03-28-2017, 10:45 AM
The young stag felt uncomfortable as he watched the mare’s reaction. He swallowed, unsure of what she was holding back, but believing it was something horrendous…something that had been etched into the core of her being. She suddenly smiled, and a chuckle slipped softly from her lips. She thanked him…but no more than that. He didn’t expect much else, but for some reason, he had hoped for more. Maybe a blush, an innocent giggle? He did not deny Ellyse’s mind, the way she spoke and the way she held herself screamed intelligence and poise, but he wanted to see a softer side…he wanted to show her a softer side.
The sun had fully set now, and the moon began to poke over the horizon. The crescent shaped satellite beamed bright, beautiful light over the fields. The mare seemed distant, like she was lost in thought, and Rou longed to be able to reach into her brain, to know what she thought about, what she was capable of. She finally spoke, her voice stern, almost cold.
“Neither… it is less of a herd, really – there is a leader, Magnus, with several individuals beneath him to give support in diplomacy and warfare. Home.” She glanced at him, and Rou felt a chill run down his spine. He couldn’t quite decipher the way she said it, but it was almost as if she was questioning him…he decided to ignore it, and listened to her continue. “I serve as the Head of War. I ensure the safety and security of our domain, and prepare those interested in serving for eventual battle and border security. It is no regime – more of a…family. I am afraid that we lack creeks and large oak trees, but there is magma and hot springs to rest your bones in.”
Rou chuckled at her last remark – this mare was so intriguing. The way she went so flawlessly from serious to joking. The way she spoke about her position so effortlessly, as she had been practicing it for a long time.
So, she was a protector. A guard, making sure her family was protected. She was important, not that Diable Rouge doubted that she would be anything less. Rou wondered, had his fate been different - had his mother’s fate been different - if maybe he could’ve done something similar. If maybe he could’ve grown strong enough to the defeat Lucifer. His face fell. He silently wondered if he could’ve made a home…a safe haven for mares and stallions alike, had his situation turned out differently.
“Should you decide to seek more for your life than this, you are welcome within our borders.” Ellyse spoke. But this comment didn’t seem as rehearsed…it seemed like a genuine invitation, as if she wanted him to come with her…as if someone finally wanted him around. Rou’s mouth curled into a smile, and he looked at the mare warmly. He longed to learn everything about this mare. She was astute, mysterious, utterly beautiful – and Rou felt himself grow excited to learn more about her, and maybe be accepted onto her land.
He cleared his throat. “That sounds...” He tried to think of a word for it, but all he could come up with was: “Wonderful.”