The walk began and continued with a surprising ease. Ashamin dragged his tail, still, and his cleft hooves made little marks in the cold earth--marks that followed Haldir's. It might have looked like a few deer had just wandered past, to an observer of the freezing soil.

Thranduil was kind, Ashamin decided. An unkind sort couldn't possibly give this many chances, or make such a sincere effort at reviving the awkward interaction that Ashamin was so often prone too. Most gave up, really. It was a relief to have someone stick with him and urge him on.

His error regarding direction came, of course, as a blow, but the gold stallion's kindness cushioned it some. That laugh, that laugh wasn't malicious. It was gentle, maybe? Ashamin wasn't sure. A part of him knew all impressions of this two-pronged stallion could just be his own projections. Wasn't that always the founding of a relationship?

When Thranduil spoke of Haldir's sadness, Ashamin himself frowned. What was troubling the little one? He longed to help, but he wasn't exactly sure how he could. He quickened his pace to try and catch up with Haldir, who was leading the way to the springs. Surely this was the right direction--Ashamin could already taste the warm thickness in the coming wind.

"Maybe this outing will help him..." Ashamin said quietly, nervously. His tail flickered behind him, his black eyes sought Thranduil, and his nosed reached out to offer comfort to the cerndyr. He was just stating the obvious, again. Of course. The unicorn sighed, impatient with himself. Time, he reminded himself, could change him still, with luck.

Thranduil's attentions then, and unexpectedly, returned to Ashamin. The paint let his large ears fall back, relaxing somewhat in the company of his new friend. How did he find the Basin? Well, he could talk for hours about that... if he were alone, maybe. But the old commandment, that speak only when spoken to, said nothing of speaking in excess. Ashamin smiled a faint smile, walking alongside the pair as he spoke. "Life here has been genuinely kind," he answered with a dip of his neck. "I am very fortunate to have found myself here."

And that response, perhaps petite and oddly shaped, was at the very least truth.

[[@[Thranduil]--Forgot to tell you but you are welcome to take Ashamin's form if you want, just tag me when/if you use it! ;)]]

Ashamin