The chocolate hue she carried was ever pressing upon my mind, glinting in the dim light of the forest as the branches swayed above her. It was a magical array that impinged across her swollen back, thick with health and youthful inhibition. I was entreated to lace my gaze upon her face as she spoke, soft charms of bronze echoing from within her chest, so strong and yet so pure. I suppose it was easy to be drawn to such a dove, innocence rippling in her tones and erotically beckoning me through her smile. However, the nervous twitch in her shoulder and the tension that gathered from her spine and moved slowly outwards had begun to take over the carefree mood that had formerly possessed her. I was hesitant as to wonder what exactly had seized such beauty and spoiled it like rancid meat. It was if the stench of worry had overtaken the atmosphere and I could nearly taste it upon my tongue.

Her story was one that I was not expecting to hear, but I listened intently all the same. In a way I was slightly stunned, yet on the other hand it would explain the strange presence that had passed over her, darkening her eyes and repressing her earlier exuberance. She waited now, nervously gazing at me like a wide-eyed child. Part of me wanted to ask what she had expected me to say and the other, well I suppose I wanted to tempt this demon out of her. “Such an interesting ailment… Surely there is a way to control these possessions? However, to hide such a thing would be fatal, don’t you think? Should you encounter this demon amongst friends and potential family, how do you suppose they would act?” Worried lines creased my face and I could not help but offer my condolences to such tainted artistry.

Ever since my upbringing in Helovia, I’ve met many a tortured soul and offered solace to those wounded spirits. Perhaps it was my calling to amend these hearts as they have come to touch mine. Her mention of becoming a healer had sparked a flame in my desires that had formerly been a mere flicker. I flexed my scant appendages now, perhaps suddenly inspired by not only the mare’s words but her demure ideas. She was a tender creature, but she had the brilliance of one twice her disposition. If only there were something to stroke her confidence for I knew she would become a great healer one day should she learn to accept her own defects as I have come to welcome mine.

[W/C:436]