The man’s ears flicker more than most, twitch in response to every small sound. Again, Ramiel thinks it is in compensation for some loss of sight. If you can’t see the world, it must be realized in some other way, must be visualized by some other means. The boy tries to imagine what it would be like to not see the places around him; he pictures the vibrant green grass as dimmer stalks, paints this morning Field scene with shades of black, grey and white instead. At first it makes him sad for the roan stallion, makes him feel like the other is missing out on so very much. But then another truth hits him – seeing the world differently doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative thing, it can simply be another reality, another viewpoint. Michealis takes it all in – the good and the bad – from angles fully-sighted horses can’t even see. And having better hearing than most is certainly a bonus.
He thinks on it just before the man addresses his first suitor. When he begins to speak, however, he has Ramiel’s full attention. Englesfors had claimed the shadows as a comfort to which Michaelis disagrees, calling them annoying. But hadn’t he been the one wrapped up in their embrace? Maybe he’s too dismissive of the mare’s assessment, but the young stallion knows better than to bring it to his attention. He might be new at this recruiting game (that he has only just realized it is a game is proof enough) but he is no amateur at reading others.
The sun rises a bit higher in the eastern sky but the trio is safe here from even its softest rays. Spring is fresh in the air, fresh in the smell of new grass and flowers and early dew. It’s possibly the most opportune time to make a change (or at least, the most poetic) and the sight-hampered stallion surely realizes it. Most of the kingdoms will be sending out envoys and recruiters now with the harsh winter behind them. He will have the pick of the litter, and he will have to be choosy. It’s no wonder he’s playing the long game, Ramiel thinks.
Another comes up behind the greying youth, but he waits to see who it is until after he’s responded to Michaelis. “Perhaps they exist only to draw attention to the light.” Finally he turns to the girl who settles next to the group. She pays him and Englesfors absolutely no mind – as if they don’t exist – and the boy is nearly too shocked to react at first. Having been raised in diplomacy, it’s nearly incomprehensible to the polite colt. She speaks with her strange voice, jumping into the conversation as she pleases. When she finishes, Ramiel focuses on her, “Or maybe they serve no purpose at all – maybe the mystery is enough.” He doesn’t believe that at all, as laden with responsibility as he is. He’s always been a stickler for rules and purpose, why is he toying with the idea now? Has the girl really rubbed him the wrong way? He frowns at the way the plants seem to curl into themselves at Aletheia’s feet. Death has a time and place, he knows, but not here. Not when life is still in its infancy all around them.
“The Dale has purpose and mystery both in spades.” It is true, especially as of late. The land is humming with its new force, and though Ramiel hasn’t seen it for himself, just knowing it exists somewhere in the mountains is intriguing enough. But they are also business-oriented. They plan on making the Dale great again, filling it with not only loyal (because loyalty has never been their problem) but many horses. “We are in the process of turning over a new leaf. We already have the stem, a strong and sturdy core. But we are looking to expand, to spread like veins to make a wholly supportive system.” He thinks it's what everyone from a kingdom probably says and he struggles for a moment before deciding to cater it to Michaelis, specifically. "We are looking for those with a unique vision, with a perspective outside any other. Change is only wrought through such differences."
r a m i e l
what a day to begin again