|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 6:06 pm
Would he lie to her? She could, of course, say that she didn't know him well enough to know for certain. The truth, though, was that she didn't think he would. She might not have been the best judge of character, but she just had a feeling about him that he was as honest as he seemed.
So she smiled and shook her head a little. "You wouldn't lie," she told him. "And I didn't really doubt you. It's just surprising to find them this late in the year, and still so fresh." The berry really had been tasty. "I'm lucky to know you, and luckier still to know you'll share."
She perked her ears at him, curious as ever to hear what he had to say. And then they flicked back and forward again. More than friendship? Well, that was a surprise, to say the least! Even more surprising than fresh fruit. Imriel was sweet and friendly and ...comfortable. Yes, comfortable to be around. She trusted him.
But then there was Nikolas's offer to consider. And that was a display of trust in her on his part. And though he sometimes frightened her, she had the sense that he needed...well. If not her, then someone other than his brother to help him now and then.
For a moment, she wondered whether she ought to hesitate. She wanted a family, she wanted foals of her own, and with a family as large as Imriel's, as warm as they sounded, she was sure she'd have a good life there. But then there was Nikolas again, and she just couldn't risk Imriel's happiness or safety...
So she drifted closer to him and bumped his shoulder very lightly with her own, wing brushing his side. She wanted him to look up at her and she wasn't laughing.
"Of course I like you too," she told him with another smile. "You've been nothing but kind and you make me laugh and I feel comfortable with you. Not to mention that you're a very handsome stallion." Yes, there was the blush. "But there are things in my life that have taken a very complicated turn, things that I'm not at liberty to share," she added. "And they'd mean that I wouldn't be suited to you or your family, I think. Not now and possibly not for a long time to come. You need someone who would stay by your side and make you happy," she said quietly.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:19 am
To say that Imriel was hurt would be an understatement. In his heart, he hadn't expected rejection. Perhaps it was the way he was raised, leading him to believe that he was the best and the only thing any mare could want. Whatever it was, it left him reeling, wondering if it was possible that the words she said were true. Maybe his imagination was just acting up... No, they had been said.
Recalling an earlier promise that they would remain friends, Imriel swallowed hard and tried to put forward a brave smile. It was so hard to do so, especially when he thought his heart was slowly falling into peaces that lay heavily at the bottom of his chest.
"Oh," was all he finally managed, trying very hard not to completely break down. He wouldn't cry. He had to believe there would be other mares, or that there would come a time when Yazmina would be ready to be with him. If he didn't believe that, what else did he have to believe in? Just because she wasn't ready now didn't mean that they didn't have a future together, did it?
"I... I think I have to go for a while. I need to go... get... things. I'll see you later." It was the coward's way out, but as Imriel sped away, his thoughts were firmly focused on saying it was the only way out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:17 am
She'd been afraid that she'd hurt him. She didn't want that reaction at all, and it made her chest feel tight and her eyes sting a little as well. Still, it was better to be honest than to keep him hoping and hurt him worse in another few days, wasn't it? She had to believe that.
"Imriel..." she called after him as he hurried away, but he wasn't slowing down or turning back and she knew that it was because of what she'd said. So she sighed, blowing out through her lips and let him go. She could have flown after him, but she didn't think that would be welcome now. Ears slightly drooping, wings a little heavy, she sniffed at another berry, but didn't eat it. It was Imriel's. She'd leave them for him.
And wander home quietly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
