She's got the devil's eyes
She never does things with the intention of receiving gratitude. She had learned a very long time ago that there is far too little of that in the world, and her efforts would be wasted if that is what she sought. The equine species is an inherently selfish one, she had found. So many wish only to see black and white, but she knows there is far more than that. The truly decent are few and far between, just as are the truly abhorrent. She had long ago come to the conclusion that nearly everyone who has ever existed falls somewhere in the middle.
That terribly ambiguous middle ground that everyone so loves to hate. And yet, to Heartfire, it’s fascinating. Endless facets to explore.
And that, more than anything else, is her end goal with this little experiment. Neverwhere might wonder why her. She might question the intent behind such a seemingly generous gift. But what she didn’t realize is just how perfect a representation of the ever ambiguous grey she is. For Heartfire, it is much more a test of her intuitive ability than any erroneously assumed goodwill one might try to paint her with.
She suspects however, that Neverwhere knows at least a portion of this. She is not laboring under any misconception of selfless generosity or kindness on Heartfire’s part. And that is what makes her so ideal. What would she ultimately choose to do with that knowledge and the gift she’d been given?
When they have finally reached the central flats of Nerine, it’s clear Neverwhere had grown exhausted from the fascinated observation of sights she hadn’t seen in too long. Anyone else might have asked questions, tried to pry, to discover how she is finding this newfound ability. Heartfire does not. Instead she peers rather placidly at Neverwhere, her still features leant to thoughtfulness rather than any other more curious emotion. It is only after Neverwhere stops peering around and begins considering the ramifications more in depth that Heartfire finally speaks.
“I hope you enjoyed the sights. It’s yours to keep, for the time.” She tilts her head slightly, blue gaze inscrutable as she watches her companion. “You’re free to go, if you like. Or stay as your prefer. Nerine will welcome you.”
With that, she turns to leave. To allow Neverwhere some peace to rest. After only a few steps however, she pauses before turning to glance back at the dappled mare with a wry tilt to her lips, her words rather dry as she says, “And thank you. For humoring me.”
and they'll cut you like a weapon