Naenia followed the trails through the twisting forest, though really she could have found her way with her eyes closed. More than the well worn paths she felt the pulse of her sister. The beat of their hearts growing together continued to beat together. Naenia knew she would always be able to find her sister. When she approached, she knew Saoirse was engrossed in something. Understanding her twin, Naenia lingered just out of the space of disruption. It was unspoken, the easy and silent companionship that came naturally to them.

Saoirse called out quietly, and Naenia lifted her head towards her, a smile flickering on her lips for the first time in what felt like days. With their mother still missing and the high emotions of their family, peace was almost a forgien concept to them. She paused, feeling her unease lift with every step her sister took closer. Her eyes closed at the gentle touch of Saoirse fixing her hair. She hated that she might be burdening her second half with the emotions she carried from their family. It was her only desire to ease all their pain and consume it within herself to release it harmlessly into the air around them. Still young, barely able to understand the world around her, Naenia only managed to take the burdens and hold them until she became breathless, her best tight and crushing. Only Saoirse seemed to give her peace.

She turned to her twin as Saoirse searched her eyes and looked into her soul. The simple words released a week worth of tension and her smile grew. Yes! she breathed in relief, the burdens seeming to be visibly lifted from her golden shoulders. Grinning, she turned and began to lead the way. Feeling lighter with excitement, her feet picked up to a trot and then to a blissful canter when they came to the edge of the creek that led to the waterfall. Slowly, she felt herself be able to leave the frets of her family behind her as she jumped into the water, the droplets flying as she pranced. With every splash she imagined something different. Her father’s late night pacing, tossed away with a playful kick of her forehooves; Akadi’s seething, flung away as Naenia tossed her head in the ripples; Riosin’s rage rolling off her with the droplets released from her coat. Finally, she was able to inhale and her eyes wer brighter again as she grinned at her sister. Up to the waterfall? She asked with a grin that was starting to beam. What it would be like to run, to race their worries away.