Of course she doesn't back down. That just wouldn't be in her nature. She follows you effortlessly and snaps right back, tongue lashing out like a knife in a battle of wits. She will always have the upper hand, for you've never been one to be quick on your feet. You cower at her words, tears still streaming and mouth opening in shock. Surely he wouldn't have made such an elaborate illusion as this. Once you're on the ground her entire demeanor changes, her body closing in and her words softer now. Her expression shows her true concern, how worried she is for you, and this thought is what seals it in your mind that you were wrong. You were so, wrong How idiotic you had been to think of her as the enemy, when she had been nothing but your friend. The tears continue to swell but your breathing has begun to relax, your mind on calming yourself for her.

You live your life in fear, it takes everything from you and defeats you in every path in life. You let it hold yourself back and prevent you from accomplishing great things, when all this time you could have set it aside and carried yourself into a better life. You're a fool, such a fool Timothy. As the panic subsides and your heartbeat slows, you find your balance again and return to all fours. With your eyes full of regret, fear and hope, you take a step towards her without thinking. Your wings spread around her, engulfing her wings close to herself as you wrap your neck around her withers. A single tear falls and you let it trickle into her mane, your maw pressing deeply into her skin as you murmur, "I'm sorry... I'm a fool Faeanne. Forgive my cowardly ways." You breath in her scent and let your muscles relax, no longer caring if she isn't happy with this movement of yours. You need to feel her right now, to smell her and taste the salty sweat on her chocolate hide to know that this, that what you two share is real and that she is not a farfetched dream.

Her mane and coat are softer than you expect them to be, tickling your white whiskers and causing a soft smile to escape your lips. You don't think she has seen you smile yet. Has anyone ever seen you smile? You aren't the most happy person around here, and you don't think you ever will be. But you will try to be when you're with her, because even if it doesn't show, there is comfort in her presence. She is a soothing balm to all your pain and hurt that has been inflicted upon you over your lifetime. How she managed to have such an affect on you is still mind boggling, but you choose to go with it, to see where your friendship will go with her. Soon you're reluctantly pulling away, searching for her eyes for a response to what you said. There's hope in yours, a little light that flickers brightly, wanting her so badly to forgive, like she did before, so that you can continue to be you with her like you've never been able to with anyone else. You thought you had accepted that fact that you weren't going to open up to anyone, but now that you have, you are too selfish to lose it.