Kibou loves talking about his mother, mainly because he knows his mother loves him. Some people were not as blessed with loving parents like he was, so he had to always remind himself to be thankful. Even though he never got to meet his dad, his mother speaks of him often, telling him of how much he was loved even before he took his first breath. Kibou might not understand what happened to his father, but he understands that his father loved him and that he should be very proud.

As Atlas mentions that he should meet his mother one day, Kibou nods his head, but says nothing at the time. There is a part of him that wants Atlas to meet his mom so just maybe his mom can smile again. Kibou doesn’t understand how love works, or that Atlas would never be attracted to a mare, but deep down, all the colt wants is his mother to be happy again. Maybe Atlas could at least make her smile. Kibou misses her smile. Ever since she left and returned, she isn’t the same. She’s serious and dedicated…but she doesn’t seem happy.

But all those thoughts leave his mind as he settles on devouring his ice cream. Kibou does not gingerly lick at the cone, but instead bites into it and swallows. He can feel the burn of the ice cream as it presses on a nerve next to his esophagus. It causes an immediate ache in his spine and in his head. He shudders. “Brain freeze! Eat your ice cream slow!” He can barely get out the words before his body is contorting to try and ease the discomfort. It only last a few short minutes and he’s back to do exactly what he told Atlas not to do. He’s devouring his ice cream, cone and all.

He watches in child-like awe as Atlas finally takes a taste of his ice cream. He smiling, knowing that Atlas will lover the flavors that assault his tastebuds, even if he doesn’t know the stallion very well. At his admission that the ice cream was sweet, he nods his head almost frantically. “The sweeter the better!” No one in Novus could possibly have a sweet tooth that rivaled his own.

As he asked if coconut ice cream was his favorite, he was silent a moment as he contemplated the answer to that question. Yes, he loved coconut ice cream, but was it his favorite? “hmmmmm.” He looked up to the sky in thought, as if this would somehow help the answer to the question come to him. It was a long few moments before he finally spoke. “I do like coconut ice cream, but it’s not my favorite. I actually like a flavor called Sticky Toffee Pudding! It’s mostly toffee flavored with bits of real toffee mixed in and drizzled with caramel and chocolate. But, Marcus doesn’t sell that flavor. My favorite of Marcus’ flavors is coconut.” He smiles, nodding his head in agreement with his answer. At least the boy actually thought through his answer instead of just saying the first thing that came to mind. He as learning.

There is a sound in the distance and he looks to see his mother calling out for him. Kibou sighs. “I have to go…” No doubt his mother wanted to talk to him about the fact that he was considering training to be a medic. Or maybe she wanted to teach him how to be a soldier. Regardless, Kibou felt as though it was important that he at least see what she wants. “It was nice meeting you Atlas.” He offers the stallion a smile before he trots off down through the maze of vendors, weaving into and out of traffic. Tonight had been a good night.

@Atlas