[open] Rainy daydreams - any

[Aeife]

YOU BELONG AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS YOU BELONG SOMEWHERE YOU FEEL FREE The forest had softened under days of steady rain and the smell of wet earth hung thick in the air. Aeife loved it this way. She loved the thick smell of rain and the way the world seemed to come alive when it stopped. She idly flicked raindrops off her wings as she walked, mud sucking at her legs as she went. She startled as a streak of red darted through the underbrush ahead. She narrowed her eyes as recognition struck.  “You again!” She said, her voice lilting and filled with mirth. She could hear the fox’s laughter tangled in the rustling of leaves. Her emerald gaze narrowed at the hollow log that she knew was a favorite lair of the creature. “Oh come on, the storm’s since passed,” she said, trying to coax her friend from his dry den. A soft snort was the only reply she received. All of the flora and fauna of this forest were her friend. Her family. Undeterred, she dropped to her knees right there in the mud and ferns, sending a splatter of mud against the edge of the fox’s den. That was enough to get the fox’s attention. Finally the fox appeared, eyes bright with mischief, and with the flick of its bushy tail leapt into the ferns. Without hesitation, Aeife leapt forward in pursuit - sending mud flying and laughter both equine and canine ringing through the trees. By the time the game had ended, she was soaked to her knees in mud. Her mane was tangled with leaves and bracken. Her wings splattered in moss and earth.  The fox circled her once and disappeared back into its den.  Aeife could only stand to catch her breath, smiling at the mess she’d made. A E I F E