m e n k h e t

his fearful nature brings out a quality in her that she thought had been lost. his size and temperament indicate that he is clearly no longer a child but there are other qualities that she has notices that make her feel more protective of him. the awe and wonderment that he has for the forest reminds her of a foal, out exploring the world with wide inquisitive eyes. he also seems so timid, nervous and fearful. this makes her the slightest bit ashamed. she had never met a full grown stallion that could be so quiet and almost cowardly but this one seemed to be exactly that and she has bullied him into isolation. all the same she cannot just set him free.

she gazes at him directly, chocolate brown eyes sharp and steady on his face. even though she gave him plenty of space he still seems uncomfortable in her presence. as he speaks she hears the pain in his voice despite the praises he utters about the forest. she tries to soften her own stance, welcoming him to relax if he is able. it is uncomfortable to her also, to be forced into this conversation and flounder through, but she feels the benefit will outweigh the cost. if they are to live here together they might as well get comfortable with it. she studies him, noticing the grey remainder of a scar on his rump that she had delivered in her fury upon first meeting. it dawns on her that he may have family elsewhere, noticing the far-away look he sometimes gets in his eyes. she wonders if he is as heartsick over them as she is about her lost children. this flood of empathy shows when she speaks next, her voice softening and her eyes drifting downward to the forest floor.

nuru….i’m glad you can tell me these things. it is an extraordinary place here. i…suffered much to get to this place and it has been a sanctuary for me. did you grow up here in the islands?

she presses, hoping he will open up to her and in talking, relax in her presence. though the conversation is delicate in nature, she can feel a ribbon of something good starting to pass between them. he may be her prisoner, but she can’t help feeling that she needs to protect him. so much of the youthful curiosity and wonder she sees as he speaks of the forest remind her of her son before he was taken from her.

mare : 5 : sooty buckskin : arabian mutt : 15.2 : kafkaesque
s t o c k ~ q u i e t - b l i s s @ d e v i a n t a r t