Here it is again - that calling. When last I felt it, I was a newcomer to Helovia, still naiive to the ways of the world and the way that companions and horses can bond. Until recently, I always assumed they bonded in the same way that humans bonded with myself and my fellow captive kin; a mutually beneficial relationship of our labour in return for their food, our hard work and submission for their warmth and care. But, it seems, I was wrong. From what I've studied, the horse-companion relationship is so much deeper than that, so much more acute. And although I don't want many things in life, I think I want one. Companionship. An eternal friend who won't shun me for my strange ways. Something to ease my lonelyness, something I can care for and love and help.

As the sun dies on the horizon, casting me into a bloody glow, I finally arrive at the scene. There's an elephant, a gentle giant with flowers and an egg cradled in her trunk, which she's singing to. Bless her, her song is so sweet that I feel my heart melting. I just want to walk up to her and give her the world's biggest hug, then kindly offer to take that egg off her hands (trunk?) and help her take care of it. But there's no greed in my eyes as I offer her a simple smile, my tail twirling behind me as I stand a short distance away. I remember the last time, when fake deers and fake snakes were generated to test us, and I know that nothing is as it seems. This elephant might not even be an elephant - it might not even exist.

So, until told otherwise, I simply stand awkwardly. More will arrive soon, I'm sure of it. More Helovian natives will want this egg, and if the elephant decides that there's somebody better suited than me, then that's fine too. I don't wake up every day dreaming of a companion and living my life by it - it's just something that would be nice, not something I need. But you have to be in it to win it, and so I continue my vigil in front of the elephant whilst I wait for instruction as well as further wannabes to gather. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hopeful, but my heartbeat is steady and I feel no pressure on my shoulders. ""
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Seeking a cerndyr with Earth Spirit.

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