“if you’re gonna tell them everything
don’t leave out the good part”
“Yes, Shamwari!,” Eadaz replied brightly. “That’s our dad.”
To many of the adults on the island, it would not be much of a surprise that another might know Shamwari – he had been a permanent fixture of the islands for many years, with a large and successful herd – but to the girls, the novelty was still fresh and exciting. They shared a glance that contained something like a glint of pride.
Even more interesting, however, at least to Eadaz, was the exotic mystery of the other islands. Growing up on temperate Luthien and only visiting the Crossing, the far extremes of Salem and Tinuvel were foreign to the young sisters. They both listened intently, curious, and Eadaz’s expression was an open one of awe and fascination. She could almost taste the sweet fruit he described, although she could hardly imagine anything like it.
“That sounds amazing,” Eadaz responded. “I’d love to see it some day – and to taste those dates.”
She looked to her sister, who nodded in agreement. Even as reserved as Sabran was, she could not deny that the place sounded beautiful and intriguing.
Talk turned to the Prairie then, and Sabran gave a small sigh at the mention of the Prairie’s scattered state. She missed her father at times, and the comforting presence of having a family that spanned across borders.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sabran said, her voice quiet but sincere. She glanced at her sister. “Well, you’d be welcome to visit the Forest anytime instead, our mother wouldn’t mind.”
Eadaz nodded enthusiastically and made a sound of agreement with a smile.
EADAZ& SABRAN