Ashamin

The Clovenheart

Well, it wasn't really what Ashamin expected. It wasn't really what any of them expected. The two cerndyr stopped the moment their help was insulted, Rakt turning his nose up quite literally and Lochan preferring to ignore the mare entirely. Perhaps their type of assistance was a little rougher than this mare expected, but they were still doing their best.

Ashamin was a bit kinder, a bit more tolerant, but even he was sort of shocked. And then her sentiment that followed was utterly and completely changed—preoccupied, it seemed, with his appearance. It couldn't have been his personality, after all, for she'd only seen a few moments and words of who he was. Sure, he was a gentleman enough to try and help her, but wouldn't everyone have done the same?

For one so accustomed to the deep feelings of love, Ashamin was not so well versed in the lighter intricacies of flirtation. The blood-mouth was not the only one who was visibly uncomfortable; Ashamin, unprepared for her remarks, turned his face away and brushed it against his reddened shoulder, swiping it in a shy gesture. Call her whatever he wanted? No, Eredhes would do just fine.

He gave the tree one last push himself, mimicking the other unicorn's movement, and only when her long mane came free did he pause to answer her. Before he could, however, a winged stallion—hailing from the Hidden Falls herd, apparently—entered and was met with a similar round of schmoozing remarks. Continuously made uncomfortable, Ashamin looked towards the other unicorn buck, hoping to catch his eye and share a sympathetic sentiment.

Predictably, the pegasus made an offer for quartering the newcomer. Suddenly aware that this was something Ashamin, also, needed to do now, he tried to recover the smile on his features. "It's a pleasure, Eredhes," the Clovenheart said when all was done, but not to finish things off. "Should you need assistance navigating these lands, or if you wish to learn more about Helovia, I too can offer my aid—to both of you," Ashamin said, turning from the mare to the darker stallion at the end. He could tell by their scent that they were not of a herd like this Lotherarius was, and perhaps both of them would be interested in what he had to say. "I do not come representing a herd as Lotherarius does, but rather a group of like-minded individuals who live in the wilds and keep each other's loyalty. Should you accept my offer, you would have protection and knowledge at your disposal at all times, but be free of the tethers a herd might impose on you."

His long tail trailed on the ground and his two companions, more interested in one who had not insulted them, moved to investigate the small browning fox that accompanied the stallion. They sniffed with soft, deer noses, inhaling that scent of the wilderness that they now shared. Ashamin stood as relaxed as he could be, trying to not let the pounding of his heart affect his outward appearance. The last thing he needed was for them to see his nervousness.

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