the truth is you could slit my throat; any

[Kreios]

kreios don't you tame your demons, but always keep them on a leash She apologizes to the river then, and though I’m not sure if she’s joking or not, I still smile. I doubt it minds; in another few weeks it will be melted through, flowing wide with snowmelt from up in the mountains. Her description of the jungle brings another smile to my face. I’ve heard the place is full of danger, and would rather not go myself. It must be habitable, for the Amazons have lived there for centuries, but it is certainly not place for me. They’d not have me anyway, not with my chromosomes. When I feel the shifting of her muscles that hint foretell her attempt to stand, I pull away. Unencumbered by frostbite, I’m fairly quick about it, at least for a horse my size. I nod encouragingly as she stands, and then start forward as though I can catch her when she collapses again. At least she clambers right back to her feet, and I hold back my natural reaction to bump her shoulder encouragingly. I might have been pressed up against her only a moment ago, but we are still strangers and I’ve not wish to infringe upon her space. She reaches forward though, making the first move, and I tap her chestnut jaw briefly with my pale nose. “I was real the last time I checked,” I tell her with a grin, “My name’s Krieos. What’s yours?” Now that she’s standing I feel infinitely better about her survival. Laying in the snow was hopeless, but standing is a vast improvement. “how’re you feeling?”