Astraeus flew, searching, as his bonded had bade, for the golden steed who ruled these lands.  He tried (and failed) to keep his thoughts on the matter neutral; the zephyr was angry that his bonded would throw herself at a stallion for comfort.  Look where that had led her, time and again:  pregnant and afraid, destined to be alone.  But he couldn't tell her that, now, could he?  What kind of companion would he be if he added to the stakes driven through her heart?  No -- the wakiya would protect the Transcended, even if it mean he had to bite his tongue from time to time.  The mare felt her companion's distaste through the bond, and she understood its source; but she could not bring herself to look upon the night that she and Kaj had shared with disgust, despite its less-than-ideal outcome.

It was not long before the Aurelight appeared, a gleaming shadow to join hers in the bright world around them.  Again, as before, she saw how haunted he was by ghosts unknown; she wondered if he had always been this way, and it had just taken her own misfortune to familiarize her with the image, or if he, too, had experienced more pain than he could bear since she had met him so long ago.  Regardless, his presence was a welcome one, and she felt herself begin to relax despite her nerves.  She offered a tentative, tired smile, reaching for him to mirror his gesture.  Her muzzle bumped easily against his, but this time there was no passion, only an unexplained affection.  "Kaj," she greeted him warmly, gently, a kindly embrace in an otherwise cold-hearted world.

Perhaps that was her problem - perhaps she was just too soft to survive the cruelty all around her.

She cocked her head slightly, peering at him as though to check for outward signs of the cracks she knew lay beneath the surface.  "How are you doing?" she asked quietly, returning her bi-colored gaze to his blue, piercing, searching. It was a challenge, of sorts: was the connection that they had made - a deeper connection than their physical closeness had allowed - still there? Or would his role in the Hidden Falls force the charade of strength to continue, glue the mask to his face, impossible for her to pry off?

She didn't answer his question. How could she? He had greeted her with warmth and affection, and she had only problems and drama to unveil to him. Again, she felt that rush of - love, but not love, not the romantic sort, anyway, but not really the friend type, either - whatever it was, but this time, she felt guilt. If only she had sought him out merely to ask how he was... but no. Of course it couldn't be that easy. She was laden with baggage of all kinds, and she was here to share her newest bag.

He deserved better.

He deserved more.

"Talk talk talk."
--Astraeus.--

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