azrael
Pride swells in Azrael’s chest as he walks beside Elena’s child – no, his child. He mentally corrects his thoughts, still in wonder and awe that the golden mare had entrusted him with such an important distinction. While their path to happiness had been anything but smooth, Azrael was finding domestic life quite suited him. He loved waking up beside Elena’s golden warmth, watching the sleep fade from her crystal blue eyes and her soft smile when she reached for him in the morning light. Still, there are shadows in her eyes, hurt which he would do his best to kiss away. They would heal, in time – and Elena would find her way once more.
But today was not a day to worry about things past. Instead, he focused on the present, watching the way Tenebrae’s child frolicked in the flowers, carefully selecting the most beautiful blooms and bringing them back to him. She’d filled the basket he dutifully carried, and he nodded as he went – passing strangers and those more familiar. All around, the land was alive with spring, bursting with color and hope for newness with the season. “Look Elli,” he whispered, gesturing to a large graceful bird on the outskirts of the festival. “That’s a Great Egret… they are said to bring tranquility and peace.” It walks quietly along the treeline, blinking at the shed-star and his daughter once, before wandering by with a graceful pace. They could certainly use some tranquility, he quietly mused, before turning his attention back to the girl.
“What should we do next… your basket is looking pretty full.” As if illustrating his point, the stallion gestures to their haul, overflowing in a rainbow of colors. “Do you want to make something for your mother?” She would love it, he decided, if not for the beauty of the flowers than for the nostalgia of a homemade gift.
They leave the flower fields behind, working their way toward the craftsmen and merchants. As the pair passed them, Azrael stopped to watch the dancers and listen to the lively music, bobbing his head in a carefree manner as he encouraged Elliana to dance with the other children. She was always so serious, he mused – and yet, he understood all the same. Still, he wanted the girl to lead a childhood of unadulterated happiness – one where all her dreams were possible. So he sighed, letting her take the lead and following with a lightness to his step, eager to see the festival through the eyes of his child as she took in all that her first spring would offer.
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