DEIMOS
Though Deimos was known for his composure, distinct reticence, and almost constant impassivity, at her mockery he merely rolled his eyes – relieved, comfortable in its expanse, and never intending to tell her of such regards. A brief snort and embedded its way through chest and nares, and they were off, his forearm extended for her to grasp as they twisted and turned over powder, ice, and granules. “I am glad you are here.” Then he wrinkled his nose, as if the distinction was a mere tease, when they both likely knew better. Stepping out, where the light pierced against the infinite ivory, flanked in backdrops, surroundings etched out of sharpened points and fixtures, pathways draped and cloaked in the foretold complexities of white upon white. Outlined further and further beyond, jutting out of the abyss, out of foretold summits, out of jagged peaks and smoothed over valleys, was the Citadel; a landmark for travelers, for wanderers, for beckonings and earnest renderings of fire.
And he emerged into it as though he’d lived there for eternities, varnished and lacquered against the cold, immersed in its icy wake, in its chilling damnation, in the parallels of strength and fortitude. Born first to the sea, but then to the hallowed sanction of minarets and pinnacles, where he could preside, where he could loom, where he could be some unattainable figure, where he couldn’t be harmed and hurt again and again and again –
Except for now.
Pressing and crossing into the snow, streamlined for precision and motion, he kept his eyes open for residual ilk, flora, and fauna, where bears could blend and emerge into havoc and devastation. Otherwise, they’d be permitted to walk along without much preamble or demolition. So he wasn’t teased or taunted for his tour guide efforts, he began to nuance information as best he could – in his blunt, keen measures. “The Fangs are a network of caves. Rumor has it there is mageglass there, but also dragons, cannibals, and labyrinths.” Really selling it; but better to have the truth then have it pummel and hit her at a moment far too late.
He was something solid
to lean against
violent and fierce and unmoving
