He couldn't deny that he felt a bit disheartened, but then he reminded himself that not everyone liked people. Even he didn't want to hang out with Pride or Eythan all the time (Ari was an exception). So he just nodded and bumped Khloros affectionately.

"I won't make you say it twice. I'm sure I can get everyone you've told to tell instead. I can always come back and tell you how it went, and bring some apples and peaches and stuff," he said cheerily, "... Thank you. You know, for uh... I don't actually know. For doing this. And having my back."

James smiled lopsidedly, "I do have to go... Ari's at home- he's my friend- and I have to get back to him before he worries that I've died or something. Where would be a good place to find you?"

@Khloros

The colt kept touching him, and he did not like that.

He moved away, this time, not fast enough to avoid it but giving enough space to make it clear that he felt no desire for further contact. Despite their extreme similarities, Khloros was a world away from James, and it was only just now starting to hit home how different they both were.

Still, the other horse was kind, and that was more than could be said for some; so when Khloros dipped his head and answered, it was gently enough. "I'd appreciate the visits, and the fruit, though I'm afraid I haven't much to offer in return. I will, most likely, be in Cetus," he answered, and then, thoughtfully--"It's difficult to find someone in there, I admit. I haven't really got a solution for that." Which was the point of staying in Cetus, of course, but it certainly made social visits awkward.

Oh, well; maybe James would think of something.

horse stock by venomxbaby on deviantart

@James

James pulled away before he could touch, nearly tipping over as he backed off, "Sorry-"

He shook his head and turned, "I'll yell until I find you. I'll see you later!"

He didn't wave but he did bob his head before trotting off, eager to get back home, "Stay safe, Khloros, okay?"

James burst into a sudden gallop, tossing his head before making off to Orion, wanting to tell Ari all about what happened.

Exit James.

@Khloros

The colt, it seemed, had nothing to offer--no further ideas on the topic. He was moving off, and Khloros watched him go.

"Goodbye, then," he offered, though he was unsure if James heard it past the clatter of hooves.

Khloros turned back to the Spire, and wondered.

What lay within; what lay beneath? Was the white being actually in the stone, somewhere? Or... was it a conduit, perhaps, of some kind? Memories of agony warned him against it but curiosity flickered up, and he took a few steps closer--and then a few more. Testing. Gauging.

Would it still hurt?

Would it still pull at him, burning him, searing him, threatening to rend him into nothing? Or had he, as Astraea had suggested, somehow freed himself from-... from something? Or been freed?

There was... nothing. Hardly a tingle, even.

Another step, and another--and then it started to burn a little, fainter now but still familiar and Khloros backed away.

For along while he stood watching it, musing, thinking. But he could find no conclusion to make.

He couldn't destroy it, not anymore. What could he do..?

He did not know, and for now he simply lay down, slow and careful, watching the teal shimmer--and the oily black beneath.

horse stock by venomxbaby on deviantart

exit Khloros