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They had begun speaking idly after their… confrontation on Maggie's porch, but neither wanted to sleep just yet, no matter how exhausted they were. Marius had re summoned his steed, finally having a moment of calm after a very long day. He was worried about her, even if he knew Dawn would be okay no matter what happened to her.
Lethica had been curious and asked, "How long have you had Dawn by your side, Sir Marius?"
"As long as the light of Lathander has shone upon me," Marius runs a hand along Dawn's muzzle with a nostalgic look on his face. "Even before that actually. She was a gift from Victor, and once I pledged my service to Lathander she was pledged with me."
"Well she is a beautiful mare, and perfectly in tune with her Master," Lethica compliments, the smile evident in her voice.
The smile on Marius's face grows just the barest amount more. "She is. I think she has been my greatest companion all my life. Hah. She could even have given Victor a run for his money." A sadness returns to his eyes at the thought of his king, but Marius focused on Dawn for now.
"That sounds like a wonderful existence. To share it with a creature that loves you so remarkably and without question." Lethica stands, and pulls some sugar cubes out of her pockets that she had tucked away when she was first given Shadow Frank. "Does she like sweets?"
Marius chuckles, "Likely not as much as you do, but she is always happy for a snack or two after a hard ride."
Lethica moves forward to offer the treat to Dawn, who skitters back a bit. Marius soothes her as Dawn gives Lethica a side long look. "Shh, sh. Its alright girl. Lethica is a friend. She has a treat for you. Come." Marius guides the two together, Dawn still hesitant but confident in her Master. He holds his hand below Lethica's just to reassure and ensure that this interaction would go well for everyone. Lethica could feel her cheeks warm lightly beneath the mask, but Marius's cool hands grounded her in the moment.
They waited for a moment, hands hovering in front of Dawn, waiting for her to take the sugar cubes. Marius continues to pet along her neck reassuringly, until Dawn hesitantly reaches out and eats up the treats. "Yes, good girl. See, she's nice. She brought you a treat. Let me introduce you formally. Lethica, this is Dawn. Dawn this is Lethica. Like I said, she is a friend."
Marius smiles brightly as he introduces the two as if he were introducing his king. Lethica giggles at this silly side of Marius peeking out in the night.
"It is an honor Lady Dawn." Lethica gives a bow, before reaching into her pockets for the remaining sugar cubes, hoping to bribe her way into a certain friendship.
Marius chuckles as Lethica plays along. It warms his cold heart to see Dawn accept the following sugar cubes without needing him to provide much encouragement, although he did place his hand underneath Lethica's one more time. Just to feel the heat of her skin.
"Well, she seems to have warmed up to me. Do you think she will allow me to pet her?" Lethica turns to Marius, waiting for his direction, her head tilted slightly to the side.
"I think we can give it a try. Come, stand here with me. Its best if you stand where she can see you best, on her side. She won't allow you to touch her face, but we can try together here on her neck." Marius guides Lethica to stand in front of him, placing her between himself and Dawn. Marius gently grabs Lethica's hand leading her slowly to Dawn's neck, watching his steed for any signs she would react poorly. As they laid their hands upon her, Dawn stood obediently still. Marius went to removed his own hand, but as soon as he did Dawn began to huff, indicating her displeasure.
"Alright, alright. She is warming up to you, I promise. But she needs a little more reassurance it seems." Marius places his hand back upon Lethica's.
"A smart animal. I am dangerous," Lethica laughs quietly at her not-quite-a-joke. They stand quietly for just a moment, stroking the thick smooth hair over strong muscles. "She truly is beautiful."
Marius takes his eyes away from Dawn for the first time to look at Lethica. He looks between the two, and smiles once again. "Yes, she really is."