there was something in the water, now that something's in me
i can't go back, but the reeds are growing out of my fingertips
A world in which Prague does not exist is not a world that Texas would want to exist. He cannot say that, of course; he will not even admit it to himself. They are not sentimental creatures, and they never have been. To say they are mirrors is precise, and so when Prague steps forward, soft and vulnerable, Texas reacts without thought, pulling her closer to himself. He lays his dark neck across her silver mane, rememorizing the pale dapples that he has never forgotten. She is warm and smooth beneath him and she partially of the Jungle and mostly of herself, and if he closes his eyes he can almost remember what it was like in the before times, when they were young and not quite so weary of the world.
When she sighs Texas does not pull away, but he flicks his dark ears curiously. His first reaction is to ask if she’ll be leaving him with her left foreleg or her right, but he bites down the retort, respecting – for once – the gravity of the situation. She asks if he will keep it safe and he nods without fully understanding what she is asking; there is very little he would ever deny Prague, even if he might enjoy making her ask politely (and repeatedly). This though, he accepts without condition.
Though Texas has no intention of involving his kingdom in the coming war, he has given his few denizens the freedom to choose their allegiance on their own. He will do the same, of course, and has never intended to wait quietly in the Falls when the war between the Gates and the Chamber finally comes to a head. He has another reason now, but he knows that what Prague is giving him will be more accurate than his own senses, and he is quietly grateful.
While he might be reading too much into her words, Texas detects a hint of dislike for Scorch – whoever she was, presumably a queen – but is unable to determine what she thinks of Lagertha, who he knows is the current leader of the Jungle. He’s never met the mare – nor any of the current leaders of the other kingdoms – but is not overly concerned. For all his dislike of politics, he would much rather discussing their boring intricacies than the approach of what Prague fears will be her demise. “Perhaps you could check with her,” he says, nibbling gently along her spine, more for his own pleasure than in an attempt to tickle Prague (though he’ll no be displeased if she squeals a bit). “We won’t be requiring a permanent Jungle resident here anymore,” adds the bay stallion, “I’m sure that’ll sit better than our previous arrangement.” He’d never understood the former monarch’s requirement that a member of any allied kingdom dwell in the Falls, and now that he is making the decisions he’s more than happy to alter it.
texas
