She doesn’t know that it’s her that causes the tiny semblance of a smile to creep along the darkness of his mouth and she is sure that even if she wasn’t, she is glad to see it all the same. Olena can feel the vibration of Rilian’s displeasure, tugging gently at her core. It is not uncommon for him to be aloof and stand-offish, as he would much rather move through the forest in silence, lest they be discovered by someone less than companionable. But she ignores him, as she often does (for she hasn’t a reason yet to be as cautious and distrusting as Rilian is; life is sweet and gentle, despite her ailments, and she cannot fathom anyone trying to hurt her purposely). And when she sees this boy’s smile it only solidifies her beliefs, because how can the shyest smile that he gives her mean any more than just that? Malintent could never cross his soft features, she decides, and with a courage that is unneeded, she takes a few steps closer to the boy in the shadows.
“Lumos,” she repeats with a soft voice, almost as if it was more for herself than anything else.
Olena’s slender face follows as his head turns suddenly, though her movement is slow and unhurried. She knows that it is Rilian, hidden within the depths of shadows, protecting her. He knows there is no need - yet - to have concern for the winged (and sight-borrowing) equine that converses with his bonded, but he is relentless and lets his guard down rarely.
It is when he finally turns his head back to look at her again (but not quite - his gaze doesn’t quite meet hers) that she realizes that something is amiss. She isn’t able to think on it any longer, however. “No one?” The curious look on her face is only made more expressive by the clouded leopard markings that adorn her cheeks and brows, an unsure frown forming on her mouth. It made her sad to think that he didn’t know anyone and her heart wrenches for him. “Well, you know me. That’s one more than yesterday.” The frown that once graced her dark lips fades, a hopeful smile replacing it.
Lumos mentions Rilian and immediately the girl turns her face towards the shadows where she knows he lurks, brooding and pensive. There is a huff in her mind and Olena can imagine the scowl on his face perfectly as he quietly says to her: He certainly did, using my eyes to see you like that. Olena frowns, wrinkling her nose slightly as she realizes her earlier thought about his sight may be correct, before turning back to Lumos to roll her eyes upwards. “Don’t worry about it, everything upsets him.” In the distance, there is an audible groan of frustration from the elk and a rustle of his cloven hooves as his large body moves further. Olena laughs gently, nickering warmly to him even though she couldn’t quite pinpoint his position in the forest. “I only speak the truth, Rilian.” The elk snorts loudly as if he might agree with her, and then there is silence.
There is a hum in her throat as her voice fades away, tilting her head somewhat. “He said you used his eyes to see me.” She states it simply, without accusation or judgment. It’s almost curious, the way it leaves her velvet lips, and the notion causes her to timidly step closer. She doesn't linger on it, for she quickly begins to answer Lumos’ question. “No, I’m not. I just wanted to explore the forest. It’s my first time here.” She lifts her head at this, proud of her accomplishment, giving it a tiny shake. “Would you like to explore with me? I can come closer, if you’d like. We could walk together.” She pauses thoughtfully when Rilian’s thoughts prod her mind, reminding her she had only stopped because she needed to rest.
“We’d have to walk slow, though. I’m not as strong as I make myself seem.”
This seems to appease Rilian, and she hears his large body begin to move further, silently allowing Lumos to join them on their exploration.
OLENA
all the stars go dark
@[lumos]