we heal with love

There were a lot of conversations that Alysanne wanted to have right after the meeting - from Tembovu to Nyx to Iona and her friends. But the thing that she wanted to do right away, as soon as she was able, was find Elsa. Her predecessor - though her mind still was unaccustomed to the idea of thinking 'queen' and 'Alysanne' and have them be related. All that had followed the Icebound’s abdication had not lessened the worry that the painted mare felt. First to step down, then to be replaced almost instantly by Tembovu, and then to be on the way out only to be dragged back into the meeting by a shouting match.

Every word spoken was burned into Alysanne’s mind and it felt as though they would remain permanently.

But her own worries and doubts were easily put on hold so that she could check up on and look after the others who had been involved. Had something happened to Elsa to encourage her to step down? Had Tembovu said something? It was pleasant to think he had something to do with it, so that she could blame him, but Alysanne quickly tried to dismiss those thoughts. He was her co-leader now, it probably wasn’t a good idea to let her thoughts run wild with ways to distrust him more than she already did.

Taking off from his customary spot on Alysanne’s head, Hemlock soared through the trees ahead of her - keeping an eye out for Elsa. It was a shame that Alysanne had not taken all the chances she could to get to know her fellow herd member before this moment - or it might have been easier to guess where she might be. But she did not mind the task of combing the Edge until they crossed paths - or at least until she found someone that would be able to point her in the right direction.

For now, she followed the forest along the line of cliffs - intending to start along here and work her way through the Edge while Hemlock searched the regions further to the East.

alysanne & hemlock

we heal with love

Hemlock hooted as he recognized Edgar - feeling his usual jealous bitterness at the sight of such a flashy looking bird. But he didn’t instinctively distrust the colourful zephyrs of Helovia the way he did the dragons, so his manner was friendly as he greeted the other companion before - belatedly - alerting Alysanne to Elsa’s proximity just in time for the pegasus to spy the former queen.

Well, at least they had found each other.

Alysanne didn’t realize how embarassing it was having others bow to you could be - even just a small bob of the head - but she appreciated the smirk that Elsa accompanied it with. She didn’t know the mare well enough to be completely certain about whether or not she was being mocked, but she hoped not. Elsa was a vague but respected figure in her mind and she looked forward to getting to know her better. Still, teasing or not, Alysanne shook her head with a small laugh at the ‘your highness’ and was quick to say “Please, just call me Aly.”

She definitely did not want that habit to start up with her friends in the Edge.

Elsa went on to ask if she was looking for someone and offered to help - a gesture that brought a smile to Alysanne’s green eyes. “I was looking for you, actually - if you wouldn’t mind being social just for a moment.” She waited to see whether the other mare was going to stay or flee at this news - both reactions being rather understandable - her expression crumpling into one of genuine concern when she began to speak again.

“After that meeting…” Her voice trailed off, knowing that the herd meeting needed little said about it for all of those in attendance. “Are you alright, Elsa? I know we barely know each other but I just… I’m worried about you. Your abdication seemed so sudden.” And Alysanne’s succession was equally sudden. But the questions of whether there was resentment over Tembovu’s quick choice would have to wait - it would be unfair to burden her with too many questions at once.

She didn’t know how foolish or silly this might seem but she hoped it would be clear how much she truly wanted to know how Elsa was doing. There was always that hope that somehow she would be able to help.

alysanne & hemlock