( her gaze is a steel trap, unwavering on him and ready to clamp shut on the most minute shift in his expression. anything that might give her the answer she seeks. emilia holds at bay the disappointment that threatens to curdle in her gut, studying him more intently still, even as her tone matches his own.

curious and light. )

They called it symbiotic during the first week of riding lessons. But the mental link is at its most potent during flight. My mind is fully open to her, and she is able to reply. Sometimes with visual memory. Mostly in feelings.

( with how fraught their arrival to the sibilant sands was, emilia suspects this was opal's way of soothing her. )