|
I’m enchanted by Edgar the ice bird. He flutters and preens under my gaze, chirping prettily as he settles back on Elsa. Their bond delights and intrigues me. In Castres, the Equine inhabitants lived in harmony with the rest of the fauna, but I’d never seen such a specialized companionship as the one before me now. I wondered quietly if such an occurrence was common, so I added it to my rapidly-growing list of questions to ask when given the chance. For now, however, Elsa and Sikeax were busy answering my most burning inquiry: where was I?
The name of the land was Helovia and the forest that had housed me for the night was the Threshold. Elsa speaks of Helovia’s inhabitants – some with good intentions and some with bad. I think of my home and of the violence of the invasion that had forced me out of it. In all my youth I’d studied history – stories full of war and betrayal and of a cyclic struggle for power – and yet I’d been so sheltered. Castres had been a safe land; until the invasion, I’d never given much thought to those whose intentions were ill. I suppose it’d be childish of me to expect Helovia to be devoid of the same problems that plagued even my seemingly perfect homeland. I appreciate the caution bestowed upon me by the two mares, but it does little to curb my enthusiasm. If anything, my excitement grows exponentially when they talk about choices and about their homes. Helovia is a place full of rich wonder and places with beautiful names that tease my imagination. Hidden Falls, Dragon’s Throat, World’s Edge. I want to see everything.
“These places sound incredible. There’s so much here that we didn’t have where I’m from. I want to see it all – know it all.” I look between them, my gaze shifting rapidly; I can’t control this eagerness that’s overcome me. I’ve forgotten the ache of fatigue weighing down my wings and cementing my legs to the ground; with this newfound wanderlust I’m as light as air and fully energized. And then Sikeax reminds me that Helovia’s more than just a place to explore. I’m here now, for good. I have to make it my home. The little horned mare invites me back to her desert oasis and it’s a tempting offer but I can hear my father in my mind reminding me not to jump the gun – this choice is important.
“Could you both tell me a bit more about your homes? What are they like – what will I do if I live there?” I’d fled Castres before I’d really been able to choose a role in society. All I knew was the life of a scholar – my father had kept knowledge on various things from history to health and so I’d dabbled in diverse pools of knowledge but I’d never been able to choose just one to devote my life to. And of course even if I made a choice, I didn’t want to be entrapped. This world was calling to me, begging me to see it and learn it. “No matter where I choose to live, I can still visit the other lands, right? Or are their rules?” I recall what Elsa mentioned about the fourth herd, one that only accepted unicorns. I wonder if the other herds will bind me. Castres had rules, too, of course – places you couldn’t go unless you were a certain someone or escorted by a certain someone – but the majority of the nation was free to roam. I can’t imagine that freedom being taken away.
------------------
a brief note: my username is in all lowercase - 'liriel'. it doesn't seem to show up that way on the board, but perhaps that's why it wouldn't let you tag me, Klare?
@[Elsa] @[Sikeax]
|
.svg/2000px-Google_Chrome_icon_(2011).svg.png){kind=icon}
