The Red Horse Of War

2 The Red Horsemen Of War

The man was much, much paler than her, his skin was almost a bone white. They had long hair that was as bright as the large golden sun she knew so well, half of their hair seemed to be tied up in a bun of sorts. Their eyes seemed to glow a fiery red. they held a longsword up resting it over their shoulder the edge of it staned with blood. They were covered in fresh blood and wounds and looked as though they had just returned from battle. Behind them, she saw a horse as red as blood. She questioned how she didn't hear them nor the horse approach her, as normally she was a very observant person and no one had ever been able to sneak up on her before. Ira Bellum knew she probably shouldn't talk to them as they were a complete stranger, but she just couldn't help herself as she felt a strange connection to the mysterious person who stood in front of her. "Hello, I'm full of sorrow because I truly loved the war. It was the only time at least someone cared about me or where I was." She said with a few more tears falling from her dark eyes, as she looked at the worrier's face. It was no longer one that lacked emotion but now one of confusion.

"You loved the war? Why? I have never in all my years met someone who loves war. What is your small name child?" As they spoke their face shifted back to one of no emotion. "My name is Ira Bellum sir. What's your name?" The little girl was truly fascinating to the soldier who dressed in red, as her name meant Wrath Of War. And that's when they knew who she was and who she would become. "That is a beautiful name, my dear, are you aware that it means Wrath of war? It truly is beautiful my dear Ira. My name is Lator Belli. It means The Bringer Of War. But most know me by the name The Red Horsemen, War." they said in an eerily calm voice.

They reached out to shake her hand and as she hesitantly took their hand in hers she felt a weird feeling surge and course through her body, it seemed as though it came from the worrier. The two spoke about some of their favorite things. Ira loved talking to the man, but for some reason, she just felt so comfortable with the man. Even if she had only met him about two hours ago. "It would seem we have quite a bit in common Lator Belli. It was lovely talking to you but the sun has left the sky and now I need to go home bye." Ira said. "Goodbye, my dear child." They said in a sweet, caring, parent-like, and loving tone, one Ira Bellum had not heard in a very long time, so long she forgot what it was like to hear, especially directed towards her.

Another hour passed while talking with the worrier before the little girl stood up and hugged the warrior. "Goodbye. Thank you for cheering me up. I hope you have a great night. Bye, sir." Ira said as she released the warrior from the hug, before leaving the tree, she and the warrior sat and talked for over two hours, as the little girl reached the bridge she quickly turned back towards the tree to say bye to the very nice warrior and their pretty horse, one last time. But when she looked back at the tree, the warrior and their horse were gone just like the wind, silent and quick. She looked around trying to catch a glimpse of her new friend. But they were nowhere to be seen, so she just continued to her home, completely oblivious to what the warrior that she had just met had gifted her. As she slept that night, a symbol of fire appeared on her right shoulder. Her hair grew longer and turned red towards the ends, and her eyes gained a bluish tint in them and letters appeared on her wrist. They were,

'L.P'

And

'E.P'

As well as a note that read

'To my dear Ira, I hope you enjoy your present, I can't wait to see you again and I wish you luck on your journey. -L.B.'

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