cold in the violence after the war
hope is a fire to keep us warm
A silly question perhaps. As though the lovely woman’s answer might change merely because Brazen had questioned it. Only those with cruelty in their heart would do such a thing, and Brazen can sense no cruelty in the mare before her. That might have embarrassed her, had she that much cognitive ability left. But then, she’s never been particularly cultured in her speech or manner, so perhaps it could merely be attributed to who she is.
“No, of course not,” Brazen agrees almost absently, her eyes fixed on the features so close to her own. It’s clear to see there is an honesty about the nymph-like creature before her. She stands with breathless stillness as the soft muzzle traces the edges of her armor. For a moment, she fears her blood might paint itself garishly onto her companion’s perfect skin, but it is a thought quickly lost in the steady rush that sounds in her ears and faintly warms the copper of her pelt.
But then Naia is pulling back, and Brazen blinks as though waking from a dream. Her blue eyes fix on the nereid as bitterness suffuses the next words from her lips, surprising the bone-clad girl with it’s vehemence. Almost instinctively, she steps forward, her lips coming forward to press against the smooth scale on her neck, as though she might protect such beauty from it’s owner’s vehemence.
After a moment, she replies softly, “They feel like they are yours.” As warm and alive as the woman who wears them. Breath soft against her skin, she traces the smooth ridges almost absently before recalling herself and withdrawing abruptly. With a somewhat sheepish grin, she rushes to cover the moment, hoping she wouldn’t comment on how familiarly she’d just touched a stranger. “I think you’re beautiful, if that matters. Although,” she continues with faint shrug, “I’m pretty sure things always seem more lovely when you’re not the one attached to them forever.”
With a faintly lopsided smile, she lifts her gaze to find her newfound companion’s. “I’m Brazen, by the way.”
Brazen
