This was Ashamin's favorite sort of visit to the threshold. When the stallion practically flipped himself upright he revealed an expression of genuine pleasure, of something like an innocent joy. This was not an injured and bitter stag, nor was it a flirtatious and ungrateful mare. It was good to see someone that, for once, wouldn't be so quick to avoid his company in these woods.

There was another whose company was to be had, too: Lyanna. The Clovenheart greeted her with a wide smile and a respectful nod before answering, quietly and contemplatively, "Yes, so it seems. Good to see you again." And that, brief and kind, was all. Rakt moved closer to the mare, for he had seen her more than enough times now to drop his act of not caring. He snorted softly, exhaling cool into the thick Tallsun air and towards Lyanna's chest. As if sensing that the gesture could be considered too caring, he then turned away and shook his coat, letting stardust fall as his eyes--impenetrably gold--rolled imperceptibly.

The newcomer's answer to Ashamin's question was just as precious as his freckled expression. The painted buck smiled at the white stallion, before cocking his head. "This is just the beginning, friend. You stand in the threshold, a forest that welcomes all into Helovia's much larger expanse. There are wilds and herdlands; Rakt and I move through the unclaimed territories, along with a few other loyal companions, and together we make a home for ourselves with knowledge," the Clovenheart explains brightly. He wonders if this stag's desire for company might burn as bright as one for knowledge, but does not yet ask.

Ashamin was new to this land too, once. He knows that these are special moments, one where questions must be asked and answered by those who are willing. Though he'd once been far too shy to ask about much (which later he learned the hard way, and he thought then of Phantom and old wars,) Ashamin wanted to make sure that this newcomer was allowed to voice all his queries. He may have left his scholarly cave, but the mindset--the desire to inspire others to learn--still stuck with him.

Rakt tilted his head as Ashamin's righted, and looked upon the newcomer with bold eyes. Quietly the beast lowed, perhaps saying hello in his own way, before turning to face away from them all and press his side against Ashamin's, as if seeking comfort. Rakt was, after all, still quite young. These were the golden days of some sort of innocent youth for more than one.