There’s a tree in the Gates now. It’s something new that hadn’t been there before and he finds it’s magic both appealing and wanting. Appealing because of the gift that it was and yet sorely lacking for it didn’t really seem to do anything. He had listened to the stories, eavesdropping on the mare schooling her child on history. It had all revolved around the tree and he found that sharp pangs were stabbing through his heart. There was no mention of the kingdom he had grown up longing for, no mention of the beloved man that had meant so much to him nor his beloved Joelle. Nor the little gray mare but that wasn’t a surprise. Nobody had cherished her except for only two in a sea of many. They were long forgotten. But he didn’t forget. The memories still stirred deep within him as if it had been only yesterday, as if their bones weren’t scattered and bleached amongst sand and sun.
All he wants is to rest and belong. All he wants is the peace that has been fleeing from him all his life. A grown man in flesh, still that lost child in spirit. The Gates had been his only chance, his last hope. The few that he had met had been kind and accepted him quickly and for that he is grateful. Yet it’s not how he remembers it being. It was different. He was different. His expectations had been so great and no matter how many times he whispers his prayers to Magnus, gold flecked eyes pleadingly turned to the skies, nothing happens. Still alone. Still restless. Despite everything that has happened, he can find no anger. He can’t explode or shake a fist to the night and curse everyone that had done him wrong, stolen his childhood and set him up for failure.
A single ear swivels amongst the mass of tangled flaxen locks, a quiet figure in the meadow on a moonlit night. The moon is swollen and hanging low in the air, illuminating the land and it’s inhabitants with a cold silvery light. Warm brown eyes never waver from it’s presence, the flecks of gold shining brighter than ever. A constant stream of words thrown silently, tinged with desperation. Please Dad, I can’t do this much longer. I don’t know where to go anymore. A heavy sigh falls from his lips, his chest heaving with the turmoil that churns within. What do I have to live for? I have nothing. I am alone. His mind grows quiet, closing his eyes and bringing his muzzle to his chest. Knowing already what the response would be.
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