gets hard just to see your heart

CASSIUS ❃ Drumming sounds of the rain play in his ear. Melting together, lost in one singular cacophony that has since invaded his mind. Cassius forgets how to make light conversation; the desire leaves him when the shadows bear teeth. And every wrong step, misplaced direction threatens his daughter.  He casts his eyes upon her small, fragile frame below him. She follows along diligently, her gaze glancing into the depths that – so far – remain at the edges of their combined presence.   A lengthy sigh wisps soundlessly from the stallion’s gray lips. The time is against him. Like all other newborns, Noelle requires the concentrated nutrients and energy of milk, and the dryness offered by shelter. He fears she will fade, like her mother – though perhaps by the cruel method of starvation or hypothermia. No child should experience life in such short means; and if he cannot provide these basic necessities, there will be nothing left to salvage.   He must find food and shelter. There is no other option; and that option involves a lot of walking. The coast isn’t exactly the warmest of welcomes. The waters are angry where they break out from the trees, and all the dangers that invisibly stalk them are present in the waves that crash and lurch back with a powerful, unforgiveable force. “Ah!” Before the girl can step any closer, he blocks her path. Shielding her, protecting her from any foolish mistakes. “Not yet. The ocean is unpredictable...” He uses words too big for her understanding, not realizing it. The excitement leaves her face, falling asunder into the stoic, expressionless façade – understanding him, nonetheless. She nods, but her gaze lingers out to the horizon. To the unfolding world and its beauty – how can she distinguish the good from the bad?   “Come Noëlle.” He waits for her. Surveying the rocky terrain for any potential hiding spots, or areas that might put them at a disadvantage: high ledges, deep entrances, and few exits. There are many, and he rumbles to her in haste. She drifts back, her thoughts hidden behind her glassy eyes with her head down.   The rain is slanted, and beats down on him from his left side. In this respect, he can at least shield the girl. It isn’t perfect, but it’s something – and its enough hope to keep the speckled stallion moving on.   They come upon the glassy opening. It’s suspicious, not an easy choice from the first look of it. What’s on the other end? The filly teeters closer to it, nose outstretched – leading a tentative charge. And before he can warn her from getting too close, she snaps back with wide, open eyes. “It dry?”   He wished he knew for sure. “Maybe…” His tail wags uneasily, undulating with tense, contrite waves. The stallion lifts his gaze, searching for an alternative that might lie in close vicinity. But the rocks offer no reprieves, and the forest waits on the edges. “Noëlle. I want you to stay behind when we enter the cave. If there’s anything, people, animals… You stay back. And if I tell you to run, run the way we came. And find somewhere to hide.” He paused. “Do you understand?”   “Yes papa.”   “Tell me.”   “Stay back. No matter... – what.” She frowned as she thought about the last bit. With a defeated sigh, she continued. “An’ run. Run and hide…”   “Good…” He rumbled, offering her a gentle kiss between her ears. Brief, simple, before he set forth into the cavern.

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