Falls

“I’m sorry, but I can’t - I can’t do this.”

It had only been days, and yet waking up with the pale figure curling into his side, seeking from him something that he couldn’t give. It had been a last, desperate attempt to settle, to set down roots, but the heart inside his chest had only grown heavier, guilt piling up on his shoulders, because he had tried, but Anso would never be able to love the mare as she wanted. They had found each other, and the presence of Iphigenia had chased away the loneliness. But the season had driven her to reading deeper into the companionship , wanting more from the blue roan.

She was fiery in spirit was Iphigenia, and her anger blazed. The vicious bite to Anso’ shoulder would fade and in time, the mark that was left behind would blend into the numerous scars that already marred his skin. But there was a sense of relief that washed over him in the wake of her departure, even knowing that he had hurt her. It was kindness, the brutal honesty, and in time she would see that. At least now, she would be free to find someone who could love her the way that she needed.

Anso lingered long after she’d plunged into the sea, standing firm against the waves that climbed the shore, tugging at his legs. Once upon a time, he had found what he had been searching for, here on one of the islands. It was why he had come back, in that hope that he’d be lucky enough to get a second chance, that they’d cross paths again - he and the stallion he’d fought alongside many years ago, a brother born in battle, whom he loved more than he could ever love a brother.

The sun sank low, and still Anso remained, gathering himself, letting the resolve seal over the cracks in his heart. He’d left Osmanthus once before, and even if he never found the noble stallion again, he’d remain here, searching for him, with all the strength and all the time he had left.