your faith was strong but you needed proof

The day had finally arrived, both Elsa and Edgar had a fitful night of sleep. The anticipation was building within the Icebound, whilst Edgar was just way too excited to be able to be with Antaa again. She had grown on him like a weed, and sometimes he almost acted like he needed her because of their coalescing personalities.

The bowl of fat and pebble were stored away in a nearby hallow tree. Gingerly, she carefully removed the bowl of hardened fat, and motioned for Edgar to carry the bright orange stone. Before picking it up, she pressed gently against the zephyr pendant that Darwin had also gifted her. He may not realize it yet, but he was changing her life in more ways than he could possibly imagine.

Stone clutched up in his talons, Edgar headed toward the Falls, and Elsa to the veins. Edgar had gotten a head start so they’d be able to meet up around the same time. Using the little bits of time she had left, she tried to calm herself. There was an unease that was settled deep within her stomach, what if the Earth God had changed his mind? What if the Moon Goddess decided to show up and give her an ass whooping for throwing wrenches into the most recent herd quest. Quite frankly, her standing with the Gods she believed was not in too good of a favor.

Midday arrived, and Elsa collected the bowl and headed south. Edgar was sending occasional updates, unable to communicate for long due to the energy it required over such a long distance. He had picked up the duo fine, and they were on their way. Of course, he couldn’t help but spend a little time chattering away in her head about how nice it was to have Antaa back. Rolling her eyes, Elsa was suddenly glad her fear of the Falls kept her away- there was no way she’d make it through that journey without dying from the cuteness of it all.

Within a few hours, Elsa had arrived. She approached the desecrated shrines, noticing how they were covered in thick foliage. Even beneath years of disrepair, there was something magnificent about them. Elsa placed the bowl down, and waited a few moments. Soon Edgar squealed from a short distance away, announcing their arrival. Elsa offered a warm smile to Darwin, and gingerly approached reaching out her muzzle in a sign of thanks. She gestured them over to where the bowl sat, and Edgar plopped down the orange pebble before hopping back over towards Antaa. Elsa gestured toward the bowl and then toward Darwin. “If you want, you can heat it now before I try to call him.” She let a few moments pass before she called toward the Gods.

“God of Earth… I have returned. I hope I have completed your task sufficiently.” She wasn’t sure what else to stay, so opted for silence as she waited for the towering god to arrive. The only thing that kept her from running away in a fit of anxiety was knowing that Darwin was here for her. At least someone cared.

the icebound