flowers of adversity
for @pastbelow
Her hands glide the brush through the pegasus's mane, once, twice, many more times. The action is repetitive in a way that usually frightens her with far too much time left to worry about her own wretched self. Today though it's soothing, almost meditative as she tries to calm the distressed pegasus beneath her hands. Selene relaxes into her touch until the sound of heavy, armoured footsteps restarts her trembling. Marianne presses closer as bodies fill the now cramped stables, voices raised and argumentative.
"I'm sorry, Selene. I'm still here girl," she whispers, discarding the brush for her own fingertips. Soft strokes, surprisingly steady from Marianne, continue as the girl hums low and soft. Selene remains tense but no longer quivers in fear. "That's right, you're safe with me. I promise."
Perhaps she has no right to make such promises. What can she do, meek and timid as she is if the knights insist upon dragging Selene back out into the fray? Marianne has never been able to stand up for herself, how could she expect more of herself now?
Something in Selene's eyes, daunted but hopeful tugs at her heart.
"They're so selfish. All this for flowers." Marianne turns her head away, unwilling to let Selene see the anger etched between her brows. Her voice is kept low but there's a sharp edge to it as she mutters to herself, more than anything."Do they not see the harm they're inflicting upon you?"
Her gaze meets another's, golden and handsome. Stood by another pegasus, a man poised and unknown. A stranger to her, yet he seems far gentler than the knights that gather around them. Brown eyes widen as a flush reaches her cheeks.
"S-sorry! I didn't see you-- or mean you. I just-- I just hate seeing them so stressed."
