[AW] Nothing's wrong but nothing's true

[Asterion]

Asterion in sunshine and in shadow* Asterion wants to fidget like a boy beneath that vivid look, but he forces himself still, steady as the beat of his heart. She is such a striking woman; so different from his half-sister, whose gold came tangled with flowers. Despite their outward differences, he does not doubt they have the same internal strength. (Oh, how surprised he would beto know the depth of both mares’ similarities – that they’ve both been touched by the cold hand of death, that they both have risen again.) It is the smile that catches him off guard. It is as bright as her eyes, and warm – warmer than the sun as it sets, unattainably distant. He’d known Israfel was young, but this is the first time she’s looked it. He is grateful for any hand he’s had in that smile. At her thanks he only smiles, softer than hers. Again he is surprised, this time by her touch. Though often solitary, Asterion has never avoided physical contact the way his father has; it is circumstance only that has kept him from such gestures. If not for Florentine he might still have been without it, but that is her way. It means something different from Israfel, and there is gratitude in his dark eyes. “I would like that, too,” he says, and he is still smiling when he turns back toward the horizon. More settled, now, the bay cocks a hoof and sweeps his gaze across the spread of Terrastella, the sunlight gold on the snow. “I’m always surprised how pretty they can be, even in the dead of winter.” -- Later, when the light had faded and the stars glittered cold fire overhead, when the first owls began to call and their shadows swept over the snow, Asterion goes to his quarters with a warmer, fuller heart. Ooc: garbage ending but wanted to get the exit in there <3 can't wait for them to thread again!