Such kindness as she’s had from this shadow of a stallion is foreign to her, these days. Taurus was always gentle, and good and kind - everything she wanted from a lover. Until, of course, she found him with their daughter dead at his feet and he ran. All she can see when she closes her eyes is the fragile, lifeless little form of Anwen, the horror on Taurus’ face and then his quickly-retreating form. There are softly-offered words, that echo the hidden, hateful thoughts found in Eirlys’ own mind. Perhaps Taurus leaving was for the best - this way, she has never had to confront his betrayal, has never had to face down his part, beg for an explanation in what happened to Anwen. She shakes her head when he denies her apology, and for a brief moment Eirlys is reminded of her first meeting with Taurus. A handsome stranger met in the woods, the appeal of forbidden love - it was everything she’d craved as a silly young girl. And then, Taurus had shaped up to be a good partner, supportive and attentive and protective, like something from a child's story. He goes on to ask her what she needs, and Eirlys blinks at him.
What does she need?
She needs her daughter back.
“Unless you can raise the dead, or turn back time,” she whispers, “There is little you can do for me.” Eirlys knows that is not fair to the stranger who has been so gentle and kind with her. “Maybe,” she croaks out desperately, hoping that he doesn’t leave yet. “You could tell me your name? You’ve–it’s just, you’ve been so kind to me. And I can’t properly thank you without knowing.”
mare | flaxen chestnut sabino splash | 15.3 hh | nowhere
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