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So many souls had passed through the swamp. Into her life, right back out. Thought she'd had the joy of their company from the start to the other side of the swamp, that was all the time she usually had. Because of it, she'd found it hard to make and keep any relationships- Those who wanted to pass through the swamp, her herd's homeland- wanted to go quickly. It's not like she could really blame them, those who didn't live in the swamp couldn't fully appreciate it if all they would see was the trail she would take them.

Of course, there were exceptions.

One of which being a stallion that just couldn't stop being lost.

It was funny, really, and she couldn't help but laugh lightly the second time she'd seen him. That someone would have gotten lost once was fine, but a second time? Well, it wasn't hurting anything and she found herself enjoying the second trip with the same stallion through the swamp. It was...different. In a good way.

The fourth time, however, she was sure that he didn't need her help anymore. But, then again, what if he did? There was no way she could judge, some people just didn't have a sense of direction. Besides, she was finding it nice to be around him.

He was also the only one she'd been able to tell her name to.

"Guiding~" Imogen hummed in response, having taken to using her tail to hold the guiding lantern than her mouth so that she could hum and talk to him if he was okay with it. "I wouldn't have been your guide tonight, you know. It was supposed to be someone else." But she had a feeling. It was a...feeling. But a feeling nonetheless. That he would have been coming along.

The sun was setting this time, however, and usually her route was midday. It was now a sky of purples and blues and oranges dimming as they walked, approached the deeper and darker parts of the swamp. Soon they would lose sight of the watercolor sky and be surrounded by near pitch black. Not a problem. She had the lamp. He had her. They'd be fine as they had been at least four times before.

Should she?

Why not? He was handsome, easy to be around, and made her happy to end the guiding day for once.

"An bhfuil tú go maith? Mar tá tú ag féachaint go maith." She near-mumbled, hoping that maybe the language was unfamiliar to him so as she could get away with the, admittedly, horrible pick-up line.

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Fascinating.

In all honesty she would have expected to be rebuffed. Perhaps laughed at. Even if the words she uttered were in a language unknown to those outside of the swamp, her tone had definitely been flirtatious. And with the idea that everyone she met would pass through her life never to be seen again, the fact that he was still here- still here!- was an anomaly. A charming, awkward, somewhat curious anamoly.

That he was gad for her and not another of her herd? It was funny how such a thing never occured to her. She never thought she'd be sought after, considering how...well, no, she did get flirted with. Once. On accident. But this was different. It was after the third time he'd gotten lost and needed guidance that she decided he felt...safe. That she could allow herself to open up, tell him her name, ask for his and talk beyond what was the normal small talk. In the end, the little flitters in her heart had become the beating wings of butterflies, hadn't they?

Even now, as he spoke, the wings beat frantically against the cage of her chest. It was a new feeling, not unwanted, but new and strange. Of course she was attracted to him, but it was beyond surface level, wasn't it? They'd gotten to know each other a little, but it wasn't enough.

She wanted to know him. Truly know him. Forever be beside him and, as he said, help him with the noises in his head. If she could help him, then all the better.

As the familiar darkness wrapped around them as they took their first steps into the woodsy part of the swamp, Imogen had a choice to make. To he left was the path they had taken four times before. Out of the swamp to say their goodbyes, to perhaps hope to meet once more.

And, to the right...

"...Kaimana?" She began softly, gently, pausing in the path to turn and look at him with a ever so gentle smile. "Would you...Like to take a different path tonight?" Her question was hesitant and just as awkward. "The shadows are deep, but I...I promise to not lose you. But I think our butterflies would...Maybe like the change in scenery...?" And they could get to know each other better. So, so much better.

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