Patient ears tuned into his tale as he spun it around them, golden threads he kept close to his heart. Opening his rib cage and letting her see the contents he held precious inside. It was a rather intimate thing to do, but Tolio trusted Phaedra not to place upon him judgment or teasing. In fact she seemed to be rather amused by the fact he'd been a trickster and a troublemaker. It appeared she knew Faelene, recognition flashing briefly in her eyes before she laughed and revealed that the shadow mare would get along well with Ktulu. At least he had an idea of what her leader was like, then. Grinning back as he imagined her having a 'buddy'. "It would certainly be interesting to watch their greeting!" Imagining the encounter, even if he had never met Ktulu himself.

Phaedra's crown tossed anxiously and Tolio's attention was immediately centered on her. Had he said something wrong? She bypassed his own question, brow drawn together in thought. He didn't speak, letting her move through her thoughts. Surely she would speak if she wished to. As he had anticipated, she squared herself and focused on him with a sharp intent he had not seen from her before. Humbly asking for him to teach her how to fight. Tolio was taken quite by surprise. Surely, in a band of mercenaries, she had others who could teach her such a skill? Yet he felt honored that she had come to him with such a request, and forced away the surprise when she murmured another quite please. "Of course I can. Though I'm a bit rusty. Wouldn't you want to learn from another of your band?" Still rather confused though his eyes were glowing with excitement. He wasn't sure he could teach her much, it was mostly believing in yourself and practicing. Sparring. But he would certainly try if that was what she wanted.

Of course I can. Though I'm a bit rusty. Wouldn't you want to learn from another of your band?

Pure relief washed through her, as Tolio consented. There really was no one better for her, than him. He listened. He waited. He seemed to know what she needed, and was able to provide it. The deep desire to maintain and keep their bond safe welled up within her heart. One day, she would find the words and a way to tell him how much he meant to her. It was almost laughable how immediately she was drawn to him, but it didn't matter. What was that saying? Something about being meant to be? Yes. It was something like that. For now however, she needed to focus on this new goal.

Reaching forward, she gently touched his muzzle with hers. As she did, she marvelled at how the whiskers on her chin seemed to have become hypersensitive, as they touched the soft skin of his nose. A jolt of electricity seemed to emanate from her spine, causing a wonderful feeling to course through his limbs. She looked into his soft deep eyes, and without realizing it held her breath as she studied his gaze, as if not wanting to pay attention to anything but him. "It has to be you. She said softly, pulling back.

[OOC: Will you post in the battleground? I have a plan, muahahaha.]

Had consent, such a simple motion- the nodding of a head- brought that look upon her face? It was truly confusing, but it lightened his heart. If Phaedra believed he could teach her well, then he could not ever deny her. She wouldn't be hard to teach. Though Tolio had never worked with wings before. He'd have to think over the multiple uses, try and find ways she could use them if she couldn't take to the skies. Even more likely, fighting on the ground would be against her natural instincts. Tolio on the other hand excelled on the ground and couldn't fly at all. They matched. Her muzzle brushed his and drew him from the maps and techniques that had taken over his brain.

Gazes locked and Tolio smiled softly at her, mercury eyes shining and gentle. What a precious girl. He couldn't help but want to stay beside her, defend her. Teach her, if that was what she wanted. And apparently that is what she wanted, quietly but firmly repeating that he had to be the one to teach her. Tolio felt rusty in his skills. Could he even be of use to her? It wouldn't be surprising if she beat him. It had been a long Frostfall without any training or practice. Shrugging that away. He was not a prideful stallion. If she beat him, then he would accept that and happily usher her on to spar with a higher level opponent. Only after he had thoroughly approved of course. Nobody would hurt her, even in a spar. "Alright then, you little vixen," he sighed dramatically, as if he were weary of her asking. Though his eyes held a certain amused shine at the fact he could do anything for her.

[[A plan? Uh oh. But yes, I will~]]