He had prodded and cajoled until Zephys agreed to come exploring with him. He could have gone alone, but he hated going alone. In Vital’s youthful, protected existence, there has never been a time where it was not Zephys and Vital, never been a time where it was one instead of two. To leave, even if it was just to explore, had seemed wrong on a visceral level.
And so he had pestered his twin until he agreed to join him.
Now, as the great, ferocious beast swoops low over them, a snarl etched across its too-wide mouth and rows of razor-sharp teeth, Vital regrets every one of the decisions that had led them here. Pressing against his twin’s side, he feels fire lick uselessly over his skin, panic repressing the change they had discovered only days ago.
As if the young bird would be any defense against those claws and teeth.
When the white mare hurries into the small clearing, Vital jerks his head up from where he’s huddled against Zephys, a wild bleat of panic already on his lips. Her words break the spell on him however, and as though he has suddenly given permission to do something - anything - he lurches forward, following the mare without question.
Her fear and urgency convince him easily that she must be there to help them. Though he clings to his twin, Vital follows her because it is the only safe and obvious choice left to them.
By the time they reach Hyaline, he is panting and exhausted, half in lingering terror and half in shock. He doesn’t even have the wherewithal to look around him, much less admire the beauty of the glittering lake or dripping vines of wisteria. When she claims they will be safe here with her, Vital can only nod from where he stands as close to Zephys as physics allow.
Only when she offers her name does he finally look up, eyes the color of liquid fire wide with innocent trust. He is forced to swallow a couple times to clear the dryness of his throat, but when he finally is able to speak, he offers his name in return. “I’m Vital.”
@Mazikeen I just wanted to reply for continuity, you don't have to reply unless you want to <3