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the Rift

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Lace the Silverthorn Posts: 459

Deceased atk: 5 | def: 9 | dam: 5.5

Stallion :: Equine :: 15.3 hh :: 14 HP: 65 | Buff: NOVICE

Fajira :: Plain White Dragon :: Fire Breath Chan

#15

09-11-2012, 12:13 PM (This post was last modified: 09-11-2012, 12:13 PM by Lace.)

LACE

Who, in his mind,
has not probed the dark water?

Was it moments that passed, or years? The heartbeats between the ending of his tale and the beginning of hers seemed endless, and never had he felt so exposed and vulnerable as he did then. This wasn't like anything he had never done before. To talk about himself, about memories and feelings, it just wasn't something he ever did. Partly because it hadn't been necessary and partly, because it wasn't in his nature to entrust others with his own problems. The stallion used to be the protector, not the one to be protected. It was a situation he hadn't been in since he was a very young foal, and it caught him off guard completely. Was it really okay, to entrust Mirage with so much of himself? He didn't know her, wasn't sure he could trust her... Ha, but then again. Between the two of them, he was probably the least trustworthy.

In the darkness that covered the earth her words fell, heavy and determined like the rain from the hovering clouds. Lace clung to them, allowed the soothing voice to sink in until the meaning of them became clear. The result surprised him. He wasn't sure what he had been expecting or hoping for, but whatever it was, this was not it.

He was forgiven?
Forgiven.

Really? It was unreal. A part of him wanted to protest, to object against the mild verdict that didn't crave blood and death and exile for what he had done. It was quickly shushed by the remaining part of him and by Fajira, who kept his mind in a gentle but firm embrace. Soothing, warming, he felt the kind and curious little soul share her brightness with him, weighing up for the brooding darkness that was his nature.
The stallion felt his eyes sting and blinked, surprised to find that tears were rolling slowly down his cheek. When had he begun to cry? It didn't really matter though, and he did nothing to stop himself. Neither did he shy away from the touch of the dark mare; for a moment he simply accepted it. But as he felt the warmth from the burning log and her body he gave in and leaned against her, hid his face in her mane and wept.

Perching on his back, Fajira purred soothingly and reached out to but noses with Mirage, unhesitating. Unlike her bonded the little dragon seemed perfectly in tune with herself, content and happy in just existing. She had no need for purpose or goals, it was enough to simply gaze back on each day and confirm that she had indeed been there. She was still young though, and had much to learn about struggles and sadness and how to deal with it. Because of that, she was grateful to the Queen and her Black-and-Gold for the help and the support. With gentle paws she reached out to capture the nose of the shadow coated four legs and hold it, before trying to lick it with a warm and surprisingly soft tongue. She couldn't do much else, beside trilling affectionately and promise both Akaith and Mirage all the help she could ever give them.

It took a long time, but gradually the breathing of the white-maned stallion began to calm down. As his tears ceased to fall he took a deep breath and slowly shifted the head, reached down to rub the salty dampness from his cheeks against the knees. It didn't help much. The heavy rain seemed to soak everything, washing away any dirt and impurity fro the landscape. It wouldn't be able to wash away the actions of the past, but somehow the grulla still felt better as the cold droplets pattered against his back and flooded down the mane and legs. It reminded him of purification, of clean slates and new beginnings...

"Thank you" he murmured and raised the neck once more, voice hoarse still but with the shadow of a smile hinting in the eyes. He had probably never uttered a word with so many meanings before. It was a thank you for not letting him push her away, for hearing him out, for being honest and for lending him a shoulder to cry on. Oh, what a debt he was building up towards this mare. She would probably never allow him to pay it off if he mentioned it though, or even acknowledge it. But perhaps.. he didn't have to say anything. The eyes of the knight closed halfway in a look that could seem drowsy if it weren't for the cunning that flashed by the amber orbs; perhaps there was some way he could pay her back without even letting her know.

Sidestepping slightly to allow Mirage some more space if she wanted it he mulled over the thought. Of course there was something that came to mind right away when he considered the dragon lady and their conversations so far, but in order to be of any help whatsoever it would require some more information on the subject. And for that he'd need to ask questions... Not very subtle. Ah well, she wouldn't know why he was asking. Hopefully she'd take it as an apology from before. Which it might be too, come to think of it.

Get to the point, silly the lazy thought of the dragon urged him on, and for a moment he had to suppress a grin. She always knew what he was thinking..

"Mirage.." he began, fumbling for a good way of expressing himself. "do you think you could.. Would you mind telling me more about the Qian?" It came out a bit sheepish, but for once Lace didn't mind that he sounded like a school-boy that had refrained from listening and now needed to hear it all again. He didn't even mind the fact that he was loosing the battle of wills; it was a little late for pride now, after he had shown her all his ugly sides. It was almost with a sense of relief that the warrior admitted defeat and gave in, ears turning to catch any words the WeyrLeader might have to offer him.

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