Leilan can tell that Jude and Magnus are hitting it off. It is mildly obvious how quickly the pink girl takes the whiskey-voiced stallion (dare one say, she is intoxicated). She offers the dragon-man a reserved smile and murmurs a sweet goodbye, watching him with still-fascinated eyes as he makes a quick retreat. Her head cocks, and for a moment she hopes she will run into him again, for he seems to possess levels that she nor Magnus will begin to understand in their brief meeting.
The sun brightens Magnus’ eyes when Jude turns to him again. His expression is excited, youthful, and she feels her stomach twist into anxious knots at the thought of visiting his land. She senses that she will not be disappointed - how could she possibly be let down when so much genuine love pours from Magnus’ gaze. Jude can only expect she will feel the same for Tephra - her handsome companion practically forces his emotions into her heart with his irresistible thrill.
When he asks, there is no need for a response. Jude merely smiles, mirroring Magnus’ own emotions. She falls into rhythmic step with him, heading to the volcanic kingdom that will steal her heart.
---
Tephra clearly was not far, based off of how quickly they arrived. Their trip was made even shorter by how easily the two got along. Yes, initially Jude was rather charmed by Magnus’ hidden layers and kind eyes, but she is surprised by how genuinely she took to him. She was pleased to get to know him along the way, delighted to joke and poke fun when they were not asking questions of each other. Their time together was refreshing for Jude found herself not putting on the flashy act she has accepted as her whole personality - he brought out the parts of her that care.
When they travel further into Tephra, Magnus stops, seemingly relishing in the beauty of his home. Jude watches him with droopy lids, a relaxed smile spreading across her mouth. She breathes in as well, welcoming the hot air that spreads goosebumps across her body. Sulfur coats her nostrils, a new smell, not unpleasant . . . but quite different. Magnus brings his gaze to Jude’s -
Welcome to Tephra.
Immediately, she knows. She will rest here, get to know the land in its entirety. She did not visit all of the lands, but the heat and beauty takes her in a comforting hug unlike anything she has ever felt. Jude nearly drops and rolls her body in the dirt, wanting to cover herself in the land’s unmatched prowess. She feels a kinship, almost as if the heart of the land shares her exact heart (fiery, unique, entirely uncontained).
Jude, her eyes now not filled with complete wonderment, flicks her gaze back to Magnus. She slowly approaches him, almost hypnotized, and presses her forehead to his neck in a silent and sincere thank you.
“I love it, Magnus. It is . . . wild - so beautiful; I feel as if it challenges me,” she murmurs, her voice uncharacteristically humble. She peers up at him, “Show me more. I want to learn all about Tephra.”
@[magnus]