ORIGIN

It would all have been well and good, she would wanted to have continued this conversation and learned more of Magdalena's thoughts and well-being but all at once, it became too much for her. Although the dog was genuine in her assertion that she would have loved for Delphine to visit more often, it was followed with a statement that would fan the flames of jealousy ever louder, brighter and hotter. Her heart dropped and she knew then that she had to leave, not for lack of desire to remain in the company of someone she held so dear but for fear that it would all be ruined for her own petty inclinations. She did not bother now to feign a smile nor would she respond, she did not trust her voice to remain strong when it most needed.

Her eyes fluttered closed, relishing in a brief reprieve before she glanced to the blind Gembound with a smile. Truly she thought her heart would break right then and there. "And you I." She responded with a low coo, her nose pressing firmly into Magdalena's shoulder to nuzzle and inhale her scent, burning it to memory. The filly could not be too sure when next her courage would return, at the very least she would remember as much of Magdalena as she could now. It would help in the absence to come. "I will fight my nightmares and perhaps when I prevail, I will see you in my dreams then." With one last nudge of her crown against the wise Gembound's cheek, Delphine pulled away gracelessly. If she lingered even a moment longer, she feared she would no longer find the strength in her to depart. "Forgive me but I must depart, I have other matters to attend to." A lie, the first and final for it left a bitter taste on her tongue and she regretted it the very moment it passed her lips. "I will come again soon, Magda. I promise." She smiled sadly and turned to walk away, intending but never quite bestowing one final touch upon the dog. When she glanced back, it was with doubt and love etched to her emerald depths but she would not return to the dog's behest, not this time around.

( exit delphine! )

How unfortunate that Magdalena could not see the face of the one before her, or her heart would go out even further; nothing in her voice betrayed the sadness, and the selfishness that the horse felt. Had she known better... but she didn't. The dog's smile broadened at the touch to her shoulder, turning her head and gently probing until her nose found the loam of the horse's ear. There, she lingered for a moment, offering that ever reassuring touch. Her tail wagged gently behind her before Delphine's voice touched the air again, promising she would come see Magdalena again - be it not in person, then in dreams. The dog closed her eyes, pleased - it was a sensation of warmth that swept over her, happiness. She had succeeded with Delphine.

But her eyes had to open once more as the horse withdrew, claiming other matters took her attention. Magdalena gave a slow nod, and though her smile faltered a bit, it didn't truly vanish. "Farewell, Delphine." The dog crooned, and then after another moment, "Stay safe." It was an honest wish. She would have the dragon's head if he tried to hurt her again. Or anybody, for that matter. Magdalena remained silence as she listened to the filly's hooves clatter off into the distance, climbing the platforms and vanishing beyond the walls of the room. When there was only silence, Magdalena let loose a small sigh. She turned and her paws slowly dragged over the earth, following her trail back to her Fire.