won’t help you forget her
A hot, smoky exhale left my lips, my pale brow furrowed as I watched old friends and family greet each other merrily, bumping noses and decorating the tree. Where's Shida? I thought, my light amber gaze roaming the crowd to no avail. Where's Ma? I hadn't seen her in ages, a depressing fact considering we lived in the same herd.
I sighed, chilled, nebulous smoke pouring from my lungs and into the air. I weaved my way towards the tree, hoping that getting closer to the group would aid in my search for family (or friends, but Auriel, who can you call your friend?). I noticed a few familiar figures, the Indomitable, Nyx, Lyanna, others of the herd whose faces I recognized, but couldn't put a name to. It was a very surreal affair, I felt removed and isolated, but I was surrounded by people.
I halted a few paces from the tree, shaking the glowing charm from the pale tassels of my mane and stepping closer to tie it to the highest branch I could reach. I stepped back and admired it quietly, solemnly, by myself. In truth, I contemplated leaving the trinket forever, turning on my heels and exiting as I had entered, in a reticent plume of silent smoke.
auri puts her glowing leaf charm on the tree!
She is far away. She...she is far, far away from me.