Life had always been safe for Illis. She had never known a day without the love and comfort of family and home. She spent her days knowing Lystra would be there, knowing her parents were never far. Then, in a single day, all that had changed.
The day the fog descended was the day Illis realized her safe and comfortable life may be little more than an illusion.
She is lucky to have known such simplicity in life. Even luckier still, because even in the unnatural heaviness of the fog, she is able to see more than most. The odd rainbow eyes she had been born with had been of little consequence until the day her forested home had disappeared inside the thick mist. Now, where others can barely see beyond the end of their noses, Illis can see more. Though the fog dampens the red-orange of their body heat, diffusing the edges into a soft glow, she can still see more than her family.
Illis is a very lucky mare indeed, even if she does not know it.
The call comes as day begins its inevitable march towards night, though in the perpetual darkness hovering over Taiga, it is difficult to tell. At first, she isn't certain what to make of it, but in the end, curiosity wins out. She hesitates a moment, peering uncertainly over her shoulder in the direction she knows her twin lingers. Then, with a shake of her head, she moves deliberately away. If there is trouble at the end of that mysterious summons, she doesn't want to put Lystra in danger too.
When the fog finally clears as the Taigan wood thins, Illis is able to spread the feathered wings - as pitch dark and edged with uneven white as her sleek coat - tucked at her sides and leap into the sky. It is a rare pleasure to take to the air. She loses herself so fully into the simple joy of it that she nearly forgets her true purpose. At least, until the mountain looms before her.
Reminded of her purpose, she makes her way carefully up the mountain until she reaches the source of the call. A faint frown tugs at her lips as she studies the scene before her. The ominous storm rumbling behind the ethereal figure of the fairy draws her attention, and despite hearing no words, she understands why they have been brought here.
She must enter that storm.
Though alarm attempts to rise in her heart, Illis shoves it back. Nibbling nervously at her cheek, she stares at the storm for a long moment before straightening and nodding her head decisively. She has never needed to be brave before, but certainly she could be brave today. She hopes.
Resolutely spreading her wings, she lifts herself from the safety of the earth once more, determined to follow. Determined to help free her home from the clutches of that unnatural fog. As they near the riotous clouds, Illis closes her eyes. If a nightmare is the price she must pay, she would find her most chilling toll.
It's not difficult.
Ever since the fog had blanketed Taiga, she has been plagued by a recurring nightmare. One that leaves her chilled every time she wakes from it. It's a simple dream, but no less terrifying for it. Night after night, she wanders in the endless mist, her colorful sight stripped from her. Even as she desperately calls for her sister, for her mother, for her father, she knows they will not answer. She is trapped in the endless gray, a prisoner of the fog.
With a shudder, Illis opens her eyes and gives over the nightmare. Payment made, she flies into the storm.
illis