Love, let's talk about love
She debated whether to take the hand that grasped at her garb. Was physical sensation welcome or not, in this situation? It was difficult to know. Seren was afraid to do the wrong thing, to add burdens instead of easing them. In the end, she did nothing. Only sat there, and let Hotaru's pain echo through her own soul. Would that she could absorb it and leave the woman hale and whole. But would that not rob her, in a sense? She had lost a piece of her soul - it seemed cruel, to wish to take anything more.
When the request came, it was a relief to be given some direction. Something she could do. "Of course," the young girl whispered. Easing herself around to Atlas' head, she placed a tender palm on the broad cheek, while the other hand grasped the horn. Would that she could have touched him when he was alive, when the surface beneath her hand would have been warm and pulsating with life. Only ashes clung to her now, and with a determination that sprung from a desire not to drag this out Seren braced herself and heaved, pressing down on the horn.
With surprising ease it came off, the snap of bone like a dried twig. Heavy in her hand, tingling with residual magic, she suppressed the urge to study it closer. Her curiosity could be saved for another time, another unicorn - one that was alive, and hale, and willing.
"Here you go." Carefully, the horn was extended towards Hotaru. Offered like a priceless treasure, some artefact of legend - and it was, it was, it was. So much more than treasure; "Now he can continue to watch over you. I am sure he loved every moment with you, as much as you loved him."
When the request came, it was a relief to be given some direction. Something she could do. "Of course," the young girl whispered. Easing herself around to Atlas' head, she placed a tender palm on the broad cheek, while the other hand grasped the horn. Would that she could have touched him when he was alive, when the surface beneath her hand would have been warm and pulsating with life. Only ashes clung to her now, and with a determination that sprung from a desire not to drag this out Seren braced herself and heaved, pressing down on the horn.
With surprising ease it came off, the snap of bone like a dried twig. Heavy in her hand, tingling with residual magic, she suppressed the urge to study it closer. Her curiosity could be saved for another time, another unicorn - one that was alive, and hale, and willing.
"Here you go." Carefully, the horn was extended towards Hotaru. Offered like a priceless treasure, some artefact of legend - and it was, it was, it was. So much more than treasure; "Now he can continue to watch over you. I am sure he loved every moment with you, as much as you loved him."
Is it anything and everything you hoped for?
SEREN
