Say you love me to my face, I need it more than your embrace

Just say you want me, that’s all it takes

The day was bright and new, quite different from the night before. I had shared the witching hours with Evangeline and yet her image still clung to mind in such a heavy fashion that I was unsure how to be rid of it. I was quite torn between my emotions for her, restless and nervous even from deliberating her words and actions. I had wanted the sun to bring reprieve but it had only shone truth and longing, a painful mixture of fearful fact that I did not want to face.

The Edge was awake now, humming softly to me as her mists curled about my hooves. I had taken to the borders in hopes of finding solace in routine or monotony but it only served to make me impatient and so I had abandoned my reckless attempts at distraction. However, upon making my way back to the land’s wide heart, I spotted a vaguely familiar face off to my left.

If I remembered correctly, her name was Alysanne. I was not particularly fond of the thought of conversation but soft words of encouragement from my consciousness gave me reason to approach the mare and friend. They were most certainly a vision of beauty (though not so much in the wake of Eva) and I did wonder what had brought them out this late in the day.

Something in the way the paint’s curious eyes searched the shadows made me believe they were in fact looking for someone, even if I couldn’t imagine who. Slowly and without much rhyme or reason, I approached the pair with my head dipped low in greeting. “What are you two up to?” I questioned with a knowing smile.

The mare opposite Alysanne was one I’d seen but once since my return to Helovia and I allowed her an inquisitive grin. She was unlike anything I’d ever seen, a pearly colored mare with a single ear. “Alysanne, it’s nice to see you again,” I offered to the Moon Doctor. “I’m Thor,” I finally allowed to her friend. Surely their intentions would be revealed… and perhaps I could return to my brooding. However, their company might just be a good thing- at least I wouldn’t be festering over Evangeline and her uncanny tendency to drive me mad.

Say you love me to my face, I need it more than your embrace

Just say you want me, that’s all it takes

I’d spent time with a number of creatures, all of various natures and walks of life, and Alysanne was similar to a ray of absolute sunshine. She tended to most everyone with a smile and never had I seen her frown. Perhaps it was her attitude that pressed her toward greatness… I was most glad to share a spare moment in her company. But I’d seen something else within those eyes of green. It reminded me of a nervous tick or perhaps a hidden agenda. Whatever it was, I did hope that she’d be out with it soon enough.

Resplendence appeared a more timid mare of proper manner. However, her companion was certainly cut of a different cloth… I’d barely ended introduction when he came swooping down from the skies above, huffing and quivering like an animal twice his size. But I’d encountered dragons such as he and did little more than smile at his show. After all, it had been Tallis who’d acquainted me to the haughtiness associated with their species… There yet lay a patch of new fuzz at my back growing in place of once burned hair. “Nice to meet you both,” I warmed while nodding to the mare and dragon in turn.

Alysanne, unaffected as she was by Valiance and his antics, ignored the dragon and was quick to remedy the silence born between us. “I’ve been well, quite well actually. How have you fared since last we met?” I questioned lightly. From what I could see, the paint mare had orchestrated their outing with intent- one I was still quite unsure of. She’d even had to bite her tongue to keep from squandering the secret at hand.

Now certainly there was more to the story than two mares out “enjoying the day”.

“I see…” I mused on a quiet laugh before turning to face Resplendence with bright, caramel colored eyes. “The Herb garden- what do you grow there?” I inquired on a breath. I’d never quite learned the ways of the “healer” despite the fact that some time ago I’d actually been one. It had been short-lived, but an experience nonetheless. “You know, I used to desire a hand in the trade… But as you can see I certainly didn’t possess the rumored ‘green thumb,’” I smiled. Perhaps Resplendence would relax if I gave her something of comfort to talk about… Though it still didn’t quite answer the question as to why they both appeared to know something I did not.

Say you love me to my face, I need it more than your embrace

Just say you want me, that’s all it takes

I wasn’t quite sure why Resplendence would feel the need to fear me, but the catch in her voice and the way she cowered made me think that I’d done something to frighten her. I didn't try to make up for the distance between us and instead nodded quietly as she related the bounties of her trade. I certainly didn't try to press her for more and instead guided my stare back toward Alysanne in hopes that she would be able to remedy the situation before things got out of hand. I wasn’t aware of Resplendence’s tolerance threshold and guidance of any form would greatly help in shaping the rest of our conversation. However, I was quite taken aback when she admitted to growing poison in her garden… I had a hard time swallowing the image of innocence and death merged together on one spoon. In a way, I was left feeling surprised and enamored simultaneously. Perhaps the Edge had developed a bite that I’d been unaware of and when tested, she would defend her honor quietly.

“Then I trust their application is in capable hands,” I replied softly. “I’d love for you to show me the garden someday soon,” I added on a shallow breath. While I was quite entranced by the idea of a poisonous plant growing right here in the Edge, I was quickly diverted from the task by the soft rumbling of what appeared to be a small owl. I’d nearly missed his presence, despite the fact that he was perched atop Resplendence’s poll and more than worthy of introduction. I glanced quickly to the fowl before smiling at him and Alysanne in turn. Were it not for the curious eyes gazing back at me from behind a single rose-colored ear, I would have thought Resplendence an isolated individual. However, she did seem to possess a natural talent for attracting any and every creature to her side… or head, if one wanted to see it that way.

With a soft smile still turning my lips, I shifted back toward Alysanne in hopes of reviving the tense conversation. True to her nature, she was all optimism and happiness, and true to mine, I gladly latched on to the bone she'd tossed. “I’m sure that you will continue to find new things to marvel… Helovia is an ever-changing land and one that I am glad to call home,” I related jovially. I was glad for Alysanne’s ability to mediate and counsel Resplendence through whatever troubles she seemed to suffer. I hated to imagine such a stunning creature would be so plagued by anxiety or fear… Perhaps that was why the Moon Doctor felt the need to accompany her in her endeavors, though I was surprised to hear that Resplendence was actually the one doing the teaching.

If Alysanne had learned from her friend how to tend the herb garden, then why was I compelled to think it was the other way around? Surely Resplendence’s talent and wit would give her something to be prideful about… Then again, how was I to know much of anything? I’d been gone for far too long and I’d neglected to expand my horizons upon my return. For that, I was guilty… but I prayed that I would continue to learn of my family and their diverse cultures. Perhaps it would be a good way of regaining my own confidence... “Most certainly! I don’t think it would hurt me to learn a few of the herbs. Besides, I think it could be useful…” I smiled in response to Alysanne. With a shy glance cocked toward Resplendence, I attempted to silently plead for her approval. If anything, she couldn’t exactly say no to a curious man like myself.

After all, I was definitely not a threat to her... In fact, I was supposed to be her friend.

“I promise I’ll try not to butcher their names as long as you promise to teach me a healing salve,” I stated with a grin now directed at both mares. As long as the offer was on the table, the least I could do was indulge them and myself. I had acquired a magic for healing mental instabilities, so why not learn a few tricks to go with it?