When her voice finally reaches him, Bacardi pauses in his cleaning. His ears twist to catch every syllable and he drinks them in like a dying man gasps for his last breath. Though Bacardi wants her to rest and her words are clearly a struggle, he cannot help but feel greedy. Each one she spoke meant that she was alive, and although he wanted her to rest, he did not want her to fall quiet again.


“Quiet your worries my Queen.” Bacardi softly soothed, doing his best to keep the tremble from his voice. “You may be the sea, but I am the shore; you are not alone.” Solid, steadfast, loyal; Bacardi would not waver under the things that troubled her. No matter how much fear or sadness they might bring him. She had long ago earned such things from him as he watched her struggle against the tides of the Islands.


“You’re daughter awaits you.” he said added, his voice still hushed. If there was ever a strength that Bacardi could ignite within the mare, it would be a mother’s instinct. “Kesja is so strong and smart. Just like you. But she still needs you, Valka.” Don’t make her face the fate I was given, he wanted to say. But Bacardi did not bring such sadness now, while he was trying to support her strength.

five years. mutt. bay tobiano. fourteen three hands. of the bay.

"...speech"