all that glitters is gold - Illusen

[Kreios]

kreios don't you tame your demons, but always keep them on a leash Though we shared a womb, there are few similarities between my twin brother and I. Kratos had always been our father’s favorite, and though Mother loved us equally, I know that her warrior’s heart found more pride in my aggressive brother than in my quiet manners. I’ve never blamed him for it, even when he tormented me, but I cannot help but to be glad that we have chosen such separate paths in life. I’ve no plans to go to the Tundra, and I doubt he will return to the Desert. Illusen mentions half-siblings, and I listen curiously. I have those too, both older and younger. I know those that reside in the Desert but no others. I think, sometimes, that I am more fond of Gaza than I am of my own twin, though I’d never admit this aloud. “My siblings and I all inherited our mother’s spots,” I tell her, glad that we share this. When she answers my question about previous homes, I would have never expected the answer that I received. I can tell that something is wrong when she drops her head instead of meeting my gaze, and then she starts to speak. Though she cannot see, my eyes grow wider as her story progresses. How could that have happened? How could her father have not protected his daughters, how could the other mares have tolerated it, how had Illusen even survived? I feel sick to my stomach, but stronger than that is my rage at the creature that had so hurt the mare beside me. Without really thinking about it, I step forward and pull Illusen against my chest, looping my neck over hers and holding her tightly. “I’m so sorry,” I tell her, my voice quiet, my muzzle close to her pale ears, “You were so brave, to escape.” I had oftimes lamented my own sad childhood, but this was nothing compared to Illusen’s tale of horror. “I’ll never let someone hurt you again,” I tell her, meaning each word, “I promise. You’re safe with me.”