Niniel smiled back, charmed by this sweet little mare. And perhaps a little bit by her rider as well. She reached forward and scratched behind the mare's ears, feeling the sleekness of the hide and the rough texture of the mane. The mare whickered, enjoying this extra caress.
Niniel sighed a little. It would almost be worth the inevitable loss if she could really have a friend, for just a little while. But she didn't dare allow anyone to get close to her. They would hate her later. No, just being friendly with someone for a little while, then slipping out of their lives quietly was best. Besides, she didn't need anyone else. She could survive on her own. She didn't need anyone. She didn't. She didn't.
She shook her head. Those were far too gloomy thoughts for this moment. It was a time to enjoy the here and the now, to let herself be a young woman for a little. She would enjoy every minute of this friendship. She would.
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