Linger

Someone else is here. Perhaps he should have noticed earlier. Perhaps he had given up on finding anyone in Halyven. But Seiji's ears turn toward a noise even before he thinks consciously on it. Then his body is turning, as well. Hooves on the stone. He approaches the noise with curiosity, with a spark of hope vibrating in his chest. But as the boy draws into view, Seiji's anticipation dims a bit. He knows this boy. Hasn't heard him speak, but doesn't think... His long, dark body winds slowly nearer. Then from somewhere else, a deep voice booming. Seiji flinches, surprised by the sound, and wheels in its direction. He finds another lounging atop the ruins: something suitably monstrous but after a moment of surprise, still familiar. So, that's disappointing. But the disappointment doesn't make it to his eyes; he smiles, instead. Hello! Remembering the time he spent in the field of light digging up sick flowers. How long ago that now seems... And he no closer to his goal. Seiji doesn't know what they're doing here, and cannot ask. He supposes the large man might explain, but until then, he trots toward the boy and the boulder, wondering. Is it in the way? But if it were, surely the larger man would help? So is it ..... something else? He moves to inspect it, his ears pricked, his dark eyes flicking from the rock to the boy and back again.

img by Tildae @ flickr

@Vynter @Roscorro