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WinterMist
I hope this is alright, it might not be the best. I am also sorry if I used Ceil is a wrong way, with his personality and such. Feel free to ask me to change anything or to rewrite it if you would like. Hope you have a great day!
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How do you explain to someone that you will never see them again? Is one supposed to be soft and loving, or tough and strict? Perhaps one is meant to be subtle about it, leaving little hints as to what is coming, or maybe they are direct and firm, enlightening those who they must tell with no secrecy? Or maybe one does not tell at all, and they simply leave in the cover of night, hoping not to be spotted then filling with regret later. Is there a way to tell someone with no tears or broken hearts afterward?
This boy had no idea of how to deal with situations such as that, he has spent far too many years on the road to developing social skills for such a situation. He has spent too many days regretting his choice of leaving, though he knew he would regret it even more if he went back. Far too much has passed for him to crawl back to his clan, like a pathetic little child. He has matured quite a bit over the last couple decades, though it only appeared physically. With as little contact with others as he has, his mental state was similar to a child's, no boundaries, though he was quite intelligent. He had only been able to gather information on how to socialize from the stories he has read, though most were just fairy tales and myths.
The land around him blurred together, creating a swirl of endless colors and textures. The road before the dragon seemed to stretch out forever, running into the ever-expanding horizon. The birds sang a song of longing, sorrowful tunes filling the atmosphere with a heavy mood. It affected how Florin thought, his mind swam with questions of ‘what if’s’ and past regrets. How long has it been since he felt the warmth of a hug? Or the pain of laughing so hard at a joke? It must have been too long, for he couldn't remember. Florin's arms hung limply by his sides, shoulders slumped.
What do you call the feeling of being completely empty? Was its misery? Or melancholy? Perhaps it was desolation of anguish? Were there words poetic enough to describe his broken heart? He did not think so. Was this the consequence of his curiosity for the world beyond his clan? Or is it because he was simply talentless in the endeavors his family excelled in? Was that the reason he left because he felt inferior to his family? This journey was a grave mistake, a horrible one that he could never take back.
Florin shook his head softly, feeling his fur move against his head, trying to clear his mind. He stopped walking for a moment, taking in his surroundings. The trees whispered to each other through the wind and echoing hollow sound. Flowers bloomed around the path, petals delicately dancing in the breeze. The leaves of the bushes rustled together, creating a harmony only nature can speak. Ahead of him was the silhouette of an imperial dragon, probably a mercenary or barbarian.
With the aspect of meeting someone on his mind, the pearlcatcher continued his journey forward with haste, eager to finally meet someone and a little anxious. The figure seemed to become clear the closer he got before it revealed a vibrant colored dragon. Than, scarred skin reflected the sun’s rays, bright purple eyes staring right back at him with and emotion he thinks is a surprise. Both of them stayed silent, waiting for the other to make a move. Minutes ticked by before the dragon cleared his throat, voice rumbling deeply.
“I never thought I'd see someone this far away from civilization. Though it is a pleasure to meet a fellow adventurer if you don't mind me asking, what is your name? Mine is Ceil.”
This was a bit sudden for Florin's taste, at least he thought. With this being his first interaction with anyone for probably years, he hoped he wasn't going to mess it up…. Now how does he reply to him?
“Top of the mornin to ya laddie! Fine weather is it not?”
Ceil watched with confusion as to the pearlcatcher before he froze up. The red in his cheeks stood out against his coloring greatly, furthering his embarrassment as Ceil watched closely. Could that have gone worse? As if to answer his question, Florin took a step back only to fall over his feet. His body crashed to the ground hard, blowing up a cloud of dirt that billowed in the air.
The dragon land on the ground in defeat, silently hoping that this was all just a bad dream, was he this bad at simply talking to another being? His vision was blocked off when a calloused talon was placed before him, outstretched to help him up. With reluctance, Florin placed his hand in his and was pulled back up with little effort. Ceil wore a kind smile, a bit uncomfortable, but still kind. He gave him a nod of his head, about to depart on his journey once again before Florin called out.
“Uh… um… Please wait! Please don't go!... It's been so long since I had even talked to someone… Please don't leave me! I’m so sick of being alone, having no one to laugh with or even hug…. It is maddening… This loneliness…. And I’m afraid you'll be the last person I will ever see for a long while…. Please don't go…. I’m sorry.” His voice was so soft and frail, the years of solitude taking its toll on him. Ceil didn't move a muscle as he listened to him speak, his heartbreaking the tiniest bit. He finally turned around with a whirl. He wore a soft smile, slowly stepping to Florin’s side as he begged him not to go.
His words were spoken with a gentle tone, still firm but had no edge to it. “To stare into someone's eyes while they plead with you and feel absolutely nothing. It shouldn't be possible. It shouldn't be possible to feel nothing. To look into someone's eyes, which are often referred to as the windows to one's soul, and feel nothing. I am so sorry you feel the need to beg for me to stay, so sorry. You should never feel the need to do that, but do not worry, you will never have to be alone again! You are welcome into my home, my clan would be more than happy to provide you company.”
Florin hoped this wasn't some cruel dream his conscious was playing on him, but after seeing the hope in Ceili’s eyes he knew it wasn't. The pearlcatcher nodded his head quite rapidly, not caring as his tail fluttered to the in the air as he was answering Ceil. The scarred imperial gave a hearty laugh at the excitement that radiated off of the pearlcatcher. With a spring in his step, Florin joined Ceil’s side happily as they watch down the path heading east, a smile splitting across his face.
After years of isolation and solitude, after all the countless night he has spent cold and hoping for this nightmare to end, he finally got his wish.
