it erupts like a volcano, then subsides.
And when it subsides, you have to make a decision.
The red mare can wholly understand that which he is speaking of. She has lived enough years to have seen just how ephemeral things can be. Oh, the land itself is generally unchanging. Though trees die and regrow, streams and hills and mountains remain. They are the only steadfast constant in the whirlwind of life. It is ironic, truly, that he had been born in the Dale. She had too, a long time ago. But her mother had left, bringing a very young Elysteria with her. She had spent her youth wandering the wilds beyond Beqanna. But she had eventually found her way back here. And the Dale had found its way back to her, in the form a mare on a mission to recruit. So very much like her.
She feels the creeping of darker emotions as he considers his childhood, causing a small rise of concern within her. Not for her or her safety, but rather for him. For what he had to have endured to cause such emotions. Even before she had been granted empathy, she had been a kind and empathic mare. This had only heightened it, in many ways a blessing, in some a curse.
“Gabbar?”
Her voice is soft as she says his name on question, hoping to bring him out of his dark reverie. Before she can continue however, another mare appears simply out of nowhere. While she had heard the faint crunch of hooves, given the fact that there were numerous horses all about them, she had not thought too much of it. Blinking wide, russet eyes, she takes in the sight the spotted mare presents even while offering her a small, welcoming smile. The mare is quick to state where she is from (the Chamber, irony at its finest) and that she wishes to offer Gabbar a home.
Elysteria, despite her rather unsavory dealings with Chamberlings in the past, has never met this one (in truth, she has nothing against the Chamber, only a certain one of its members. But then, he had all but kidnapped her right out of a diplomatic meeting, and then had proceeded to follow her home after she had simply flown away, as any sane horse would have done). And as she has not yet given her a reason not to, she would treat her with the respect she treats everyone.
Gabbar continues, asking after the ruler of the Chamber before turning back to her and inquiring the same of the Dale.
“Ramiel is our king. He is the son of our former king, Tiphon. Were you in the Dale long enough to have known anyone?”
You have to work out whether your roots
have so entwined together
that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.