nothing like a little fear to make a paper man crumble; magnus

[magnus]

although this world is made of fearsome beasts that bark and bite
we were born to put these creatures through one hell of a fight

Her company is easy and he relaxes into it, his scarred mouth tilting upward when she says that she is planning on staying in Tephra. “We would be honored to have you here,” he says, nodding when she suggests that they take a walk. It is a beautiful day on the island and he tilts his head backward so that the sun can wash down on him. He would never grow tired of these perfect days, the humid air and the warmth enough to put him in the happiest of moods. It is home, he thinks. It always would be now.

When she inquires about the state of the land, he rolls a shoulder.

“I am sure you have seen that the plague that is running rampant throughout Beqanna,” he says mildly, although there is no fear in his voice. “Tephra has several residents who have been struck with it, but we are managing to keep most everyone safe for now.” He himself is a carrier of the disease although he has no way of knowing that it runs in his veins; that he is, essentially, dangerous for anyone he meets.

But not here—never here. “Still, the land remains protected due to our previous leader, and we enjoy our status as a safe haven for those who need to protect the far reaches of the sickness.”

Another pause, the stallion contemplative as they move further inland.

“But what of you? How have you been since I saw you last?”

magnus