The lack of a bite and bitterness in her voice took the stallion by surprise. He was nearly hopeful about a decent interaction with the fiery female he had come to understand. He could not understand the extent of the damage he had done to her, but a small part of him attributed her strength, or at least her perceived strength, to what he had accidentally done to her in their youth. Ailill did not know how he felt about that thought. To have been the one who had stolen a piece of her innocence, taken it from her without her permission or knowledge, to create a monster in the night when he so thoroughly believed in the light. He wilted within himself, guilt flickering at his soul, a soul he wanted to change in her eyes, though knowing he possibly never could. This way.They may not be hot, but they are in the sun longer and warm. Lowering his head, he turned to lead the way over well-worn trails. His pace was slow and careful, not because he feared her falling behind, but because he was honestly at a loss of what he could say to her, what words he could possibly say to make it better. I did not mean to, you know. I just wanted to invite you both to my home. They had come to a sun bathed clearing with a shallow pool and a small tumble of water. It was peaceful and warm, quiet without being silent. Unable to resist, the stallion lowered his head and lipped playfully at the reflections of light against the water. Even in the most serious of moments he loved the play of light. His eyes still raised to the mare, he remembered he was explaining himself.I did not mean to ‘steal’ you, I only wanted to speak to you. But I was scared. Throwing his locks from his face he took a step back from the pool, careful to give her as much space as she desired. I am sorry… He glanced back down at the water pooled at his hooves. Uncertainly, he swirled one of his hooves just above the rocky bed. At least the water wasn’t angry with him. Not today. |