G A R E T H
“It’s perfectly alright,” the stallion murmurs. He is careful to not lift his back pillars too high, keenly aware of the curious pups at his heels. His hooves are rather large, and the last thing he wants to do is accidentally step on one of them. They clearly don’t see him as a threat to their shepherd, which is fortunate for him. Though Gareth is quite a looming figure, he has a feeling that the small creatures would give him a run for his money if they suddenly decided that he might not be so friendly.
He takes the weight of the mare effortlessly, moving slowly so as to match her pace and not strain her any more than she already has. “Luvena is a lovely name,” he continues, a smile pulling at the edges of his lips. “You may call me Gareth.”
The stag meets them at the patch of shadow the small collection has managed to find. Thankfully, the ground seems soft here, safe for her to lay down once she is ready. “This is Noor, my companion. He has water for you, when you are able.” He nods towards his friend who keeps a respectable distance. The mare, while having many small companions of her own, should not be overwhelmed by the attention and new activity. The elk has seen what happens when flustered and sick animals are suddenly overcome, and he does not wish to stress her any more than she already is. After all, she still seems a bit tied up in her running into the large stallion, and he does not want to crowd her.
Gareth holds her weight, shifting with her movements and supporting the mare in the best way he can without intruding upon her. Should she move to lay down he would help her to the ground, and if she chose to stay leaning against him, he would stand as a steady rock until her feet came under her again. After all, the woman is but nearly skin and bone. It’s almost frightening, a miracle that she seems able to keep herself upright at all. He wonders briefly what ails her so.
