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His mother comes quickly, and the warm, kind expression on her face only makes Arakh's heart break further. For the first time, he questions his decision - is this wise? They're barely weaned, barely old enough to leave her side, and he's thinking about taking them to a different herd where nothing ties them except the bonds of blood?
No. The calf steels his resolve. This is the right thing to do. Their mother will understand. "Hello, Mai," grunts the colt, huffing softly towards his dam. He feels his sister pressing against his rump and turns around to snort lovingly at her, trying to reassure her with his bulk that this is the right thing to do. She has even more misgivings than him, which is completely natural. But this will be better for them.
The earth quakes as the Elephant King approaches, and Arakh looks enviously up at him. Tembovu rivals even the Wildfire for sheer presence, and Arakh's boyish dreams make him crave the day he is large enough to look these mountainous men in the eye. Instead he moves even closer to Esinakh, ready to reassure her should their king's presence upset her. "Zhokwa khal," he greets Tembovu - big king. He looks at the man's small grey companion with wary eyes, not recognising the species. But these observations are just delaying the inevitable. He's called his king here for a purpose, and as the brother, it is his job to remain strong and guide his sister well.
"Arakh and Esinakh want to leave Edge and go to Throat." The words fall out in a jumble, as though saying them quickly will make them hurt Nyx less. "Rak and Esi have lots of brothers and sisters in Throat. Big family. Rak thinks it will be good for Rak and Esi to live with siblings and learn more about Wildfire." Pain flashes momentarily across his eyes as he thinks of his precious fallen father.
He looks to Nyx, pleading with his eyes for her to understand. "Rak not want to leave Mai, but..." His voice drifts off and he presses his face into his mother's leg. Damn, this is even harder than he'd imagined. "Rak and Esi always love Mai. Visit often." He looks hopefully upwards at his dam, then to Tembovu, hoping the king won't prevent their exit.
[ ARAKH ]
