†
She is forthcoming. Gone from her voice, too, is the flirtatious lilt that had punctuated their first meeting, and Temblor wonders about that. Does she recognize he is not one controlled by his own lust, or is she more aware than before of the seriousness of her circumstances? Easier to manage a new home and foreign stallion as a mare unburdened, but with the foal... Tension ripples across his shoulders and he fights to keep from tossing his head and pacing. He feels impulsive and stupid, and again can blame no one but himself for this discomfort and turmoil. That in itself is almost more aggravating than the reality of a foal not his own in Paradise: that if he'd paid more attention and been less driven by his own shallow greed, things might be different.
Yet, he cannot regret what he's done. Only a fool would have passed up such an opportunity, and Temblor is no fool. Imperfect, fallible, proud, yes, but he knew what he was doing and stands by it still. A foal is not such a big obstacle. With time, all can be resolved.
"Foreign to me, also," he admits, flicking water from his ears in a futile gesture. "I dislike the closeness of the trees and the humidity. These constant rains leave much to be desired. But for all that, Paradise is generous in both its beauty and security." He likes her analogy of a dragon, and carries it as he continues, "The mouth that may threaten to close upon us also belongs to the jaws that repulse those with ill-intent. There are easier places than Paradise to cause trouble, lands with far less risk." Yes, he could hide here quite comfortably for quite a long time, his small family tucked away within the greenery and protected by the jungle itself, the threat of all its myriad predators more than enough to keep an idle marauder at bay.
Such a life, he feels, would be a waste.
Temblor's eyes pass over the dense greenery again, then flick back to Celestine. Why anyone would choose a place like this is beyond him. "Opportunity more than choice. Paradise happened to be empty when I set foot in it, and so I claimed it for my own. This place is but a stepping stone. For now, it suits my needs." His eyes are intent on her dark face as he shares this, then asks baldly, "Could the same be said for you and your place in the Lagoon?"
TEMBLOR
& swallows you whole
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