Lily Pads in the Summer Sun

She pauses momentarily in front of him, bringing her face incredibly close, “Come with me.” She jerks her head towards the lake in a gesture. Her voice is calm, almost stern. He feels his breath catch in his throat, his body feels it’s about to burst in the heat. It can’t possibly be this hot, can it? As much as he wants to he glances back to the herd, worry creeping under his skin. She notices his hesitation and immediately soothes, “I asked Cal to watch over them for a while. No worries ok?” Her face gentled with reassurance. Her intense eyes faltering into a soft, loving one. Dunstan feels his heart hammer harder, making him almost dizzy. 

He stammers, voice small and nervous, “L-lead the way.” She quirks a curious brow and smiles with those same mischievous eyes. He questions internally, what is she up to? She strolls past him, swishing her tail over his chest and neck, beckoning him to follow.

The two make it to a secluded corner or the lake. An old and large tree hung over the water, dipping its branches into the cool water. Lily pads and algae paints the water green. Beautiful white lily flowers float atop their dry, green leaves. The sun cast upon the water, splattering it with bright spots. He awes internally, what a beautiful place.

Elvira tears him from his thoughts as she steps into water, causing ripples to echo across the lake. That dappled sunlight coats her body, haloing her and brightening her markings. Dunstan feels his body freeze, his lungs feel like they forgot how to breathe. My god she’s so…ethereal. She turns back, catching his eyes. Her face was welcoming, beckoning, seducing him. He moves without thinking and without words. She smiles, pulling him into the water despite his fears. His steps feel tentative and unsure but her presence offers peace.

They don’t go deep, just enough to get their hooves wet…at first. She begins to circle him again, keeping his gaze. Soft splashes and ripples form around them. Then, just as Dunstan was sinking into comfortable bliss in her eyes, she rears. Water flies into the air, her whinny cuts through the soft trance and jolts Dunstan back to reality. He jumps back, causing him to step deeper into the water. His heart pounds so hard with panic and surprise. He pauses, trying to catch onto what Elvira is doing. As he spots her face, he halts in place. She’s laughing… Elvira was jumping, rearing, and lightly kicking at the water. She was playing. Her laugh echoes across the lake. He feels a broad smile creep across his face, her happiness seeping into him. It warms him to the point of bursting and without a word he rears. A joyful whinny rips through him.

Hours feel like they’ve passed once they finally slow their joyful play. Dunstan feels his mane sticking to his neck and face. His coat chilly as the summer breeze hits it. Content exhaustion works it’s way up his legs and into his body, relaxing him. He stares at Elvira, who was smiling in a brand new way. It was something he’d never seen before. Her eyes were so bright, so open. His cheeks begin to ache with the smile stretching his features. He can’t hold onto this any longer, “You’re so beautiful Elvira.” The words pour from him. He stills, nervous and unprepared. She stills as well, her ears trained on him with eyes wide. Her smile fades into a stunned silence. After a moment, she moves forward. Her nose softly grazes his, causing shockwaves to trill down his soaked senses. Their eyes meet, softness lacing them both. Openness and rawness fills the air where the two stand. 

She finally speaks, “T-thank you Dunstan.” Her voice was gentle, so fragile it could crack. 

Dunstan’s heart aches and spills, “Y-you’re like a storm…” he pulls back, taking in her full figure. Her mane soaked and coat dripping, “Strong. So powerful and inspiring…” he glances to her eyes again. She looks as if she was pleading, “Lightning strikes through you and you harness it, contain it. You’re a bringer of growth and also a warning of destruction and I-“ he breathes in, tight with anxiety, “I’m so in awe of you.”

She moves closer, an indiscernible expression painting her face. Dunstan feels like he wants to drown in the lake, stupid! Why did you say that?! His legs shake underneath him. He closes his eyes, turning away, trying to hide. He feels gentle grooming and nibbling tickle his side. He shoots his head up, not expecting the interaction. She’s eyes him while nuzzling into his side, that same sinking, seductive feeling washes over him. It eases his nerves, and he feels himself relax under her touch. With that, their close bond was now iron clad. Now, a new little life was growing between them.