my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor B L A C K M O R E shall be lifted - nevermore! It brings a smile to the large stallion's face at her exclamation and the laughter that follows as he sees the brightness crossing her facial features. Her touch is welcomed and he cannot help but lean his head into the touch ever so slightly, surprised with just how joyfully warm such a kind touch can be as the warmth seems to seep deep into his bones. Her words continue, and for a moment he tips his head quizzically to the other side, eyes looking upon Rosaline as if to say, "Again?", but he does not voice the question. If Rosaline desires to fill him in on more of her history than she can, but that is up for her to decide and Blackmore will never intentionally pry for information despite his nagging curiosity. Who knows what her past could hold. Perhaps pain and suffering, or heartache and regret. Everyone seems to have some dark little secret, and Blackmore is no exception to that rule, and sometimes a dark secret seems like nothing to everyone else but the secret-holder. Life can be such a strange thing, giving so much but also taking away, something Blackmore is realizing with each passing day as he realizes what he's been given, but also what was taken as payment for his given freedom. ...that makes them feel loved - wanted It is difficult for Blackmore to hide the fact that these words struck a chord deep within his heart and soul, it's not a chord that resonates with anger and aggression but instead it resonates with a memory of the only person ever to make Blackmore feel loved, to make him feel wanted. This mare was the only one that loved and truly wanted Legion, aside from the protective brother, Blackmore. His mother had done so much for them, trying hard to raise them right when everything around them was wrong and tempting for young men new to hormonal surges. Somehow, someway, the two boys pulled through with respect for those of the female gender, taught never to force something upon a woman. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, plus, eventually word will get around that the Vulcan's don't take kindly to rape of any woman. Blackmore will not have to ever worry about that, though, it's the very LEAST he could do for the woman that taught him how to be a gentleman instead of a wild beast with savage teeth and claws. So though there is a pained expression upon his face for a few moments, remembering the mare's kind face and soft words helps put him at ease. He offers no explination towards his sudden expression change, however, he's not quite sure he's ready to spill his history quite yet. "It's all I ever wanted, really. Just... to be surrounded by kind hearts. I think I've done brilliantly so far." He offers a smile that has a touch of charming to it as it aims it towards the painted mare, his heart already melting for her kindness. And he better hold his heart together because her thankfulness just melts his heart some more, melting away all tension, as if he truly is a confident gentleman, as if he doesn't struggle with social awkwardness. "Well... thank you for accepting my offer..." His neck arches, bringing his head towards his chest while his ears slant sideways, looking timid, as if he was a little schoolboy blushing after being handed a little dandelion from a crush whose finally noticed him. But it doesn't last for long as her brilliant smile shines once more and for a moment her question makes him think, mentally scanning through his territory until he can think of one place where she could see the ridge and the ocean equally. "Follow me!" Blackmore could feel his youthful energy peaking out from under its shell as he picks up a steady canter, it's slow as to not lose Rosaline as he carefully peaks his way through the Ridge, taking them up the more sturdy trails as he leads her to the heart of his Ridge, his little plateu that looks over everything. It's more on the side of the Ridge, where the ocean is on the right and the ridge directly in front and to the left. There is room for the two of them to fit comfortably and safely as he finally stops there, turning to look at Rosaline, eager to see if she enjoyed this spot just as much as he did. westphalianxholstein | stallion | homozygous black | seventeen point two hands | the ridge | salem |