[private] take a look in the mirror

[Tarian]

The ground that Tarian has always stood on had always been firm. It never shifted or gave way. He had been raised as a prince, with the knowledge that the land beneath his hooves would one day be his. And then the world changed - that home became lost but Tarian still stood. He got involved in a couple of scrapes and brawls as a young stallion but even despite the injuries he'd earn, Tarian always stood at the end. He'd fought battles and wars and still, he stood.

Even now while one leg begs to crumple, Tarian refuses to let it.

But with Altissima? All it takes is a glance from her and suddenly, everything shifts for Tarian. He had meant to imply more than once that he'd like her to stay. For as much as he enjoys bantering with her, some part of him wanted to directly ask if she would. But to do that would expose the vulnerability that he wants her to, and some part of him wonders what she would do with that knowledge. She never seemed to enjoy when their conversations lingered on her for too long, and the silver pegasus had quickly become accustomed to the way that she would gradually change the conversation back to him or something else entirely.

What would she have said if he asked her plainly that he wished she would stay?

And worse, what would he have done if she said no?

(There is more to this, too. Because each moment that he spends with Altisimma and enjoys it, he reminds himself that Loess is still there. That he has still promised his loyalty and fealty to that kingdom and it can't have all of it if he divides it. That with Altissima - who would never settle for kingdom borders - it can never be anything more than chance encounters and the hope that she kindles within him that each interaction might be longer than the last.)

He nearly laughs when she takes his glow. Tarian doesn't mind having it gone. And there is something in his expression that softens when his gaze goes searching for Altissima's eyes again. It doesn't last long because the light-wielding woman returns his glow two-fold. There is no missing Tarian in this small meadow but he only has eyes for the woman beside him and the radiant smile she gives in reply. "I think it looks better on you."

@Altissima