Watching Théadan speak to Ingrid so wisely and gently was nearly more than Navia could handle. It pulled at her heart so much to see how upset Ingrid was, but also caused her affections for Théadan to spike. What came next was a surprise to her, for she had forgotten she’d braided Wyndagar’s mane the first night they’d met and had teased him about doing it again. That Théadan wanted her to help Ingrid do it so she would have a bracelet to remember them by was incredibly sweet and thoughtful. She knew how much Ingrid loved Wyn and how much a bracelet would mean to her. He was trying so hard to cheer Ingrid up though, and even offered to let her share the secret they’d had. There was no denying Navia was curious to see what it was.<br/><br/>Tearfully, Ingrid left Théadan’s lap to reach out for Navia’s hand. She moved slowly, giving Navia time to set the satchel down and pull out a small blade to use on Wyndagar’s hair. The way the child did not even look up and the sorrow thick in her voice resonated with Navia so much, she nearly teared up herself. Instead she sent Théadan a brief tortured glance before taking Ingrid’s hand and leaving Brydon and Silva to say their goodbyes to Théadan.<br/><br/>“Would you like to make your bracelet or show me your secret first?” Navia asked while leading Ingrid out of the room and into the open area of the deck. She walked slow to match Ingrid’s trudging face, her free hand pushing through her own hair to try to settle the emotions Ingrid was bringing up in her.<br/><br/>“Bracelet first,” Ingrid answered dejectedly and only looked up when Wyndagar nickered at them as they approached. The sailor who had led him over to the corner that would be his had tied his reins to a small post sticking from the wall that was used to hold lanterns. He’d removed Wyndagar’s saddle and brought him some water as well, leaving Navia impressed such care had been put in to make Wyn comfortable. That generosity and reverence had been what she’d been expecting for Wyndagar in the first place. He appeared content enough and was eager to sniff at Ingrid before nuzzling at her. Ingrid admitted to not knowing how to braid and was happy to scratch Wyndagar’s chin while Navia worked on the horse’s mane. She cut off a long section and folded it over before knotting, creating a loop she could use to tie the bracelet to Ingrid’s wrist. She made quick work of the braid and was soon kneeling before Ingrid to show it to her.<br/><br/>Her proximity caused Wyndagar to nuzzle at her hair before he snorted, sending black locks rioting. Navia pushed it from her face and shook her head, but it brought a smile to her face anyway when it made Ingrid laugh. “He’s trying to cheer you up,” she explained to Ingrid softly while holding the bracelet out in offering, “He doesn’t want you to be sad.”<br/><br/>“It’s hard,” Ingrid sniffled, her free hand rising to wipe at her tearstricken face while Navia tied the bracelet in place, “Thank you.”<br/><br/>“You are more than welcome,” Navia answered before rising to stand, only pausing to press a soft kiss to the girl’s forehead, “Now what is this secret you and Théadan have! He has refused to tell me.”<br/><br/>Nodding, Ingrid moved over to Wyndagar’s front leg and tickled right behind his knee before saying, “<i>Tulana!</i>” Wyndagar obeyed without hesitation, lifting and curling his foot back so well that Navia stood in shock for a moment before a small laugh left her.<br/><br/>“He taught you that?” Navia asked in disbelief and laughed again when Ingrid nodded and had Wyndagar repeat the movement. It was just what they both needed to get over the sense of despondency encroaching upon them. Ingrid was soon giggling as she switched to Wyndagar’s other leg and he patiently repeated the step she had commanded of him. It was what Brydon and Silva came upon when they stepped from the room and Ingrid called out to them, “Watch, Mommy and Daddy! Look what Wyndagar can do!”