• strong men die •
Cerosi was intrigued by Cain’s explanation of their freedom, should she and Nasa choose to join him in the Desert. Back home, such freedom was allowed to women only under special occasions, and even then it was still just an allowance. There had been no bodily autonomy, no rights. They may not always be punished for exploring or attending errands, but they still belonged to the tribe. As objects.
It didn’t seem as though Cain had any illusions of ownership over the two mares on the beach. He didn’t appear to feel entitled to them; didn’t seem to think they owed him anything even if they accompanied him to his home. For a second Cerosi’s eyes flashed with suspicion, and anger. Was this a trick?
No. She didn’t truly believe that it was, and when her eyes slipped over the black arabian with the cocked hind leg, she didn’t see any fear in the lines of her posture, either. Only tiredness as far as the silver mare could tell, likely from the swim to the isles.
”I think it is a very kind offer,” she said, turning back to Cain. She hoped he has not seen the flash of skepticism and anger, almost rage, in her expression. Her gold eyes hid nothing; she had never been able to contain her temper very well, though luckily her fuse was not too short. It was likely he had caught it, but still she hoped he had not. ”I would like to accompany you and see the Desert, even if it’s temporary.” She turned to Nasa once more. ”I’ve enjoyed talking with you both. If you don’t come to the Desert, I hope to meet you again someday.” Though she had accepted Cain’s offer, she did not move from her place near Nasa. If the other mare also decided to come, she may want to rest, and Cerosi didn’t want to just leave her behind. If she didn’t want to come, and instead preferred to go to the Falls or Meadow, the silver mare would tag along there as well.
• CEROSI •
of nowhere
