Ramiel is as confrontational as the bay girl seems to be – which is to say not - and he decides to drop his bias when she promptly ignores him yet again. Her bright eyes fall from holding his gaze, but he continues to watch her. More specifically, he watches the tender shoots of grass at her feet as they curl into themselves, dying so soon after life has been given to them. He’s fascinated, despite his equal disgust (after all, hasn’t he seen enough death to last a lifetime already?). He wonders if the grasses and plants that wither into dust here become fodder on the Other Side. He wonders if they have souls, like the horses, wonders if the ghost horses even have to eat or if they’re given a pass for eternity.
It’s so much to think about and ponder that he believes it will take him all of eternity himself to work it out.
His golden eyes look up from the grass to Michaelis when he begins to greet the girl. The blue stallion’s eyes close more frequently and for longer periods of time now, and Ramiel is sure he is some degree of blind. He’s glad he hadn’t offered to move out into the sunlight at the start of the conversation as he had almost done. Although Michaelis doesn’t seem like the type to be offended easily. He doesn’t even mention his eyesight and nobody asks. The black colt considers perhaps that he should and even looks about for any place the stallion would be more comfortable. They are in the field, though. They are already huddled in what little shade the place provides; he doesn’t see any other options. Feeling like he’s failed on some level - even if the man does follow him home - he turns back to the group, his mouth pressed into a grim line.
Michaelis questions Aletheia first, and he listens to her response with growing interest. His mother has a cold hatred of the place that she claims doesn’t exist, but it is evident to Ramiel every time she speaks of the kingdom. There have been horrific crimes committed there (the Valley death-pit his mother’s source of ire) and if the blue roan knows an iota of Beqanna’s history, he will know their reputation. It’s interesting to hear the young woman’s high praise of the place’s power; as far as Ramiel knew, the Valley hadn’t been considered a real threat since the aforementioned pits. It’s a seller’s market, recruiting is. Anyone can say what they want to draw horses to their kingdoms, and the homeless are usually none the wiser for it.
The questions soon turn on him, however, and he nods in understanding before answering. He doesn’t need time to think because it’s easy to answer. He’s been raised up in the Dale’s values and morals his entire life; he can speak of the place endlessly. “The Dale has a family first attitude. It has since the day I was born and will continue with the imminent change in leadership, of that I can assure you.” He is so sure because he will be the new leader, but of course he leaves that part out. He’s proud but not egotistical. There are certain things he can promise, though. The Dale’s future is his responsibility and his privilege. “We put the group above the individual and strive to be a family beyond blood. I would trust every single horse there now with my life.” His youth shows a little in that moment, but it is his honest truth. Ramiel considers revisiting his leaf analogy for the next part, but changes tactic. “We, too, have a new source of power in the Dale. Its force is still untapped and untried – we can only imagine how much of a change it will bring for us. Politically, however, we are looking to make changes as well. We’ve recently allied with one of the strongest kingdoms and are searching for more opportunities.” He pauses, flicking his tail idly before adding another thought. “We have enough loyalists. What we need are those with experience outside of the borders – like you said you possess – to bring strength and wisdom to our people. At this point, leadership roles will come quickly and easily to those who deserve them.”
r a m i e l
what a day to begin again
ooc: Ramiel minds, Evie. Ramiel minds...
