stillwater;

[Stillwater]

Stillwater

"There have been hundreds of horses that have been able to be loyal to one another."

Somehow, he managed not to scoff, knowing full well she would not return the same loyalty, did not even expect it of herself. He would never give what was not already equally given to him in turn. Even still, he wasn't sure loyalty was something he even had available to give to anyone. Not his kind of loyalty. Most especially to a temptress Queen who didn't know what she truly wanted.

She told him of her vow to herself, not to fall prey to a man's heat at her side. She told him that she'd avoided stallions her whole life, and he wondered why she didn't see that as her weakness. As though a man could have control over her, the boogieman of her adult life. He shook his head to himself, but he wouldn't tell her how a man at her side could make her stronger instead of weak. How one might support her, raise her higher, hold her steady. He couldn't risk giving her any crazy ideas. Or making her more powerful than she already was.

"And yet, here I am with you."

His eyes darkened as he met her gaze once again. She was good at this game, and he was wondering if she knew she was even playing it. But more importantly, would he dare to play it back? It held him silent for a long while, staring into her eyes, trying to figure her out. What the hell did she want from him? What was the point in this back and forth, the push and pull that she did with him.

And why are you here with me? he challenged. Why do you dare try to make me feel special. As though I mean something when we both know that I do not.  He considered giving her what she desired, that she wasn't aware that she wanted so badly.

His hot breath fanned across her muzzle, his eyes falling helplessly to her perfect face again. Stupid woman. She had no idea who she was toying with. And then his mouth was stupid, too, spitting out things he never meant to say, in such a melting, gentle whisper no less. To someone else, anyone else, yes. But not to her, the Queen.

I could show you, Queen. With a touch you could see that you won't crumble to the floor.
No, instead you will fly..

He stiffened, his eyes sharpening as he jerked back with an airy hiss. As though she stung him. Burned him. He spun away before she could take up that thoughtless offer. Like hell, he would touch her. Not this one, not her. Untouchable in both directions. Stupid woman. Stupid man. It would never happen. He glared at her over his shoulder as he continued his escape, a look of pure menace with his teeth bared, to keep her back.

Leave me be, woman, he demanded harshly in a gravelly voice.
Nevermind the quickening of his pulse.
Nevermind the Hunger demanding him to act.

He wouldn't take this one.

ooc: err...well then. :| that..oughta make his disappearance a little more interesting i suppose. :|