we heal with love

Alysanne had been aiming for the Veins of the Gods, having officially given up on her quest and needing to report her failure, but as the landscape changed into a bamboo forest she realized that she had wandered significantly in the wrong direction. Hemlock (unhelpfully) explained just how wrong she had been - the only thing worse would have been if she had wandered straight northward. “Well why didn’t you say something sooner?” ‘Too funny!’ The little owl hooted and nipped affectionately at one of her ears as Alysanne came to stand next to a pool of water - looking around and trying to figure out which direction she needed to go now. The simplest solution was, of course, to take off and fly but it had been well over a year since she had last used her wings and she had a feeling it wouldn’t be easy the first time, especially as her sprain from the last spar was continuing to heal.

But instead of finding which direction she needed, she found company. Through the stalks of bamboo emerged a dark blue, young unicorn. He looked to be just a little bit older than her daughter but it was thoughts of her son that he brought forth, along with a terrible feeling of longing to see Artorius again. But she smiled at the stranger as he greeted her with an enthusiastic display of manners. “Pleasure to meet you Erebos, I’m Alysanne.” Although, after the pleasantries, the conversation took a strange turn and he asked her if she wanted to spar! Her face crinkled up in confusion, ears flattening and showing just how uninterested she was.

Had he somehow learned of how expertly she had failed in her last attempt. Had word spread to all the other herds? The Edge had a useless Moon Doctor, pass it on! Her voice was wary when she continued, green eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Not particularly.” But even as she was readying herself to move on from this odd little interaction, Hemlock nipped at her ear again and interrupted ‘Good idea! Easier than with friend.’ The small owl then hooted out loud, flapping his wings in a small, playful challenge to the kitsune with the young blue male.  

Maybe this would be easier. She still wanted to learn, even though her self-esteem had taken quite the punch after the last spar. She didn’t know Erebos and though she had certainly demonstrated an incredible ability to care far too much about those she didn’t know… it could, theoretically, make learning a little bit easier. If only he didn't look so young. She was going to have to stop thinking about her son whenever she looked at the youth before her if she was going to be even marginally successful in learning anything this time around.

“But alright, I do need to learn.” She took a step backwards, angling her body so that she was properly facing Erebos and half with a mind to continue backing away and leave this odd forest altogether despite what she had just said.

Only backward was not where she should be moving now that she had confirmed her willingness to be the spar partner young Erebos was seeking. And at least she could comfort herself with the knowledge that she could heal him after they were done. Inhaling deeply, the pegasus mare decided if this was going to happen she would have to jump right in and initiate it herself. Hemlock took off from his perch between her ears and flew into the air above the pair, not intending to interfere unless needed. He would happily scratch out Erebos' eyes for even thinking about harming Alysanne but considering how politely this spar was starting out such violent actions were not yet required.

So it was that just after taking that backwards step, Alysanne surged forward - using her long strides to close the gap between them before shifting her weight to the back and rearing. She did not really want to hurt him, hoping to strike a shoulder instead of somewhere more delicate. She remembered how effective using her wings to buffet Tembovu's face had been and mentally shied away from any attack that might draw blood. Her wings stayed pinned to her sides as she moved, green eyes already rimmed with white out of fear as her heart started to race.

-------
Word Count: 732
Attack: 1/3
Previous Injuries: sore wing from previous spar
Notes: After much deliberation, Aly charges at Erebos, rearing and striking out with her hooves

so nervous/excited! :D am I allowed to ask questions during a teaching spar too?

alysanne & hemlock