our breath is weak & our bodies thin [scorch]

[Scorch]

WATCH THE FLAMES CLIMB HIGH INTO THE NIGHT

Hestoni’s nose is buried in her neck, so he can’t see her expression. He’s confirming what she had thought possible, what she had thought the Jungle to understand and give. But even as the current guardian of this kingdom, Scorch does not have full control. The Jungle’s magic rears stubbornly as she attempts to finish the transfer of magic from the Jungle to Hestoni; pursed lips and a crinkled forehead accompany the effort. It is only when he speaks in their beautiful language that she releases the magic, sharply exhaling her held breath.

She separates herself from him, pivoting so as to have a face-to-face conversation (a position so radically unusual for them that her frown deepens). What next she says comes out unstably, not angrily perhaps, but most assuredly not calmly, either. ”She wouldn’t let us. That is, the Jungle won’t grant traits to men.” Her nostrils flare, the fire on her hairless skin darkening. ”It’s bullshit… I’m sorry.” The final two words are a curtly stated, though genuineness lays within her eyes.

”Mark my words, we will stay together forever,” She chuckles. ”I’ve just got to find another way. Won’t be too hard, considering all the traits you see popping up for absolutely no reason.”

The wish for elongated rest-time with him is well within Scorch, but the chaotic woman pushes her desires away. To only Hestoni does Scorch speak of her anxieties. After all that he’s done for her, he deserves it. She trusts him to shoulder her load as she shoulders his. ”Besides us, Hestoni…” Navy eyes are averted from his fire-and-brown ones. She starts again. ”What I am trying to say is that we ought to make amends with Kaida and Noori, before it’s too late.” The words should be sincere, loving, but they are bitter, resentful, and reluctantly spoken. ”We’ve done so well with the others, it seems unfair to…” Bladed teeth click together stubbornly, damming in the foreign affection she feels towards her first daughters. Raising her gaze back to Hestoni, Scorch says no more, insistent on being as cold as Echion.

Scorch

Khaleesi of the Amazon Jungle