Amber pools studied his body language as she braced for his reaction, first shock which was expected but then it again turned to concern. Was he really not angry? His response was a huge relief and she leaned into his platonic embrace, tension easing and relishing in his warmth. Her golden limbs still burning from the cold. She had truly found a friend. The vow of silence was broken, and for the first time since her childhood she let someone in, and he didn’t hate her. Her own mother and father couldn’t love her because of the curse but here stood that most gallant stallion she would probably ever know who cared for her regardless. “Thank you. You don’t know how much of a relief that is. I lost my home once because of my affliction, I could not bare to lose it again.” Her words reflected her relief, calm and melancholy. Plus, this kingdom life was so much better than the herd life she had known. Ashara loved having a job, a purpose, where in some ways she was even equal to her male counterpart. Her lungs filled with the bite of late autumn, and her exhale further relaxed her tautness. Love may never be hers again, she could accept that, but having a use, safety and company was enough to make life worth living. Those things were worth hanging onto.
It's gotta be a cloudy day