the joy of fire and pain

[Kushiel]

"It depends." I respond to Vix. "They do get hotter when I am angry." I haven't figured out a way to keep that from happening. It takes enough mental energy to keep them from bursting out from my body and attacking the nearest object that I don't worry about the strength of the heat, just the reach. I also don't want anyone to know the extent of my control over the flamelings. My lips quirk into a grin. I remember being this exuberant. I wanted to know everything, whether it was good for me or not. "I have a feeling no one will easily stab you in the back, long name or no." Our conversation is interrupted by the arrival of a patched mare. I know her by description, although not by acquaintance. Straia. Her pride in her home is apparent as she corrects Vix, something I will never understand. Despite the steady heartbeat beneath our hooves, the Chamber is simply land, and I don't want a land to consume me like the Valley does my mother. One patch of grass is nearly as good as another. I grin at her request, amused. "I won't burn the trees." I dip my head slightly, in acknowledgement of her rank, but her words go unanswered as another arrives. This one smells of Straia and based on his age, I guess he is her son. He carries the scent of ash and smoke with him and I look him over with interest. The flames lick the air, also curious, but I push them down before they can blaze closer. A few sparks landing near my hooves tell me that the flames are unhappy. "Hello Erebor. I was just about to tell Straia that I am looking for something to do. I find myself with free time and flames itching to be active. The Chamber seemed a place that might have opportunities."