The sun beat down mercilessly upon our backs and that of a not so distant crowd. They stir, some are restless, most are anxious, and all feel a sense of urgency. Yet, yon God kept with his work, never seeming to rest or be distracted from the task by yon hoard or climate. The tangled mess of bramble and branch, woven into something of worth – a priceless monstrosity that would soon become our saving grace.

Meanwhile...

These feathers felt rained upon, moisture pooled beneath; I fanned them from my sides – perspiration slicks back the yin yang hairs of ebony and ivory. A trusting set of lips soothes the skin along my shoulder and nape, that same whiskered muzzle pushes boldly past downy feathers to nibble and scratch at a spot I’d been treated to find was surprisingly pleasurable and satisfying. Another sinful sigh of content bliss ripples past my unclenched jaw. Like a dog whose belly was rubbed not enough, I soaked in the affections she offered as a starving man would his meal. Despite the heat burning holes into darker parts of this body I'd never been more at ease amid chaos. One gilded cheek turns her way, moving to gently press against the sure curve of her humid neck; each pass tenderly brushing the granite hues with even strokes.

I let my gaze drift silently down meadow, toward the masses in a futile attempt to pinpoint familiar faces from our family and that of others. There was burning hope I'd even catch sight of Cera, or Ranjiri. Yar…my mind turned to work a heartbeat later, thinking that there was still many within our valley who would need aid. Eventually we are called forward, the luring bellow of Earth's voice is like a bright beckon – while we are left waiting in the dark. The light summoned all to draw near.

Africa presses inward, I follow close at heel. It was warmer near the clustering bodies...They milled around, some carrying empty buckets. A moment later, we stood before the mighty one. He gives us a pail and ushers the same directions given to those who'd come before. I start to move ahead to grasp yon handle, another jaw beats me to it. Gaze rises to see Africa coyly slipping back, the wooden vessel between her teeth.

One brow rose in question, but there is a flame of mild amusement flickering in its wake...Yar, an interesting girl this one was. I nodded toward her garbled words and follow again as she leads the way into the cooler forest. Muzzle slipped fondly along her spine as we walked, I traced the line of barrel to hip with slow concentration. The womb of her body was swollen...almost as if...breath suddenly found itself lodged in the back of my throat.

Walking became trotting. I hung back, watching her swinging hips, bulging...Tis good she didn't take notice, otherwise her eyes might behold my gems the size of moons and jaw hung to drag across the dirt. How could I have been so blind? Why did she not give voice to it? Thousands of tiny questions gurgled to life as we went on. Home loomed before us, the mighty waterfalls drilling their merciless way to the lower lands.

Disposition had returned to some semblance of normal by the time we'd pasted the cave and crept down the many stone stairs. "Afr-," words halted by a question. I felt my jaw set itself into a firm line, "Yar," vocals murmured, "Any clear stream will do...maybe the water near slant rock." Intent obviously referring to our meeting place...

Fig

They made it back in good enough time – as fast as a hefty Lignea could travel – and already there were swarms of horses gathered before the God of the Earth.

Fig cast her warm brown eyes between their patchwork patterns and diverse colours, drinking in the glamour with a stiffened tongue. Prim’Sylva had no resemblance to the characters that so arrogantly roamed the plains of Helovia – they were a conservative race, quiet, and dressed accordingly. Cold roots draped like a blanket down the side of her barrel pressed close against her pale friend. Fig was glad to have found Laedere in the midst of pandemonium, her head seemed steady, thoughtful and her manner was not as brash as those scurrying around.

With the pale mare close, she moved to follow the tide of the crowd as they moved nearer towards the God, spilling around him like floodwaters around high-ground. They ended up before him, beside the monstrosity that was being crafted, and the tree-girl’s bewildered gaze glazed over at the sight of living trees warping and twisting to form its curved bottom. A bubble caught in her throat, and the leaves spread over head seemed to shiver nervously. But they were soon on their way again under new instruction – they were to use the bucket provided to collect water. Fig was glad that at least she would not starve; presumably they would be asked to fetch flora next, but the thought made her cringe and her mind sting with reluctance.

“If you like, hang the bucket from a branch – one that seems thicker.” There would be many for the other mare to choose from, if she picked one too lithe it would slip beneath weight and the God’s bucket would slide right off.

With the bucket safe and swinging in her canopy, they hurried north to the land that Laedere mentioned – a waterfall being perhaps the ideal source for their bounty. The journey took them a solid half day, and Fig was awfully grateful that her friend was not particularly bothered by her snail’s pace. In her homeland, there was no need to hurry in such a way, and it felt extraordinarily unnatural as she hustled along – not to mention the constant tangle of her branches with that of the vast forests. By the time to roar of water filled her ears, the young Lignea was quite exhausted, and paused at length to catch her breath.

There was them hum of voices nearby – it came from the mountain actually – and she tipped an ear forward curiously to listen. “Laedere?” she whispered... “You don’t suppose the mountain is speaking to us do you?” Often times she had spoken with fellow trees, so the concept did not strike her as absurd. She cast a curious look by the winged mare and smiled.

Laedere

❈ when you go home everything looks different ❈

When they finally returned the Earth God was already shipping out another task to be completed. Fig looked completely exhausted and so Laedere only dared to move when it was that the tree-mare dared to move her own frame. She moved as if she were made of stone -each movement looking like such an effort compared to the easy grace that Laedere covered the ground. Still, she would not leave this one's side. She would make sure that they were both safe and sound upon the ship in the end. And, as she peered at the buckets it was only when Fig made mention of her branches that Laedere actually spun into some kind of work. Her mouth picking up Fig's bucket first and placing it upon a thicker branch and then repeating with the other one. "Ye fine?" she inquired but it was as if the mare was ready to go.

The stocky frame raced (as much as the tree-mare could race) toward the Falls, Laedere leading the way at her normal walk. It was only when they got there that Fig spoke once more. This time, she was asking if the mountains were talking to them. Laedere couldn't help but to laugh, pushing forward and shaking her head. "Nay, mine companion. Tis simply thine herd speaking from over yonder. Perhaps it would be in favor for us to assist them." Laedere says, pausing a moment. She carefully tugs the two buckets from her limbs before starting to move off, leaving them by the water's edge. "Mineself will be right back. I prithee would be willing to fill thine buckets with water? Perhaps we might assist them in carrying back their treasures," and by treasures she meant buckets of water. So, she headed off quickly, going through the waterfall and into the lands before arriving near their sides. "I prithee ye both… would ye like assistance in lugging ye water back yonder?" she inquired, tilting her cranium ever so slightly, "Fig and I are depositing water into our vessels just outside thee border." A gentle smile curled up the corners of her lips as she awaited Africa and Midas' answer - in hopes that she could assist her Caliph and friend. Yes, hopefully they could all help each other.



"Laedere speaking." | Thoughts/others speaking.

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laedere && fig