The Norns? Apolline blinked, confusion in her eyes. She didn’t understand what he was saying, but she wasn’t the sort to open her mouth and argue. He was a king and she was nothing. She knew she should listen to what he had to say. The white-spotted stallion spoke next of Kings, Queens, and claims. He named the open place they were in as the Commons, then asked her if they should go.

The roan mare hesitated, blinking once as she watched him.

(She looked sort of like a distrustful fawn in a meadow, left behind by its mother. There was a sweet innocence to her and a want to trust someone more in control and knowledgeable than she was, but an overall distrust that seemed ingrained by instinct.)

Apolline lifted her eyes back to his - Blue, blue, blue… - and she felt terribly guilty. She should say something, tell him he should leave her for a King or Queen he wanted revenge on. Pain was all she was good for. Her dark lips opened and…

“Okay.” She nodded, her tone slightly above a whisper, and could probably just be heard by the king Björn, who had claimed her.

* * * * * * * * *

They arrived in the Inlet after a swim, and Apolline noticed how much chillier that water got the closer they drew. She shivered when she stood on the shoreline, saltwater rolling off her body, but this time it wasn’t out of fear (well, only a little bit out of fear). She slowly turned her head to look all around them at this place she was now bound to, the Inlet. Her eyes eventually returned to the king who brought her here.

“Oh, um, my name is Apolline.” She said in her small voice, a little breathless and tired from the swim. “Sorry I… I forgot to tell you before.” Her ears turned out and she lowered her head, looking up at him with worry. Would he scold her for forgetting to introduce herself to him?

apolline
along with the sunshine
there's gotta be a little rain some time