Long enough to begin to wish it would disappear.
Warden doesn’t say this, but the thought is prudent and strong in his mind as his cobalt blue eyes flick upwards towards the one who has joined him in the slow-moving curve of the river. He raises his white face (there is almost a prowess that is about the almost two-year-old as he does so, growing into his body that was once too-lanky or too-small) with a curve of his auburn neck, shining black spirals pressing gently, coaxingly against his skin, reminding him of what has sprouted from his own body.
Darkness.
The blue-mottled stranger takes it upon himself to enter the river, disturbing the calmer waters with his hooves, sending the fish and other freshwater creatures scattering away. Warden’s gaze remains steadfast and neutral, expressionless as he takes in the unnatural shape of the sinister horns and the calculated flick of a snake-like tail. Once again, the word presses into his mind.
Darkness.
Too-large ivory wings that were once draped casually at his legs now stretch outward for a moment, before folding them as neatly as possible against his barrel. Their size now hides the splash of white just beneath his shoulders, the feathers shuffle gently as they settle beside him. He tries to focus on the tickling feeling of the icy water pulling at his black fetlocks, but Warden cannot find himself thinking of anything save for the stranger’s smile and the chill in his voice despite the warmth in its tones. It whispers again.
Darkness.
Warden’s black tail flicks against his haunch. “Maybe I wasn’t watching my reflection,” the younger boy offers him, his steely blue gaze unwavering.
-- warden
@[Samael]
