I close my eyes again, content to bask in the sun's warm glow. I would lie down, but I am not at home, and anyone could chance upon me here. Perhaps it is a mother's instincts kicking in, but I would much rather be prepared, awake, able to flee if need be. I was not a fighter before, and I am even less so now. The waves crash against the beach, a constant ebbing, flowing roar in my auds. A gentle breeze gusts, sending tendrils snaking across my nape, tickling an ear; I shake my head, flick the lobe in question, open my eyes. Suddenly, an odd smell catches my attention, and I frown, trying to place it. Is that... death?
I turn my head toward the source, and immediately flatten my auds in a combination of fear and warning. The creature coming toward me looks to be a nightmare. Bones protrude from flesh, standing starkly as though it has not eaten in weeks. Wings hung limply, dragging along the sand. But it does not seem aggressive, and I stand my ground, unsure if I should stay or go. Surely this... thing... cannot fly on those wings? Worse, still, its belly is rounded, swollen, as though with child...
It comes closer, and I catch a flash of miserable green orbs. I look closer, harder, the lackluster pelt, the odd markings, the little mane that is left... My eyes widen, nostrils flare, and my lobes prick forward once more. It cannot be - I must be crazy - there is no way - it is not possible... "Phaedra?!" I look around, up in the sky, searching for a sign of Stella, my friend's bonded. Perhaps a sight of the bird will prove me right - though I am not sure that I want to be.
"talk talk talk"
Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight
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