Aurelia has learned much from the animals around her; she has cultivated qualities over the years from species that are not her own: the loyalty of wolves, the bravery of a mama bear, the way kindred mammals protect one another. That was what kept their community together; that was what kept herds together. So when the stark-bodied babe approaches, Aurelia stills, allowing the child to grow close. Her eyes are focused on the toddler, appreciating the little details of his composition as any mare who has had children would. His legs are long and narrow, awkwardly built with too-large knees just as most other toddlers his age. The baby-fluff that splotches his splashed grullo coat paired with the short, yet growing, whispy mane and tail that adorn his body are enough of a clue as to his age (less than one for certain). From his sides grow wings that appear to be deformed. The aurelian mare assumes such deformity occured in the womb, as with the complications of her own progeny, but worries little as the child is moving as though he is not in pain. Tar had marred his toddler charm, changing him into a clumsy-looking mess. The substance must be painful though he seems stoic and well. There is also ice in his hoof prints, something Aurelia can only understand as being either a curse brought onto him by the Rift or some sort of magic gifted to him by a god.
The child halts a few strides from her, and in response the mare nickers kindly to him, the soothing sound sweet and welcoming. He begins approaching again, unhesitantly moving very close to the mare. He reaches his tapered snout towards her to bump noses and Aurelia gnashes her teeth slightly at him, her ears flickering back for a moment and her tail swishing in a silent warning before reverting back to normal. Though not an overt threat, it is a warning to give her some space. His approach was quick and disrespectful. The child lacks basic respect in his body language and it makes Aurelia wonder if he even has parents as he has so clearly not been taught these basic social cues and hierarchy. The lack of teeth clacking and caution is fairly surprising. The warning was just one that demands respect. She is nine years old, more experienced and grown than the couple-month-old babe that stands before her and because of this, it is imperative that she is shown at least some respect as she is the (very clearly) dominant being in this situation. The teaching moment is over fairly quickly, Aurelia's porcelain features back to their neutral, kind demeanor.
"Why do you wander alone here, child?" It is a question filled with equal parts of worry and critique. Perhaps the child was abandoned. Or maybe he simply ran away. Was he lost or orphaned? Her brow dipped with concern, her eyes still pouring over his small body and lanky limbs. He must've been around Aei'ith's age. They were both at that strange fluffy, long-legged, clumsy stage in their lives. Quietly, she wondered how Aei'ith was back at the forests, her baby girl growing sturdy and strong.
Tar Pits
reuniting a foal w/ parents
