Valentine laughed at Dock’s reply, happy to hear the playful insult for a second time. He knew that she had a sense of humour really, hidden beneath her fragile exterior. He tossed his head and snorted, as if brushing off the words with a faint shrug. The mood turned sombre then, however, as Valentine watched Dock’s reaction to his words. He had spoken them carefully, trying to test the waters, but as soon as they were out in the air it was clear that the worst was true. The smile dropped from his lips as quickly as it had appeared, and concern overrode his expression instead and his dark eyes begged her not to go as she stepped back. He said nothing at first, only listened to her words. When she spoke what he said both did and did not shock him. The idea, to Valentine, was not foreign or particularly repugnant. He remembered hearing about it being done once, as a colt, and he did not blame those who did it with good reason – was it not kinder to kill the babes quickly, after all, rather than let them live in unforgiving misery? He thought so, and yet he could not imagine Dock being the one to do such a thing. No, not this sweet, gentle thing that stood before him. The sobs took her then, swallowing up the rest of her words before they could be spoken. Valentine watched her for a second, and it pained him to see her hurt so. He thought about who had done this to her – this nameless, faceless man – and it made him angry. He pushed those thoughts away, however, before his imagination wandered too far and got too carried away. He focused on Dock, instead, and he moved forwards slowly and cautiously, wary that she might refuse his touch. Tentatively, he reached out with his pink-white muzzle, going to wrap his neck around hers and rest his head at her withers, if she would let him try to comfort her with his touch. “You’re not evil,” he murmured softly. “Only the man who did this to you is.” He paused for a moment, his mind whirring as he tried to process this information. She was not his to fear for, but he felt protective of her nonetheless. “I wouldn’t blame you, Dock – I don’t blame you – and you shouldn’t either.” |