They embraced, and the world stood still around them. The warmness of sunset as it spilled its gold across the land only accentuated this moment. She pressed her face against his neck, breathing him in. He smelled of smoke and earth and pine and everything wonderful. There was something about the stallion that felt like home, and she felt safe and welcome beside him.

But as every moment does, this one slipped away in a cool gust of breeze. She exhaled softly as he pulled away, and sterling met his dark gaze as he stepped back. Birdsong had done him well. He looked healthy and strong, contradicting the harshness of Frostfall and the tolls it had taken on the inhabitants of Helovia.

She leaned back, relaxed, and the buck began to speak. She felt heat blossom in her cheeks as he brought up an old memory. How long had it been that they stood shoulder to shoulder, facing an intruder who had dropped in, unwelcomed, from the darkened night sky? She remembered being unpleasant to the newcomer, contrasting the painted's patience. Though they stood for the same thing that evening, it showed how different they both were. She had taken from him a lesson of patience, though it had only calmed her fire ever so slightly.  But he thanked her for installing confidence. Perhaps, though she had much to learn from others, she had things to share as well. A happiness bubbled in her chest. "Oh darling, there is no need-" she trailed off, humbled, and watched the buck dig a cloven hoof into the thawing ground.

Her eyes widened and sparkled as he pulled the gift from its place, presenting a beautifully crafted scarf. She reached out, pressing her velvety nose to it. It was soft, incredibly so. She dipped her head, careful to not perforate it with her horn, and let it fall over her face. She shook her head, letting it envelope her, one end lingering by her ears, the rest spilling down to the tops of her shoulders. It rested as a hood should, and it was lined with a remarkable fleece. It was warm and cozy and marvelous. She tossed her head again, allowing the hood to fall back, and the entire garment pooled neatly around the base of her neck.

"Ashamin, it's perfect!" She returned to him, pressing her cheek against his. Never before had she received a gift, especially not one so heartfelt as this. She didn't believe she deserved a gift, or a friend for that matter, like this. But that wouldn't take from her the feeling of elation she felt for the moment. She pulled away, beaming, unable to hide the happiness that coursed through her. "I will have to pass along my complements to Johnny, as well."  

She felt warmed from the outside in, and from the inside out. What could be better than this?

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Speech
OOC// !!! <3
Tagged//