cold in the violence after the war
hope is a fire to keep us warm
For a brief moment after she clears the treeline and accidentally interrupts her friend’s quiet ablutions, she sees an uncommon ferocity in the normally soft gaze and gentle demeanor as she moves abruptly towards her children. The ferocity of maternal instinct realized. That is something Brazen understands, though she has never been compelled by maternal instinct so much as a deeply rooted protective one. And she can appreciate the way Lilliana must feel in the face of a (however briefly) unknown intruder into their solitude.
Perhaps they would have to do some sparring lessons later.
In the meantime however, as recognition registers and the swelling protectiveness is replaced by relieved welcome, Brazen offers her a faintly lopsided grin. She hadn’t meant to startle her. Of course, she hadn’t meant to let her know she was here yet either. But at this point, that’s all semantics.
Though Brazen could never be mistaken for a shy woman, she greets the red mare with a warmth reserved only for those of her closest acquaintance, returning the gentle touch Lilli offers with a light, affectionate nip of her own, catching the edges of her silken mane rather than skin. She had learned over time that it is apparently less customary for those who care for each other to greet one another with an actual bite. To say she had been surprised when her exuberance had been met by affront rather than affection would be an understatement. And though it had become something of an ingrained habit by that point, she had learned to temper it around those she hadn’t grown up with.
Still, talk about an awkward conversation.
Lilli’s teasing question brings an amused snort bubbling forth as she turns her eyes to the twins, as though considering the request. Likely because she is, in fact, considering the request. “Hmmmm,” she replies with an almost mock thoughtfulness. “They seem…. scrawny?” She even manages a frown as she turns to look back at Lilli, though she can’t seem to keep her lips from twitching. “Are you sure that’s all of them?”
Brazen