there will be scars, Zoya

[Erebor]

We are at war. There will be scars.

The night might be dark, but the boy's eyes are easily adjusted. Unlike Zoya, he's spent what feels like a lifetime performing battle exercises in the dark. His father had always drilled into him the importance of being able to fight just as well, no matter where (or when) you find yourself. And so he doesn't miss the awkwardness with which she seems to hold herself, the slight hesitations and pauses in response to what he says. He is in his element here, out in the nighttime, and she clearly is not.

She stammers and stutters but he is every bit the gracious conversation partner, passing no judgment on anything that she says. He understands that she has no home, and he wonders how long she's been here. Where did she come from? Why had she found herself here? He doesn't quite feel pity for her (primarily because he's not terribly well versed in feeling pity for anyone) but he does feel a kind of notion that perhaps he should help her. That notion is wrapped in the idea that perhaps he could take her back with him to the Chamber, bring her back to his family and to his home. Not because he wants her for himself (that thought hasn't even close to crossed his mind), but because he wants to bring new life into the Chamber. Every new horse is a breath of fresh air.

He's about to speak when she blurts out one last phrase. "You're cute!" he's never heard anything like it before, and for just a fraction of a moment, he's not at all sure how to respond. But then he lets instinct take over and offers her a sweeping smile. "Why thank you." he says, his deep voice earnest. "I'm sure the darkness is just playing tricks on your eyes." he says, gallant to a fault. It's not true, of course; he's equally handsome (perhaps more handsome) standing in the middle of a field at noon, sunlight bouncing off his black coat. But he's plenty handsome here too, in the night where the shadows pool in the creases of his muscles and the moonlight reflects off his dark eyes.

"If you like, you're welcome to come wait the night out with me in my home. It's called the Chamber, and it's far safer than being out here in the Meadow." He smiles gently. "You'd be welcome to stay longer than just tonight, if you wished. The Chamber is a wonderful place to call home."

Erebor

Native Prince of the Chamber

warship x straia