We are silent, for a time, but when I hear him laugh, my own tones float free, an appealing, tinkling bell sound that has not graced my lobes in far too long. I don't remember the last time I felt so free, or so alive; I carried death with me, and this soaring, heart-full-to-bursting feeling was so alien, and yet I reveled in it, soaking it in, holding fast to it in case I ever found myself alone. I would look back on this moment with a smile, close my eyes and remember the warmth of the sun on my brilliant white and his shining brown, such an opposing pair and yet so drawn together. I would remember the gentle brush of his wingtips, the awestruck look in his eyes, the appreciative chuckle - how long has it been since he has laughed, I wonder?

I close my eyes, and for a moment, I fly blind, envisioning our life as I might have as a young fae, giggling with my friends. But this time, in the place of the empty silhouette stands my knight, battle-scarred and wondrous. Bi-colored orbs open, and find him, and a smile springs unbidden to my lips. I watch him rise, floating effortlessly above me, executing his own perfect roll before settling in, lowering his maw to my ear. His breath is warm, and tickles slightly, but I do not pull away. No, I will never pull away.

His touch is gentle, a light push that turns my head in each direction. He describes the landmarks to me, first the Dragon's Blood, an emerald patch in a sea of golden sand. And then again, my cheek remains pressed to his as he directs the pair of us. The Fire of the Diviner, ever-burning in its glory. I shiver, my own recollection of the Sun God awe-inspiring. I am glad that he is the patron god of this land, the one that I have elected to serve. He points out the beach, and I shift; my cheek leaves his, and I turn my head, playfully bumping his chin with my nose. "I'll race you to the beach," I offer, a teasing glint in my eyes. "First one there... well, I suppose the winner can pick their own prize!"

I don't wait for a response; instead, I give a powerful thrust of my wings and hurtle forward. I love speed, and it is what my petite bodice was meant for. Each new stroke of my wings propels me onward. I dare not chance a glance over my shoulder, for I know that will slow me, and I want desperately to win, though I can't say I know what I should claim as my prize. I am quickly approaching the beach now, a silver streak in the sky, and as I arrive over the sands, I turn south, away from the stones. This is my favorite part: I fold my wings tight to my body, and I drop. For a moment, I've forgotten that Note will probably worry himself sick over my rapid descent; I've forgotten everything but the ground, rushing up to meet me.

I don't know how fast I am going, but everything has become a blur. The wind whips through my mane and tail, sending them out behind me like a banner. Timing is everything in a dive; wait too late, and you risk death, but pull up too soon, and you kill the buzz. It makes things too easy. And now: I flare my wings, and the wind buffets them, strains them, threatens to break them. But they are stronger than they look, and they hold, allowing me to coast into a canter as my hooves hit the ground. I slow myself, tossing my head, the adrenaline still rushing through my veins. My path takes me in a half circle, and I raise my head to look for my beloved.


"talk talk talk"

I want to live inspired