i am a leaf on the wind

Lyanna’s smile is a training thing, truthfully. A requirement of her old life, that ability to smile even in the worst of situations. That ability to grin at a stranger who looks at you like a prize to be won, or an enemy to be sized up. But Lyanna only needed training to shut her temper off sometimes. It wasn’t a terrible thing, that temper, but it reared its head now and again with particularly smarmy assholes. But mostly, she meant that smile. No one could teach a smile to reach her eyes, but her eyes light up as the wind moves around them. No one could teach her to enjoy being able to help others. But she really did enjoy it. She really did mean that smile. That much, at least, is clear.

The girl squeals, and for a moment, Lyanna’s smile falters, afraid she’s done something wrong. But though it is a dark, and almost ominous looking magic, it has no power to hurt. But after a moment, the girl seems alright again, circling Lyanna as if assessing. “Magic, granted to the Moon Doctors from the Edge’s patron Moon Goddess,” she says by way of explanation. Lyanna knew so little of the Goddess, really, except for the basics. It’s not as if she’s ever met the Goddess (or any of the Gods). But she knows enough to respect them, to give them credit for the power that has cleared the worst of the cuts and the bruises on the mare. Lyanna is a conduit, nothing more.

The girl nods, seeming satisfied with the healing process. In time, Lyanna would get better at using the magic. She should be able to clear small cuts completely, get rid of any bruises or soreness. They were small things, really. And she knows it’s a powerful magic, but it’s just a matter of learning to harness it so firmly, to reach that deep. But she doesn’t have time to dwell on it. The girl chirps, and suddenly sets off into the Edge. Lyanna stifles a sigh and follows, keeping up with the young girl is they set off into the Edge. “So, you can’t really go wandering around a herd uninvited. I’m happy to show you around, if you like, but if you aren’t interested in staying…” she trails off, the rest of the statement obvious enough.

They Edge was pretty tolerant, letting horses stay while they decided just what exactly they wanted to do. Lyanna had been given that opportunity, though she’d simply decided to stay. The Edge was beautiful, and it was home, even if somedays it still felt like a strange dream. “Do you have a home?” she asks, wondering if the girl had a family waiting for her somewhere. She was probably old enough to be left to her own devices for a while, but still, someone must be expecting their daughter back. So she hopes, anyway.  

watch how i soar.

lyanna