A Heart so Cold

archebold Fear is the price of imagination "The answer to your question is quite simple really." Archebold mused as he reached over and gently took Isla by the hand and inched her just a few more inches closer. "You asked." Brows arched up as he chuckled, dark, hollow eyes hold her own as he continued. "What have I to hide? I'm not ashamed of what I am, how I came to be, or what I've done. Every decision I've made has been deliberate. I seldom take leaps of faith if the intention to land on my feet isn't there. Everything I say or do has purpose, whether it's known now or later is another matter entirely. Would you prefer I be brooding, silent...or pander to what I feel would be an answer that make you feel safe, secure...Consider my frankness a sign of respect. My feelings towards your kind has no effect on how I address you. There is little cost to the truth...and to lie would mean to use effort I would otherwise have stored elsewhere for a more worthwhile purpose." Fingers gently curled around her wrist as he felt for her pulse. It was strong, even for one without magic pumping through it. "Now close your eyes...ease yourself. I read each beat as the words of the books you study from..." His voice softening into a lulling, whispered calm as if to lull Isla into obeying...to ease her body. "When before, had I just been simply a man, I would look at you and simply see a woman. Beautiful, soft...Now I see beyond that. I can shut my eyes and feel the life pulsing through you. Like sparks striking down a fuse and working its way through you. I merely have to listen...listen to each distinct beat. I could see what may otherwise be hidden, your fear, your deception, your happiness...and pleasure. Clued by a simple flutter. I can dissect everything that makes you, you, just by listening or touching you. It's like realizing, all this time you were born blind. You couldn't really see anything at all, but than your eyes are opened and you can see everything. Quite literally...as someone who studies and aims to preserve life, imagine what that must feel like to have the veil pulled back and all you have to do is listen...and realize death is not your enemy, it is not the end...but the cure. You may open your eyes once more..." Archenold instructed, fingers slid from her wrist to loop around her hand as he raised it and gently kissed the top of her hand before releasing her completely. His hands resting down on the rim of her desk as he looked Isla over. "Did you find that satisfactory?" {Bunny permission granted by Honey}