At her startled exclamation, his face falls slightly, his smile bashful. “I apologize, Wreath,” he dipped his head, the sun-bleached tips of his forelock washing over his eyes. “I didn’t mean to frighten you! I was just remembering the first time I smelled the air here.” One corner of his scarred mouth rose into a crooked smile as he listened attentively, his ears pointed in her direction, gold-flecked eyes kind.
At her compliment, his features brighten and he glances around them, heart swelling with pride in his chest. This was not any of the homes he had loved in a past life. It was not the wild of the Jungle, secrecy of the Chamber, peace of the Gates, or redemption of the Dale—it was something different entirely. It was hope in second chances, it was something he had helped carve from nothing. It was a gift from Beqanna.
“Thank you, that is very kind of you to say. I think it is rather special myself.”
He glanced around before bringing his gaze back to her. “We are lucky to have a good number of horses who call Tephra home.” Maybe not as many as some, but larger than others. “Many come and go, but I am sure you will cross paths with them if you choose to stay.” He thought of all of those who resided here. Those, like Lucrezia, who wanted purpose. Those like Eira who were raising a family. Those like Offspring who simply wanted a place to be at peace. It was his responsibility to provide that for them.
“Would you like to see around, Wreath?” He took a small step forward and then paused, ever the gentleman. “There is a lot to see, but I promise you that the journey is worth it for the view alone.”
magnus
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