[private] all of history collapsing in its wake; kagerus

[Kagerus]

Kagerus

{ and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times }

He mentions wanting to hear more, and I offer smile, demurring with a slight drop of my eyes. "Perhaps another time, Magnus." But he accepts my invitation to tell me of himself, and as he cracks a careful joke - as careful as one can be when it comes to life, death, and existentialism - I return my eyes to his, hoping that he would not begrudge me this quiet rejection. Although we are moving on from what happened, I know that he will understand that this is all I am willing to share right now.

I put these thoughts to the side as he begins spinning his tale, trying to imagine now just what a hundred years might feel like. I'm a fifth of the way there - but even considering this fact is daunting, and I decide to just listen instead of worrying myself still with silly existential dread.

He speaks of being born of a different Amazonian Queen, one I don't recognize but who sounds entirely worthy of the position and the respect that comes with it, even these decades later. I also consider the triviality of the fact that he, too, had been drawn to the chamber - he ought to meet father, really, considering the similarities between them. Sons of an Amazon Queen, enamored with life in the Jungle, but pulled away to the Chamber by a male blood relative to serve in a high position there. It's uncanny almost, and the fact that they share the same coat colour; but when Magnus' story moves on to the Gates, the similarities end.

When he speaks of Joelle, I am reminded of my life with Solace; but as he finishes by eluding to a not-so-happy ending, the sweetness of my thoughts somewhat sours. I am terrified by what may come for my family and I, as if that were not self evident by the journey and sacrifice I've just made for my wife. The still-healing scar that splits my face in two aches at the thought; and it only lessens some when Magnus mentions being grateful.

"Luck is a vindictive bastard," I mutter, almost to myself. "I'm sorry that you had to feel her wrath."

Taking a shuddering inhale, I glance over my shoulder towards the mountain which holds the golden-white mare I call my heart. After hearing Magnus' tale - or rather, not hearing it, but understanding the nuances of its silence all the same - I yearn to be with her. Licking my lips and pressing them together somewhat anxiously, I turn to face the stallion once more, a somewhat urgent tone entering my voice.

"I have to be going now Magnus, but I appreciate getting to hear your story. Please feel free to explore Hyaline - my father would probably get a kick out of getting to meet Atrox's son all these years later." I take a step back, then pause with a stiff smile. "Until next time."

@[Magnus]