She picks her way across the land with Aranea, watching for the responses to her questions – yes, Aranea has lived here a while; yes, it’s organized like a Kingdom – and she is glad to hear those answers. The first indicates that someone must know her guide – eventually, she will run into someone who can give them a proper introduction. The second means that she won’t be completely out of her depth; she has yet to be a true member of her Kingdom but Nera and Branka had versed all of their foundlings in the way Kingdoms worked, so she has a pretty good idea. Both good things.
The mare speeds up and Sloene matches her pace, curious, but willing to follow the dark lady’s lead. Each step further into the interior of the Kingdom makes her more pleased, the land developing around her beautiful and striking without being overwhelming or over-the-top. When they stop she turns curious silver eyes on her new friend, considers the very deliberate sounds she is making, and realizes she is calling for someone. So entranced is she by the things the dark mare is doing, she jumps a little when his voice echoes back in response, and then she turns to look for him, offering a polite smile to the golden stallion as he comes up to them, starts to speak.
“Aranea,” she breathes the name, turning to grin at the mare and almost missing the rest of the man’s speech. But quickly she turns her attention back, and listens to him. Yes – a diplomat. Of course. No wonder she communicates so clearly, even without a voice. She smiles again at them both. “Yes, though it is nice to have a name.” She shifts, not wanting to exclude Aranea but wanting to perhaps have a few easy answers. She throws one apologetic glance her way before addressing Magnus. “I’m Sloene. Can you tell me more about Tephra? How it runs? It’s very beautiful. I’m glad Aranea brought me here.”