drag my teeth across your chest
to taste your beating heart

Fishbone gave a nod of approval to Bane’s response. It was difficult to imagine, but as of right now she had no reason to suspect the woman had any motive to lie to her. Already she knew that she had much to learn about this island that she had washed up on, but for now she had to focus on simply getting her bearings.

The final stretch of the climb was tough, although this had little to do with Fishbone’s silence as they moved. Her joints burned numbly beneath her skin, but she was plenty distracted by contemplation of the life she was leaving behind and the one she was about to forge ahead, whatever that may be.

At last, they reached the summit. Fishbone paused a second, feeling the sharpness of the crisp, thin mountain air flooding her lungs, then she stepped forwards to get a better look over the edge. Although not one to wax lyrical over nature’s beauty, even she had to admit that the view was breath-taking. She looked out across the land below, mismatched eyes narrowed against the cool breeze, and tried to take it in.

She listened with interest to Bane’s explanation as her gaze tracked the areas in question below. The topography and variety of biomes apparently contained within this chain of islands was astounding. It was like nothing Fishbone had ever seen before. She made a concerted effort to memorise the names and information that Bane provided her.

There was silence for a moment. Fishbone absorbed it contentedly.

When Bane spoke again, it was with an invitation to stay. Fishbone turned her masked face towards the mare, fixing her unnerving stare on the girl again. She respected the plain, matter-of-factness of the offer, untainted by sympathy or overzealousness. The option was not unappealing, given the alternative of travelling down the mountain and into the unknown once more.

There was a pause as she considered the offer for a few seconds, then she spoke.

“I think I will.” She gave a simple bob of her head. “Thank you.”

FISHBONE
FISHBONE