not be bothered to feel more just then.
"I.. I don't know.. It's all such a big mess." She spoke softly. The weight of her troubles looked burdensome, diminishing the natural light in her eyes and faintly slumping her shoulders.
He couldn't solve her problems, whatever they were, but perhaps all she needed right now was a friendly ear. Comfort, he may be able to provide. Support. If she welcomed it. Or even allowed it. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time he got rebuffed for trying to help. Maybe she'd be too small to cause much damage.
He slid forward, his mass lighting as it left the shadows. Thick, silver-white hair fell across a dark grullo face. His belly variegated into a paler gray, almost metallic but still a natural hue. A violent slash of white cut boldly along his shoulder, the only show of a tobiano pattern.
He reached for her muzzle as he neared her, carefully trading scents, then edged in closer. When he came to her withers he stopped, turning his head to ruffle the base of her mane with calming breaths. It had always felt reassuring to him when his mother had done it for him as a child, a gentle tickle at his neck.
No words left him, no questions. If she wanted to talk it out, he was here. And if she wanted to just rest, he supposed he could stay for that too. It wasn't like he had anything else to do today but catch more naps.