The river appeared languid and serpentine beneath him as he soared overhead. Having caught sight of it during his flight from the Brilliant Pampas, he had followed its winding path in search of a particular area he’d often re-envisioned in the long months whilst incapacitated by the plague. The small stretch of river was firmly imprinted in Leander’s mind, as was the person he’d encountered there. Of course, she could be anywhere now – but something told him to look along the river, and it seemed right to begin at the place where they’d first met beneath a velvet-dark sky almost a year ago.
Spotting a familiar scattering of trees from above, he tucked his wings and dipped low to glide over the slow-moving waters as he took in his surroundings. This was the place – it had to be. Veering, Leander alighted near the river’s edge. The faint sound of its rippling current felt like an immediate balm to his senses, though the embankments were decidedly empty of anyone save himself. Taking a steadying breath, he picked a direction and started off on foot, his brown eyes keen and determined.
He did come across a few others as the day wore on – strangers with whom he made polite conversation before once more taking his leave. The river broadened and grew rapid, the noise becoming more tumultuous than serene. While the sun crossed the sky and heavy cloud cover moved in, Lee traced its rushing all the way through to the farthest reaches of the Meadow. The clouds were laden with summer rain – there would be a storm later, he guessed.
It was late afternoon when he picked his way down the embankments and dropped his head to the cool waters in order to sate his thirst. After a few long, deep draughts, he lifted his eyes to scan the open fields, passing over a distant figure with a cursory look. A jolt of recognition went through him, and his gaze doubled back. The woman was quite far from where he stood beside the river’s wild coursing – yet for some reason he felt sure it was her. “Eilidh?” he called hopefully. Without waiting for confirmation, he whirled up the embankment with an eager smile and began moving swiftly toward the mare.
