Falls

It was difficult, Asche silently concluded, to meet people this way - bump into them in these beautiful surroundings, let small glimpses of themselves show, and then inevitably say goodbye. Which was likely to happen given that he had no home to offer her, no security to provide and no way to know if she was seeking either of those things. He couldn't, this time, do anything but let the conversation run it's course and hope they would meet again and strangers could become friends.

It didn't happen often for Asche. Relationships left as quickly as they arrived and he was suddenly left with nothing but the memories and the aches and pains of loneliness.

He offered her a meek smile - she seemed hurt, he thought to himself inwardly, and took another small step towards her, flicking his ears softly towards her in an attempt to seem friendly. "It's refreshing to meet someone new here." He chuckled, glancing at his hooves before bringing his eyes back up to meet hers. His demeanour grew increasingly warm as he rolled his shoulders back, relaxing his body, releasing his guard.

"Captivating . . . yes." He agreed, "I think that's why I'm always drawn back here, like a magnet." Slowly his eyes began to scan the scene in front of him, and for a brief moment he seemed lost, glazed over into a distant memory. "What's your name?"

He was not sure if she would answer - this woman seemed to keep a steely exterior, a barrier. He didn't wish to break it, no - he just wanted to help her (if he could) to fully let go and appreciate the beauty of the world they lived in.

Or did he just have an intrinsic need to heal the open wounds of others before tending to his own?