Warrick laughs genuinely with Kolera, almost surprising himself as he hears it. He doesn’t even remember the last time a laugh or a smile found him that was pure, free from the tangles of strife that plagues his mind constantly. Kolera had been a welcome distraction (her youthful energy was infectious, making it hard to be gloomy for the time being). The laugh that leaves his cobalt lips feels almost real and is so familiar, he wishes that he could capture the moment and hold onto it, but it is fleeting. His laughter dies and with it, the sparkle in his eyes.
Another makes their way to join them and Warrick pricks his ears forward curiously. Kolera was right for a second time – she really wasn’t lost; her family had been watching her the entire time. Confused, Warrick narrows his eyes, auburn lids hooding his bright blue pupils. He even tilts his head slightly as the dark bay mare joins them, her shadowy eyes steadfast on Warrick. Had this been a test? She says nothing at first, merely taking in his form and studying him. He’s unsure what to do beneath her gaze, unable to tell if the mother was angry or content. The emotion on her face did not reflect the situation at hand, leaving the bay stallion momentarily speechless.
Then, she speaks. Again? Warrick snorts sharply in surprise, drawing his chin into his chest as he curves his neck. Sparkling blue eyes scan the mare, desperately trying to put a name to the face. He has not met very many in his time in Beqanna so far, but he’s not sure if he recognizes the deep bay mare. “I’m sorry,” he says, his voice sincere. “Have we met before?”
It was not like Warrick to not introduce himself to another, but her statement has completely thrown him off guard, abandoning his normal polite pleasantries.
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