He is reassured by the smile that turns up the dark corners of her mouth; he is even more so when she admits her newness. Months ago, before Florentine appointed him to Regent, the bay had often greeted recent arrivals to Dusk Court. Now his time is often too occupied by meetings and tasks, but he misses his old freedom. He always liked to watch strangers see Terrastella for the first time – and he thinks the countryside shows itself particularly well in autumn.
It is strange to feel something like pride for a place, as if he’d had any hand in its making – but then, after so long spent wandering, home is still a feeling that manages to surprise him.
“Even better,” he says, “as that means I get to welcome you.” His smile is still a soft thing, like a cloud-shadow passing over the grass, and it grows softer yet when he follows her golden gaze back to the deer. For a quiet moment there is nothing but the whisper of their hooves on the grass as they fade into the last of the morning mist.
But at the sound of her name his attention returns and he dips his head in greeting, a dark-rimmed ear twisting toward her. “Well met, Felwood. I am Asterion. Does anything particular bring you to Dusk?” His smile turns teasing. “Other than the superiority of our berries, of course.”
@Felwood :)
if you'll be my star*
