The unfamiliar scent belonged to an unfamiliar woman. She wasn't one of the guards he had come to recognize outside of the Notice Boards and Manor, and her clothing was strange as well compared to what he saw among the Naturals of the Hollowed Grounds. Moreover, she didn't appear surprised at his appearance, as he expected Naturals to react to him. Horses were rare enough that most assumed him to be Attuned right away, but this woman...
The melody she sang had his ears pricking forward in professional curiosity, and he relaxed a little, letting her come closer. Was she an Outlander? It seemed likely, from her appearance and actions. If that were the case she might need someone to talk to, but he was wearing the wrong shape for easy conversation. He snorted, mostly in annoyance at himself for not sensing her sooner and approaching in a more convenient form, but he didn't step back until she raised a hand to try and touch him. Then he sidled just out of reach, slanting her a look that managed to be the equine equivalent of slightly disapproving.
You might ask before you touch, he thought tartly, the communication slipping out accidentally along the Attuned mental bond. He had become stronger recently, and sometimes didn't shield his thoughts as well as he meant to, especially since he could be heard by other Attuned even when they were in their human forms.
The melody she sang had his ears pricking forward in professional curiosity, and he relaxed a little, letting her come closer. Was she an Outlander? It seemed likely, from her appearance and actions. If that were the case she might need someone to talk to, but he was wearing the wrong shape for easy conversation. He snorted, mostly in annoyance at himself for not sensing her sooner and approaching in a more convenient form, but he didn't step back until she raised a hand to try and touch him. Then he sidled just out of reach, slanting her a look that managed to be the equine equivalent of slightly disapproving.
You might ask before you touch, he thought tartly, the communication slipping out accidentally along the Attuned mental bond. He had become stronger recently, and sometimes didn't shield his thoughts as well as he meant to, especially since he could be heard by other Attuned even when they were in their human forms.
