never take advice from someone who just admitted to being devious and just confessed to treason
The stallion’s sudden entrance did not seem to put the auburn mare at ease, for as he burst into the shallow throat of the cave she let out a wail that seemed to echo through the enclosed space, even when the wind was roaring at their heels. Roland shrank back at her outcry, equally as startled by her as she seemed to be by him. The slick floor called for cautious footing, and Roland staggered clumsily as he attempted to right himself, tail swinging out behind him to regain his balance. Their breath misted in the space between them, Roland’s nostrils widening as he raked in lungfuls of the frozen air and attempted to compose himself. Sapphire eyes flicked over her snow covered body once more and he was struck by how small and fragile she seemed, pressed against the wall like a frightened bird, caged between stone and stranger.
The question he posed to her was answered with a stammer, and though Roland wasn’t sure if the cold had frozen her tongue or if the shivers that wracked her body were caused by paralyzing fright, knowing she was alright set his mind at ease. He laughed at her following explanation, tossing his head back with a shake of his tangled mane. A cascade of snowflakes loosed themselves from his russet hair and tumbled down his stiff neck. “Are you satisfied with what you’ve found?” He questioned, smiling despite the chill that sank through his flesh and curled icy fingers around his bones. The Impersonator found the shy look upon her face endearing, though the sentiment was out of place as she was covered head to foot in snow, and most likely miserable beneath the timid smile.
The mare mildly reminded Roland of himself the first time he’d stumbled into the Aurora Basin, having long since forgotten herd customs and the rules regarding territory. It had been so long since he’d known a family, and in his curiousity he had naively overlooked the policy of waiting at the border rather than barging right on in; and it was not the best way to be received with open arms. Rowan, though Roland guessed she was an intelligent woman, had presumably been uneducated on the tempestuous weather that battered the northern reaches of Helovia, granting snow and debilitating wind one minute and watery sun the next, but the air never seemed to be bereft of its chill.
Despite the fact that Roland could be insensitive and had done some improper things in his past, he was sympathetic by nature and therefore glad that his openness allowed the mare to relax, muscles loosening beneath her short fur as the terror from his sudden intrusion was replaced with tentative acceptance. Already she seemed to stand taller against the rocky backdrop of the cave, unexpected concern soon darkening her features. Her inquiry initially took the stallion by surprise, but he dismissed her worries with a small shake of his head. “I’m no worse for wear, though honestly I’ll never get used to this weather.”
He took the spot she offered him with a grateful smile, sidling in so the worst of the wind merely brushed against his side. No sooner had he made himself comfortable than Rowan was pinning her ears against her crown in embarrassment, apologizing profusely for deserting formalities. Funny that she should say that when he was the one who had so suddenly burst in upon her from the vicious tempest, horn glinting and eyes ablaze with adrenaline in the dim light. “No, no need to apologize,” he assured her, the edges of his mouth quirking up into a small smile. “I’m Roland.” It amused him that they shared such similar names, but he made no mention of it, absorbed instead with appreciation for her selflessness when they had only just met, and under no ideal circumstances. He found himself wishing that there were more creatures like her in the Aurora Basin; perhaps then he wouldn’t feel quite so miserable among their ranks.
Just as Rowan had done, he omitted his herd from his introduction despite wondering where she was from and how far she might have travelled just to marvel at the snow, but he could assure her it was no novelty after spending a few days wading through tall drifts of the stuff. Perhaps she had already assumed that he was from the Aurora Basin, or perhaps she thought him a wayward wanderer like herself, but he wondered what she might think of him if she had not already guessed. He was not like many of the others from the valley, thirsting to spill Equine and Pegasi blood alike, but would she know that from his actions thus far? Would she, being aware of their reputation, think ill of him for sharing ties with Psyche and her lot? He was a liar and a charlatan, but his kindness was not false, and there was no plot steeping in the back of his mind to catch her when her back was turned. Should she ask, he would not avoid the truth, and if she judged him for it he would not be surprised.
And though he was mostly unaware of her want for him to stay, he remained in place at her side because he wished to, shouldering the brunt of the wind and snow as he squinted out at the grey sky beyond the wrathful storm, the line between ground and sky indiscernible as snow was whipped around in the vicious gale. “I’m sorry you’ve picked a poor day for sightseeing. There’s no telling when this will let up.” His gaze was apologetic as he curled his neck, looking back at Rowan through the steam of his breath. “Are you cold?”
(Agh, this really didn’t turn out like I wanted it to. Sorry for the delay! <3)
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[O] A Crown of Ivy, An Unbroken Heart // Roland First
