tiamat

As their conversation gradually progresses, the taller mare doesn’t seem to relax much from the stiffness and caution that is evident in her tense posture. Tiamat’s eyes are soft as they appraise the stranger silently, hoping that she isn’t doing anything herself to cause the other mare any unnecessary discomfort. She holds her head a few degrees lower than usual, with her eyes large as she glances up from beneath her lashes, the length of her lion tail resting casually across the frozen ground. Even her hips dip sharply as she rests a hind leg, fluted ears perking forward innocently as she listens to the other’s answer.

She can’t help but shake her head a little bit while a knowing smile quirks across her lips. Hailing from the northern mountains, Tiamat is well familiar with winter’s chill. Fortunately, however, she hasn’t had to suffer any great deal—the Basin keeps fires going and warm caves open, eager to relieve the worst of Frostfall’s cold bite. The ocean mare—with her satin skin and hot-blooded ancestry—can’t imagine having to weather such elements with absolutely nothing for protection. “Travelling can, indeed, wear on you in more ways than one,” with a modest eye, she makes sure that there are no obvious injuries on the bay mare. Being a healer, Tiamat is ever eager to offer aid.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Qeren,” the blue maiden inclines her curved horn in a friendly gesture. With Qeren’s brief explanation of her situation, Tiamat’s heart goes out to her. The tall mare seems to be alone—lost, perhaps—and the ocean mare cannot stand idly by and watch while another suffers so. This is why she has come to the Treshold, is it not? To offer help, rest, safety, and warmth to those who stumble into this unfamiliar world?

Pressing her sapphire lips into a tender and genuine smile, the young Mender extends her muzzle towards Qeren. It is a slow motion, so as not to startle her, but Tiamat hopes that she will accept its kindness. “I can offer you a herd, if you would like,” she speaks softly at first, white eyes shining beneath the sun’s light. “You’re welcome to make the Basin your home, or rest there while you regain your strength. It’s a beautiful place,” she withdraws as she speaks, closing her eyes in blissful happiness. She adores her home, and would love for it to offer Qeren what it has given her. “I’d be happy to show you the way?” Tiamat tilts her head gently, waiting for the larger mare’s acceptance before they being their journey together.

“Speech.”