I'll be almost to the ocean when you open your eyes
She dozed on the beach, prone and nestled into the form-fitting sand. Sunlight, blessed sunlight, drew milky tints from the scales that lay in neat rows down her body, warmed her down to the bone. It was paradise, as it was meant to be. Even the scent of decaying fish had faded from the breeze, evidence of her work in cleaning the beaches.
A deep, contended breath expanded her ribcage with salty air. There was a dream, dancing on the edge of her mind and promising something wonderful. If she slipped just a fraction deeper into rest, it would be on her. In the frustrating way of dreams, and sleep in general, the wanting pushed it out of reach. Her eyes stayed shut a moment longer, in denial that the moment had passed.
It had, though, and her eyes fluttered open. It was easier to sleep with the sun overhead. The burning circle was a watcher, a guardian, and she was doing her best to trust it again. So far, so good. Rolling to her side, the scaled mare rose just enough to look at the water rolling back and forth on the sand. Grit clung to her cheek and side, glittering where it stuck. She was lost in thought, trance-like with the sound of the waves and the heat of the sun. One leg cocked out, silvery scars wrapping it and making it unwilling to bend completely beneath her.
It was a peaceful day. One where thoughts crept up on her unbidden. Her daughters were stretching their limits, watching the world expand around them like ripples in a pool. Wild things, like all her children. Her grandchildren, a thought she still hadn't quite come to terms with. Oh, but she loved them, more than she could ever explain. Maybe Lilliana would understand. She made a promise that she would look up her old friend soon, and find out. There were new faces on the island, something that lightened her heart to see. The island was home, the residents, family. It was how it was meant to be.
And there were darker things. New faces, but how long would they stay? It was a cycle she'd gotten used to but it still made her sad to realize faces she'd grown accustomed to was no longer here. That was her task, though. Giving the weary room to heal. Healing enough to face the world again. Even she was healing, alongside her island. That was enough to make her begin believing in magic again.
Aquaria
