Soft woolen fur tickled against the velveteen nose as Lace touched the neck of the foal. It was a strange sensation that he admittedly wasn't used to. How could the black colt be so small? Was it possible that the petite boy one day would grow up to rival Lace himself if strength and skill, that these wiry muscles would begin swelling with youth and strength in only a few short seasons?
Almost as troubled by the experience as Sacre the gold-backed stallion withdrew again and offered the young unicorn a half apologetic, half appreciating smile as he noticed the tension in the foal. Eyes warmed even further when he realized that the other was smiling in pride, and made sure that his knowing wouldn't show on the features of the face.
"I do" he nodded and arched the muscled neck to keep his balance, as knees lifted high in order to carry him through a patch of piled up snow. "There's really not all that much of a difference between foals and grown ups you know. The only difference is that with age you get better at hiding how you feel and what you think. We still dream, love, fear and make mistakes like when we were young - it's just harder for us to admit it. It can be hard to understand sometimes, but real honesty and true bravery is a rare thing."
How long would it take before the pure honesty in those blue eyes disappeared? Days, seasons, years? How long before the excited expression turned into guarded curiosity, always alert while searching for signs of deceit and betrayal? Not long enough, Lace knew. Helovia was much too like Isilme in the way it made the children grow up too quickly. There was too much disagreement and too many burning feelings and clashing wills to allow anything else. The look on the crafter's face faded a little as he turned the head and watched his young companion talk about the brother. The hopeful determination in the voice of Sacre clenched around the heart of the elder steed, once again he wished for a way to help the boy make the wish come true.
But whether it was going to be possible... Lace didn't say anything, but there were several solutions to the ailment that came to mind right away. Both required the favor of the gods however, and he wasn't sure he was up to sending someone so young to the fickle deities of the lands. Not yet, anyway.
"I'm sure you will find a way" he replied instead, wishing he could be as certain and hopeful as he sounded. "You're young and strong... With a bit of luck and determination anything is possible."
Even as he spoke the sound of wing beats grew stronger in the cold winter air. The grullo turned the head and gave Fajira a glance before returning the curious gaze to Sacre, prepared to step in if the boy attempted to do something stupid. Lace wasn't really surprised about the reaction the glittering white dragon caused. While small the catlike lizard had an air of power and danger about her that would startle most that wasn't accustomed to the creatures, and even the best of horses would be careful around them without the bond. Trying to catch the eye of the frightened colt Lace remained where he was as Fajira began to circle around them, maintaining a distance of 20 feet from the ground-bound horses as a glittering blue eye fixed upon the smaller of the two. A trilling song spilled from the scaled throat, beautiful and eerie in its otherworldliness...
"Don't worry, Sacre, you are not in any danger" Lace said and came to a halt, body burning and aching but the mind clear and calm. "This is my best friend and constant companion, Fajira. We are bound to each other, soul to soul, and have been together since the day she hatched. She won't harm you anymore than I will."
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