once upon a time we burned bright

the Rift

[OPEN] once upon a time we burned bright

Roland Posts: 230

Aurora Basin Phantom atk: 7.5 | def: 10 | dam: 2.5

Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16 hh :: 8 yrs HP: 60.0 | Buff: NOVICE

Glo

#15

02-03-2015, 08:47 PM

Lena's words fell softly into the space between them, barely heard over the rush of wind and waves against sand. Roland turned his face into her touch as she brushed her lips across his neck, all too eager to surrender himself to her affection. The cries of seagulls echoed in the empty air above them, a cool breeze tugging at Roland's mane as he let out a sigh of relief. His eyelids lowered, sliding shut as he relaxed against her frame, knees digging into damp sand. Without the heat of fire to abate the wintry cold, the Thief's breath ghosted before his face like smoke. He lowered his head to curl over the Mender's back, wishing that they had chosen a different path, or a different time. Any number of trivialities might have steered them down a safer trail. Where could they go, when Lena seemed barely able to draw breath? Where was the God that should have to answer for her torment? Roland was reluctant to move from her side, to no longer feel the swell of breath in her rib cage, the tensing of muscle across her side or the brush of her muzzle against his skin. He revelled in her nearness as if it was he who had clung to the brink of dissolution, and only she could offer him salvation. But he had not forgotten his question, still hanging in the air, unanswered. The Thief felt Lena draw away from him, and opened his eyes as she turned her face from his sight, as if stowing away the truth within her chest.

Roland swallowed down guilt, remorse, some nameless feeling that twisted in his stomach and soured against his tongue. His worried gaze slid across the scarred surface of her flesh, every burn a painful reminder of what she had just barely managed to escape. How could that beast have been so heartless, how could he have almost taken such a valuable life without a second thought? Roland ought to have desired revenge, but he felt only a bone deep exhaustion and simmering anger. The confusion and frustration ate away at him in the silence. He grit his teeth against the resentment, fighting back his concern for Lena as he watched her, thanking whatever miracle had kept her alive.

He was jolted from his thoughts when Lena stirred against him, leaving his inquiry behind as she pushed her legs underneath her frame. The Thief was quick to give her space, bringing himself to his feet with a grimace. His heart sank as he watched her struggle to stand, limbs trembling beneath her own weight as if a passing breeze might send her toppling over once again. Roland averted his gaze from her wounds, unable to look upon them anymore without feeling a terrible disappointment in himself, and stepped towards her as she asked it of him. "Of course," he responded softly, infusing all of his care, his concern, his devotion into his words as he drew alongside her and offered his shoulder for support. The ocean was not far. Its water beckoned them in a lazy wave across the shore, leaving a frosting of sea foam in its wake. Roland moved towards it slowly, keeping a careful eye on the Mender as he took one determined step after another towards the tide.

@[Lena]

Push your luck if it makes you a promise
that turns con men honest.

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