05-21-2017, 08:05 PM
tangerine
face to the sun
Tangerine had been born with an innate sense of direction. Her mother would proudly tell acquaintances, "The girl can smell north." She smiles to herself as memories of her family surround her, comfort her. She canters on methodically while indulging in thoughts of home. Nostalgia bites her in the chest as she dwells on memories of her little brother and how he was always wandering off and getting lost form their herd. It had always been Tang's task to go and find him. There weren't many landmarks on the plains where she grew up - not in the heart of them at least. Every time she had 'rescued' him he had been so remorseful and happy to see her. She wondered if he still got lost, he would be a yearling now.
For the first time in her entire life she felt homesick, she didn't know what to do with the feeling. Luckily, she is nearing her journeys end and probably won't have much time for reflection in the coming weeks.
She could smell it now, The Lake.
As Tang nears the hills that surround the lake Amet, the dragon boy, stalks her thoughts... and she doesn't attempt to banish him. Their last encounter replayed in her mind, not for the first time that day. The lavender tinted scene was all the more delicious in hindsight. But now it was a new season, only a few weeks had passed but still she worried he would be different in some way.
The winter just passed had made some changes on Tang. Her third birthday had come and gone with the spring and she no longer had a girl's lankiness. Her painted coat shines gold and cream, her winter fluff had shed early in the heat of Tephra. She had now lived in Beqanna for half a year and was no longer surprised at every turn. She was a little wiser, a little more thoughtful. But still a restless spirit.
For the second time in her life she crested the tallest summit in the ring of small mountains that held in The Lake, Amet's lake. The turquoise waters look up at her, the suns reflected light merrily dancing on its surface. The scent of spring blossoms and tender grasses waft up to meet her.
On the edge of the lake she could make out the forms of two young horses talking, barely weanlings by the look of them. But she didn't want to disturb the children, she was sure she would meet all the residents soon enough. For now she stayed grazing at the summit above the lake, enjoying the view and the sounds of spring.