Paint spattered teardrops on my shirt (Herds or Valley)

[Fennick]

Again, Fennick was out in the cold. It was a long walk, down the winding mountain trail to the Field. But, it was an easy enough path, and Fennick liked the stillness of the trees and the perfection of freshly fallen snow. In the winter, time its self seemed to slow down. The big stallion took the hint and did so as well. The days were short, but the nights were long, and Fennick let the world tick by in small, measurable moments, savoring each of them.

His first few forays into the Field had felt like the first parlay in a long, drawn out war. He had done it with a sense of duty, a sense of necessity, but more than a little dread and trepidation. That feeling had long since subsided. Fennick had learned that conversation wasn’t so hard as long as they talked about his home. There was much and more to say about the Valley. It was an easy sell, even if the large, shy stallion was a poor salesmen.

It was strange, feeling at peace with yourself and the world. Fennick wouldn’t have thought it was possible, if it hadn’t already happened, if the warm glow of satisfaction wasn’t proof enough. He was still contemplating life, and the unexpected joys of it, when a girl caught his eye. Or rather, her stripes did. Fennick tilted his head with interest. She reminded him of his king, Demian. The Valley king had jaguar spots, rather than tiger stripes, but still, perhaps big cats should stick together.

Fennick pulled his wings up around his neck like a cloak and made his way over to her. However, when he was close enough to speak, Fennick noticed there were tears in her eyes. The stallion checked a little, suddenly wondering if his presence would only make it worse. But, he was here now, and he wasn’t going be felled by the sight of a few tears. He smiled softly.
“Uhh, miss? Fennick, while determined to try his best, was not accustomed to diffusing feelings. He was not someone people came to to talk it out. He was a good listener, but the advice he dispensed tended to be terrible.

“Are you all right? I don’t want to intrude.” He was very aware she might just tell him to get the hell away from her. He tried to brace for it while attempting to look unintimidated.