She's aware of him long before he speaks, but waits until he's shuffled over to lift her head and give him her attention. He's met with a small smile that's quick to replace her weighted gaze. She shakes her head. "No, no... I'm fine. Just a series of extremely dull meetings," she explains, though there's a little more bitterness in it than she intends. "It's been a long few days."

The horse turns to look at the man, eyes bright gold and curious. It gives him a huff... but otherwise stays still under its mistress's loving strokes at its neck.

"I've heard you've exceeded Galen's expectations," she grins, looking him over. While she might not have been immediately around, she's kept up with Xander's progress through the eyes of her staff. It's no secret that the head of her personal Guard is impressed with Xander's skill... even if he's loathe to admit it.