Like a leaf on the wind.

Kari didn’t feel particular attachment to any of the few places he had visited since losing his mother to the monster above the caves. He blew this way and that, almost determined to not place his trust in any other - because their word meant nothing, and the generosity that beckoned to the infant in him was all one big, fat lie. He had learned to distance himself from the world, but not solely for the sake of his ever expanding mistrust. The little colt was plagued by the history of others, of places he had no interest in at all; they came at random, descending like an endless night to rob him of innocence, and confuse his own memories, sway his understanding of the world. It was just plain easier to avoid them all...

The sun beat down heavily across the short, bony back, unhindered, making soft, withered grey duller as beads of sweat joined together along it. He was not a fan of Tallsun. He favoured it almost as much as he did company, but there was no escaping either and he figured simply that he would make do with the stallion for now- he seemed lonely, and sometimes Kari felt like that too; he understood and would for a little while longer, indulge... his little horned skull cocked as he strained in vain to place a name against the face, eyes stealing cunning, fleeting glances as though it might help spur some memory to life. Mr Maker? Yeah, that’ll do.

The painted horse dipped his lips to retrieve the small sculpture, but Kari was busy watching the village below them- an ant’s nest, that was neither tidy nor inviting. Oh... he answered jadedly, hardly bothering to feign interest when he had already done all the exploring he wanted through the days just passed. The island was different, and it was weird how it floated on its own, but the little hungry colt was far too young to appreciate its significance. As deep blue eyes returned to search the expression of his friend, Kari smiled quietly- almost patronisingly, though that was hardly his intention. Mr Maker was smiling too, so it seemed only right.

They began to walk, the long grass brushing about his legs swishing delicately, colourful blooms dancing between the careless reach of tiny hooves, and his nose began to itch terribly as the pollen lifted like mist from the pasture. It’s been here for a few days now... Kari mentioned candidly, reassuringly. Then, without any warning, the colt’s eyes glazed, and he staggered to a halt across scrawny legs that were suddenly trembling- their shoulders had brushed together for only the slightest second.

It was a land he had never seen before, mist woven between tall, old trees- not nearly as gnarled as the ancient timber of the Threshold, and this stallion, Mr Maker, was lingering in their shadow. He was watching something, staring ahead, motionless, and Kari followed the path of his eyes to where a group were busy doing something with wood felled around them. There was ice as well- strange given the brightness of the day around them; No glass! he thought abruptly, and he fell from the illusion with a visible jolt.

For a second he was disorientated, confused, as though caught between worlds, but as the sunlight caressed his scruffy hide Kari remembered where he was. For some time he dared not glance at the stallion; and he made quite certain that the breeze could wash freely between them.