Though Ramiel didn’t know the intricate details of her situation, a concerned, sympathetic expression washed across his face when Dahlia spoke of her living situation. He wanted to pry and ask what she meant by them being complicated, immediately worried his soft-spoken and gentle friend was in a situation she couldn’t escape. Was she being held captive by a cruel and overbearing band stallion? Wait, no, that couldn’t be it. If she was, she wouldn’t be here alone, walking and talking freely with him and his brother.
Still, Ramiel remembered when their father had explained that every herd, every territory, could be run completely different depending on the mindset of its leader. Some, he said, reverted to past practices and hoarded their mares close, denying any the rights to come near for fear they’d take what they felt was theirs. Ramiel hoped Dahlia never found herself in that sort of situation. It broke his heart just thinking of her metaphorical wings clipped, stuck somewhere against her will.
“I hope complicated isn’t code for anything dangerous. You don’t have do anything you don’t want to do. Not ever.” Ramiel said it firmly and wished he could tell her he’d be there for her if it was as horrible as he let his imagination run wild with.
Raziel didn’t need to see inside Ramiel’s head to know he was already dreaming up scenarios where he could be the gilded savior, coming to her rescue and freeing her of her imagined bonds. Raziel snorted loudly and caught Ramiel’s sheepish eyes as his own pulled from the shadows he’d been watching. They held each other’s gazes for a second.
Don’t promise this poor girl anymore than you already have, Ramiel.
Raziel’s attention was pulled toward her as she glanced his way. He didn’t have time to see if his warning was understood and whether it stuck, but hoped it had. His blue eyes leveled her browns, and the question she asked soured his expression again. Before Ramiel could open his mouth and make excuses, Raziel answered for them both.
“We won’t be here very long.” He said shortly. “We’re only here to rest and then we’re moving on. These islands seem too crowded for our taste.” The lies slipped easily off his tongue.
But Ramiel couldn’t hide the disappointment on his face. He smiled flatly and if he could have shrugged, might have. “Unfortunately…” he trailed off, and tried for a happier, hopeful grin, eyes brightening. “But hey, maybe one day we’ll be able to come back through! Who knows what life has in store for us, huh? I’d love to be able to meet your sister.”
Raziel said nothing but didn’t need to. His unamused, disagreeing expression did the talking for him.
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