To Tame Wild Things

Following one of these trails, a hooded figure garbed in assorted leathers, carved wood and furs keeps their distance upon sight of the woman, long enough to try and determine just what it is this being might be doing before decidedly approaching. (Any invisibility would be seen through with her See Invisibility spell should Asteria still be cloaked in said potion enhancement.)

She stepped closer before removing her hood, allowing a messy red mane to tumble out as Lhanir regarded the woman with a polite smile, her tone warm and curious. "My friend... judging from your patience you must be searching for something quite specific. Might I ask what is it you're tracking?"

Roman uses his time scouting the orc plains and beastmen woods for larger, organized concentrations of them to help Asteria with her search. Having grown up herding, breaking, raising and riding horses all his life... he knows the tell tale signs of a passing harras in the wilds... obvious hoof prints... particular fleshy leaves and berries they like, leaving signature bite marks on the plants... scat and such. He is continuously in the shadows when on his scouting runs and would do his best not to spook the horses should he come upon them. he'd instead watch where they graze and drink and ferociously murder any orcs that try to do them harm.

"Apologies," she responded in amusement, "I'll work on avoiding startling you next time."

A nod followed as she listened to the woman's words, casting her glance about at the grasslands briefly as she considered just how many or few of the wild horses wandered those parts. A few seconds passed before she returned her gaze to the woman. "You wish to ensnare a wild horse? Is there perhaps a reason behind this, or are you searching for a specific beast in particular that was since lost to you?" Behind her words there was a hint of intrigue, but also a lacing of disapproval.

Standing idly beside the woman in the grass, the druidess appeared almost entirely at ease resting in that position, as if willing to do so for hours on end were it necessary. Such patience mirrored her caring attention upon Asteria, waiting until she was finished before Lhanir hummed lightly in thought, mostly to herself.

"Strange," the redhead mused aloud. After another pause she continued. "You need silver weapons, but they want wild horses, and you also wish a ride to the north to speak with their smith? This is certainly an odd grouping of events... but for what purpose? You needn't tell me if you do not wish, as it is none of my concern, but the wild horses are."

Lhanir shifted her stance finally, turning a bit to face the grasslands before them. "You say you don't desire to remove them from their homes, but can you trust these folk to care for them as you would? Horses are not always a timid creature, their passion for freedom and open fields is unmatched by many wild children... and the only means of riding them is to in fact show them your friendship, or break them.  Would you accept that they would be broken spirits as a trade for your silver, friend? Or do you know these folk well enough that they would find another means to care for these wild beasts." It was an honest question, searching for an honest answer. Seeing as the woman had been open enough thus far, the druidess felt little need to hide her own opinion on the meaning of freedom.

A small chuckle escaped the druidess as she leveled her gaze with the woman's own. "You have every right to want to learn more about yourself.. to dig deep into your roots and find your origin. Sometimes there are obstacles in one's way that must be unfortunately overcome to continue on your path... life is not without sacrifice.

"I trust that you would certainly respect these wild animals, and I also trust your words. If I were to say it is going to be easy then I would be the untrustworthy one." Lhanir smirked teasingly. "I cannot stop every person from trying to tear animals from their homes, but in a case such as this with your word, then perhaps the beast may come willingly and I will not have to interfere."

She stepped closer to the woman and pointed off into the distant fields west of where they stood. "A small herd runs and frolics in the plains often in that direction.. you can study not only the tracks but the lines of grass that have been eaten. They do not stray too far from water sources. If you wish to find a companion for this girl you speak of.. I would suggest trying to befriend an older mare, one that has already offered her womb to offspring in the past."

Lhanir turned to face the woman again, the corners of her lips curling to form a small smile that she so often wore. "As for your tribe and kin... I wish you the best in finding them. Not everyone gains such a chance to discover themselves."

Recognizing the conversation as coming to its end, the druidess extended her own hand to take hers in a light handshake, such things not as familiar or traditional to Lhanir as she was used to after having been living outside of civilization for so long. A nod followed Asteria's words before the redhead responded.

"There may or may not be things to do in the near future, and I may or may not hold you to that generous offer," She says with a playful wink, "But I will still keep an eye on things, albeit from considerable distance in the hopes that all plays out as it should. Not as a means to insult you but rather to fulfill my own duties as a druidess. My name is Lhanir, and I wish you Nature's Blessings in your endeavors." Lhanir waited patiently should the woman decide to offer her own name before she would turn to depart, striding towards the nearest line of trees before disappearing between them with ease as if they were unable to block her direct path.