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Her words
were a comfort, pulling the private stallion from thought; from contemplation and consideration, though he did not again speak. Words were fine for those loose tongued creatures filled to the brim with opinion, but Hector had not the mind to share his feelings unnecessarily. He was built and trained for war, not conversation. A light, thoughtful smile leaked instead through his cool expression and he nodded, agreeing. Perhaps if ever he found reason enough to part with the duties he so faithfully tasked himself to (enthusiasm faded, his motivation grew vague), young Sikeax would be among the first he would fall to for company. She was forgiving, accepting, all of which he respected.
He found not the same comfort in crowds that many did though, and preferred a lot of the time to linger from their reach- both emotionally and in person.
The pale, horned mare startled ahead of her as they progressed northeast through the grove, just beyond the shining face of the pool from which she’d emerged. Hector’s wings flared readily and the sinew beneath taught copper rippled reflexively, oblivious to the thoughts of hers which had provoked the sudden movement. He was there to protect her (and to a lesser extent, probably bond), and vigilantly his gaze combed the surrounding copse of trees for sign of company. To his rear, the long leonine tail swept left and right, fiery-red tendrils swishing between the foliage to either side of the rough track they followed.
She asked him suddenly if he’d rather walk by her side, and carefully he closed tighter his wings around the bugle of his great barrel. Hector slipped left of her, nose rattling with quiet approval and the warmth radiating from her smaller body drew thicker the sweat to stain his own, feathers brushing frequently against her as they moved. She built confidence throughout his powerful physique; a sense of reason and longing that were rare in recent times, and his fondness increased- even if the value was thus far superficial. Perhaps this foundation being laid would lead down the line, to a deeper kind of friendship.
As they passed through the darkening cover of night, it became apparent that they were quite alone and that nothing unusual gave reason for concern- there would be nothing to report when they returned home. A heavy sigh slipped from the stallion’s parted lips.
"I feel our time would be better spent patrolling a land more occupied," he thought aloud, and turned an eye to find any expression crossing her pretty features.
"Did you want to make our way north?"
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