If he was surprised by the sudden warmth of the mare he had thought to be shy and withdrawn, it didn't show on the stallions face. He simply returned the nudge against his neck with a breath of warm air against her own nape, before retreating just a little to reclaim some personal space. A smile twisted the sooted lips as he felt Fajira's mood brighten at the greeting of the unicorn; with a warble she landed on the sturdy whithers of the lady, her weight barely noticeable and the sharp claws careful not to pierce the sleek skin.

"I asked first" he teased gently, nodding only when she had revealed the reason for her stay in the area. A bit of cold water and solitude, it seemed a good enough reason; but did she really have to come so far just to get water? Lace had never been to the Edge and didn't know anything about the terrain, but it seemed unlikely that a herd would choose to make a home of a terrain that couldn't withstand a siege. That meant they needed water and access to grazing... Ah well, it had little to do with him where she chose to replenish herself.

"I've been doing pretty much the same thing" he told her, the answer vague but not so much that it required further inquisition. He didn't wish to talk about the approaching invasion, partly because it felt like betraying Mirage to speak of things she had told him in confidence, and partly because the two of them might end up on different sides of the battlefield. Heck, they might even turn out to have to fight one another, and Lace had no desire to warn a potential enemy about his participation. But, well.. It wasn't decided yet, and for now he welcomed the small respite.

The grulla moved away from the horned mare and shook the water away from the silvery coat, not bothered by the dampness so much as he found it unsightly to be dripping in front of the lady. He listened as the dragon chattered loudly to Delinne, complaining about how much trouble he had been causing his bonded since last time they met. He wasn't sure if the birdlike speech was enhanced by mental voice or not; sometimes his souls light and guide chose to address other than himself, but it never showed and he never knew when she was going to do it or not.

"Don't listen to her" he gruffed with an affectionate look towards the White. "She lies without hesitation, that one, whenever she thinks it will suit her purposes." The cobwebbed nose reached down and scratched against a foreleg, before the stallion returned the honey-colored eyes to the stocky mare. "How do you like it in the Edge, lately? You seem more comfortable now than when I saw you last time." He hoped that she had found some friends. It was rough to be alone, he knew from past experience.