At Nayati’s sweet offer, Alysanne found it impossible to refuse the girl. “That would be just so wonderful if you could. Every little bit helps, right?” Between the hair of her new friend, the moss gathered by the delightful dragon and Alysanne’s own feathers – little Hemlock was going to have a nest fit for a king! Which was just what she wanted for him. Nayati and Rathunax were being so wonderful to them, she just hoped they would not feel as though Alysanne was taking advantage of them. She would find a way to thank the beautiful girl and her delightful dragon one day, as words were just not enough. She could thank them both until she lost her breath but it still would not demonstrate just how thankful she was for their presence on this chilly beach day. That ever-present smile brightening at the purr from Rathunax at her thanks. Dragons were such magnificent creatures!

Hemlock stirred lightly as the materials were added, a soft coo released at the proximity of the dragon as he set down pieces of moss. Perhaps at an older age he might show a little more appreciation for the care that was being done on his behalf – but for now, being freshly born quite took a lot out of you! He did seem welcoming of the presences around him though – comforted by the soft voices of the mares speaking over him. His head was too heavy and his eyes would not open for a couple more sunrises, but the little noises he made grew more content as moss and hair and feathers built a temporary home around him so he felt warm and safe.

The name Evangeline stood out for a moment, causing a brief moment of distraction as she recalled the group at the border of the Edge. What a small world Helovia was! She briefly wondered if there was anyone out there with an owl companion that might be able to help her out, but these thoughts are dismissed as Nayati continued to speak, explaining the basics of keeping up a food stash. Well, she still wasn’t sure how she was going to go about catching anything in order to keep up a store but maybe that was just something she was going to have to practice! Surely it was like anything, where just a bit of practice would be needed? “I’m from World’s Edge, I’m a healer there.” A rather proud note snuck into her voice – she loved the Edge like she had loved no other home she ever had! Speaking about it always brought a smile to her face, especially now that the single tragic memory she had there was rapidly being replaced by happier ones.

She wanted to learn how to take care of Hemlock herself, but oh how Alysanne hoped Nayati and Rathunax lived close to the Edge so she might be able to find them if she ever needed help. “If you two don’t live far from there we’d greatly welcome visits and your help. You are a saint - both of you are.”

Really, the hope that they were close to the Edge was for more than help with her companion. In their short time together, she had grown incredibly fond of the pair and believed they would be great friends. It would be an honour to keep them both in her – no, their! (She was part of a plural now) lives.


(today on the things both Aly and I adore: @[Nayati] <3)