Growing season was Alysanne’s favourite, and with Birdsong growing old there was plenty of growth to occur! Now that the herb garden was back on track, she had been spending a little bit of time every morning standing in it – using her little magic trick to give the herbs a bit of help. It felt a little counterproductive, standing in the garden and using magic that wasn’t immediately visible, but hopefully with time they would see a difference! And besides, she was always careful not to tread on the plants that were already there.

All the while, she chatted happily to Hemlock who was snoozing – or pretending to snooze – in his favoured spot in between her ears. As the day grew older, they left the herb garden and were just thinking of what they could do next when a call sounded across the Edge that brought any half-baked plans to a stop. Though Alysanne was sure that she recognized the voice she had some difficulty placing it to a face. She knew it, that much she knew, but not well enough to suspect that it was one of her herd mates. Perhaps one of her friends that she had made in the caves? Or elsewhere? In fact, it wasn’t until she actually saw the pretty little pegasus that Alysanne placed it properly. Parelia! She remembered the mare fondly from their meeting not long after they were all able to return from the caves. Her little hawk would be grown up a fair bit now! Hopefully he was doing well.

After giving Hemlock fair warning to cling on tight, Alysanne picked up a canter that ate up the distance between them. “Parelia! Penna!” She called out to them both, knowing the hawk would not be far and wondering whether he was doing well. Between her ears, Hemlock ruffled his down feathers with what could be best described as ‘distaste’ as he examined the group that they were meeting with. She could feel him dig in slightly tighter with his talons before loosening them once more. He better be careful, or she’d be missing chunks of her hair before long!

As she drew closer she realized there was a little colt by her friend’s side. Oh how delightful! Alysanne had a soft spot leagues wide for foals, especially the foals of her friends! “And who is this handsome fellow?” Bright was her smile as she asked the question, coming to a stop before them, but as the rest was completed her summer-green eyes turned to Parelia and the smile faded. The signs that the mare she had met once, but considered a friend, had been crying were plain to her. “Oh, my dear, are you alright? Are you hurt?” Concern softened her voice as she took another half step forward – looking over the pair for anything obvious.


@[Parelia]