Golden eyes watching our every move
Losing time without the sun or moon
She is terrified of the dark, an odd thing for a creature who had always so easily embraced it. But he has developed patience over his long years alone, and waiting for her to overcome her fears and recognize the trust they had built these last days is no hardship for him. When finally she acquiesces with a fearful plea not to leave her behind, he keeps her close until that veil is parted to reveal the brightness of the tropical island.
She is immediately distracted by the new wonders this place holds, giving Ether the opportunity to curl into deepest shadow he can find. Moments later, however, a black and white blur has flung itself directly into his embrace. Surprise is quickly replaced by a warm hum of recognition, delight bubbling in his veins followed swiftly by concern as the sobs register.
As he pulls little Merry closer, he realizes the boy could not have possibly known what had become of him, stirring clinging tendrils of guilt to life within his breast. He had not meant to make Merry fear for him.
Pressing a tender kiss to the top of the black and white colt’s head, he closes his eyes, exhaling deeply as the world darkens around him. For a long moment, he simply exists, holding Merry close in his embrace, allowing the relief of the darkness to wash over him. Only when the sound of footsteps nearing reaches his ears does he open his golden eyes to peer at little Briella as she returns.
He offers her a faint smile, eyeing the coconut held in her mouth with mild curiosity. He can barely make out the words she mumbles past the hairy fruit, but he blinks when understanding registers. Of course she would not know this is home now. Would not know this is where her family had come when she had slipped away from them on the isle.
“We are home,” he answers softly. “Heartfire is here. And… Dovev.” He frowns at the name. He doesn’t know the man, but Briella felt strongly for him he had learned, though as far as he can tell they are unrelated. Those curiosities are for another time, however. And as Merry’s sudden trailing question, distracts him, he focuses worriedly on the boy as he slumps against him.
ether