|
NASREEN
Even though Bucephalus had invited her here, the Dragon’s Throat had not yet begun to feel like home to Nasreen. Of course, this was through no fault of her herdmates—Ampere had been perfectly friendly, and the girl was sure that the others would welcome her with equal hospitality. Yet this was what she feared, for she could not bear the thought of disappointing them like she had the Edge. Still, life was lonely without friends, and though she still carried with her the guilt of abandoning Kahlua and the Edge, Nasreen could only isolate herself for so long before her resolve began to weaken. One needed friends, she reasoned, and after all, hadn’t she come here to start over?
Thus ran her musings as she ambled along the beach at dawn, pausing every now and then to look out to sea. Though it was beautiful, a pang of homesickness shot through her as she watched the crashing waves roll in. She had always lived amongst the trees and roots of the forest, and she felt rather out of her element in this new place with all of its scorching sand and saltwater—nary a tree in sight. However, she was determined to make the best of her situation and thus kept her head up, staring stoically off at the horizon. Perhaps she didn’t feel like she belonged yet, but she could act the part.
Nasreen was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she almost didn’t spot the figure in the distance: a flurry of wings signaled that someone was landing in the sand. Grey eyes darted westward, and soon she saw two others join the first. The girl’s ears tilted forward hopefully. Now was as good a time as ever to meet more of her new herdmates, wasn’t it? She tried to keep her breathing steady and her steps even as she set off towards the group at a trot. The sand made travel difficult, she noticed, ears flicking backwards in annoyance at the way it slid out from under her hooves. She eyed the group ahead, gauging the distance between them—perhaps it would be more efficient to fl—wait. She knew that stranger.
Though he was older and certainly taller, the figure in the middle undoubtedly belonged to Ilios. Nasreen felt her face break into a wide grin, and while she was still a good way down the beach, she let out a loud whinny. How good it was to see a familiar face!
Thoughts of proper first impressions were pushed aside, and Nasreen took off at a quick canter. “Ilios!” she cried brightly, rushing up to the group. It made her heart turn in both sadness and joy to see the boy who reminded her so much of a brother long lost to her. “It’s so good to see you—and here!” she gushed, unable to contain her excitement. The pink muzzle darted forward in offer of an affectionate greeting.
Then, remembering her manners, Nasreen turned to the mare and filly that accompanied him. “Excuse me,” she explained apologetically, “I haven’t seen Ilios in far too long, and I was just so excited—I’m Nasreen.”
| |
.svg/2000px-Google_Chrome_icon_(2011).svg.png){kind=icon}
