Raymond.
and at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns
when the man comes around
Raymond learned by virtue of others' mistakes never to assume anything about anyone. A blushing beauty could as easily put a blade between your ribs as any battlescarred brute - more easily, perhaps, if that blushing beauty happens to be your flavor. A brutal warlord could be a powerful ally with the right words, and the most peaceful sovereign can doom everyone to suffering and death. To survive in this wonderful, mad, hideous world one had to keep a keen eye and an open mind.
And that was how he presented himself to others: accepting, attentive, confident in a way that put others at ease, because the consequences of your actions cannot scare you if you believe completely in your ability to overcome or weather them.
Marisol seemed to be wrestling with something deeper than crowd density, and her curt choice of words hinted as much. Where the red stallion walked the crowded festival and saw a porous mesh of opportunities, she saw bristling pikes and hidden daggers - hypervigilant, anticipating danger rather than simply preparing for it.
There was probably a story there, but now did not seem the time to ask it about it.
The pegasus's attention moved on to his tail blade, confirming his assumption, and he swept it forward between them as though beckoning a serpent to dance. "It suits its purpose," he replied thoughtfully, examining its wicked edge. It was the first time he had done so in any capacity but maintenance in a very long time. Even though it had been years since he'd seen another of his ilk, most days it simply did not occur to him that the average horse he passed was not used to seeing such an implement. "Not as impressive as being able to defy gravity, or nearly as versatile." He smiled and let the blade fall back into its languid arc.
"Your business here is likely far more important than mine," Raymond said after a brief lull. "Perhaps we should reconvene in Terrastella after the festival and compare notes."
And that was how he presented himself to others: accepting, attentive, confident in a way that put others at ease, because the consequences of your actions cannot scare you if you believe completely in your ability to overcome or weather them.
Marisol seemed to be wrestling with something deeper than crowd density, and her curt choice of words hinted as much. Where the red stallion walked the crowded festival and saw a porous mesh of opportunities, she saw bristling pikes and hidden daggers - hypervigilant, anticipating danger rather than simply preparing for it.
There was probably a story there, but now did not seem the time to ask it about it.
The pegasus's attention moved on to his tail blade, confirming his assumption, and he swept it forward between them as though beckoning a serpent to dance. "It suits its purpose," he replied thoughtfully, examining its wicked edge. It was the first time he had done so in any capacity but maintenance in a very long time. Even though it had been years since he'd seen another of his ilk, most days it simply did not occur to him that the average horse he passed was not used to seeing such an implement. "Not as impressive as being able to defy gravity, or nearly as versatile." He smiled and let the blade fall back into its languid arc.
"Your business here is likely far more important than mine," Raymond said after a brief lull. "Perhaps we should reconvene in Terrastella after the festival and compare notes."
@
aut viam inveniam aut faciam
