Chernobyl

She was locked helplessly within Mauja’s gaze as it once more sought the cold surface of the mirror. The quiet whispers of the haunted were captured by tilted ears as their breathing intermingled with silent cries and the darkness was enough to keep her still and unwavering in her resolve. Though, it didn’t take much for her to realize that nothing was going come from the soft reflection of oblivion that would only continue to stretch into some unknown eternity. Whatever metaphor of life that seemed to fringe the edges of her mind only disappeared behind that mirror reminding her that the small sliver of hope she had fastened to her shattered heart would only drown in the sudden swells of panic that rose from her chest. Perhaps her determination had been for naught. Her wheels were spinning and stirring up dust but the road ahead only grew longer while she stood in place trying to decipher where exactly she was trying to go anyways.

The frosted stud had taken her place and perhaps it was just as well, being that frustration had gotten the best of her. She used the moment to drink him in, as was her habit, for the short time that silence ensued. Something about him spoke of sadness though it appeared to be more deeply rooted than her own. She was gracious enough not to speak out of turn about it because it surely wasn’t her place, though she longed to hear his tale of woe- at least until she had the time to nurse her own bent emotions. Instead she settled on reaching her velveteen muzzle mere breaths away from his hide, curious enough to see each mottled imperfection for what it was. She hadn’t the preservation to withhold such a bold maneuver and maybe there was nothing to be said of it. After all, there was a chance she would never get to do it again; she didn’t feel sorry for her desires. They were just that- unspoken intentions that she no longer intended to hide.

“What is it that you fear? You're eyes tell stories that your words do not.” Her eyes widened now, though no trace of emotion seemed to flicker within their depths. She wondered what she feared. Was it something that could be spoken aloud? A warm breeze reached into the clammy pits of the cave and she closed her eyes against the pleasurable rush before pushing back onto her haunches. She envisioned the warm glare of the sun upon her back but it was quickly banished into shadow as the clatter of hooves upon stone broke her reverie. The mare was dressed in various shades of ivory due to the errant shadows throughout the cave and carried a massive set of antlers behind her ears. Chernobyl was hesitant to say much and decided to instead acknowledge the youth with a threadbare nod. She hadn’t the patience to make much of her introduction because she was still shaken from the sensation of longing that had fled upon her approach. However, her eyes were inquisitive as ever- she hadn’t a need to send her away. She was kind enough as it appeared.

A cautious look was given to the snowy stud and while her expression seemed to shift ever so slightly, there was nothing there that would suggest anything other than mild irritation. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the mare standing so close to her quarters so she pressed closer to Mauja to allow her a small nook in which to stand amongst their new trio. Her heated skin seemed to tremble before quieting altogether, unsure of their proximity because it reminded her of Murdock when she had told him goodbye in the Steppe. His careful wingspan had comforted her nerves and while she found no feelings of affection other than friendship upon his recalled image, it was still painful all the same. She wondered what else she would have to give up in her mother’s name. The thought was unbearable and so she soothed it with the pretense of curiosity as her eyes, black as inkwells looked into those of gold. Like a china doll, so fragile and beautiful against the weathered face of the rock, this mare Arah was beautiful, but not as much as the stud at her other side. They must have been a sight, all three lined up before the mirror and asking for answers… “Chernobyl.”

How long would she pretend that she belonged amongst them?

But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away