A Rose in the Rain {Heartfire}

[Nymphetamine]

The blood bay stallion never would have imagined he would be in this position. He was raised in a trial by fire, having been forced to leave his birth home too young all while losing his parents. Once he arrived within Beqanna’s borders he had immediately thrown himself in the middle of the chamber-gates war. He then was thrown in the midst of raids and changing allys. His life had been a sea of trials each one required he be quick witted and flexible. He had adapted every time. He had grown and changed and made it work to his best interest. Now, maybe 10 years later, he was half the stallion he was before. Or so it felt, sure he was taller and more filled out (even in his current less-than-ideal shape) but he was not showing the resilience that he had before. He wasn’t some old man, his body was frozen at his prime, but mentally he wasn’t getting any younger. Had he lost his edge? Was he going to be some old crotchety thing? He liked to believe that was not the case, that he would get it together. However, he could only tell himself that wasn’t the case and that he was just in a rut… a rut he planned to get out of.

Nymphetamine wasn’t sure how long he stood there as the memories and thoughts swirled around behind his brown eyes. But the sun was beyond its peak by the time the voice faintly familiar struck his ears, with its curious tones. He was unsure how long she had watched him, or if others had as well. For his mind was in turmoil over his friend and the man he had become. She slinked up to him, her two-toned body covered the distance with ease. Nymphetamine was sure that if he had to retell the story he would embellish to say she didn’t startle him, though that was not the case in reality. He presence next to him became apparent suddenly, it caused him to jump, but it was a manly, momentary jaunt into the air. Yes, manly and momentary… not at all coltish and silly. His legs didn’t flail about nor did his nostril flair in an adrenaline fueled display. No, if he had to retell the story he would have held firm to the ground despite her catching slightly unaware. Either way, in reality as he landed back firmly on the ground and turned to take in the curved body of the unnamed mare.

She was familiar, distantly so, but familiar none-the-less. He couldn’t place her, but surely he had seen her before. Her comfortable distance spoke of familiarity they shared, but he feared it was one sided as she was unknown to him. He racked his brain for a name or a place but still none came, he eyes danced over him as he did the same, though she beat him to words. ”No, probably not, though I don’t think if really fits anyone, no?”

The stallion raised an eyebrow at her, still mulling over how he recognized her. It really was a curious thing, knowing someone, but not knowing someone at the same time. He watched her though, watched her quiet confidence, that was brazen at the same time, she was intriguing that was for sure. ”Surely you know me, but I cannot seem to recall you, miss, though you are familiar. Maybe I met you once before?” He smiled, though it didn’t fully reach his eyes. The presence of a lady, even a pretty one at that, doesn’t make him forget the great loss. He missed him, but even Killdare wouldn’t have wanted him to be so morose. Nymph knew he had to shake it, and maybe the lady would be the distraction he needed. Maybe she would be the ticket out of the rut he had been in for far too long. It was a lot to put on the stranger, but it was better than staying in the position he had been.

Nymphetamine

in my heart, that barless prison
discolours all with tunnel vision