"andhere mein vah ek raasta talaashatee hai"
in darkness she finds her way
As soon as the mare had responded to her, Vihaan set about leading her away. She had noticed that the golden one had not yet looked at her directly, nor seemed to follow some of her quicker movements. A measure of blindness then, if not complete loss of vision. During the arduous journey through her mother’s birthplace, Darshan had pointed out several such individuals. Called them the Andha Drashta, and spoke of them with reverence. Vihaan had felt pity, but Darshan was quick to correct her. Do not feel sorry for them, my child, she had murmured in Vihaan’s ear. They may not see as we do, but that does not mean they are any less capable. They are intelligent, learn to adapt, and perform feats you and I would think impossible.
Vihaan recalled these words now, as she spent a brief moment figuring out how to safely lead the palomino mare away. Nickering softly to indicate her closing of the distance between them, the dunalino girl drew up alongside the other, and gently bumper shoulders. Neck twisted and head turned as she cast her wide eyes over the males again, the sight of the brute, and the memory of his vulgar words, Vihaan shivered in disgust and tried not to dwell on what would become of herself and the mare she would protect if the beast had had his way. Thankfully, thus far, the other stallion remained between the painted male and the two mares.
“We go now,” Vihaan murmured in the mare’s close ear. “Aapane hamaaree gati nirdhaarit kee. 1” Vihaan made a sound of irritation and snorted gently. “Forgive, please. Trying to say, I guide you, only go as quick as you say. Here.” And with that said, Vihaan moved forwards a step, so that her hip lined up with the mare’s near shoulder. After leaning into her a little, gently guiding the mare’s muzzle to brush her barrel, and receiving a positive response from the mare, the two set off together, Vihaan raising her head frequently and stealing sideways glances back at the stand-off between the males. It took a lot of focus to attune herself to her companion’s movements and gait, as well as picking a path as flat and obstacle free as possible, but after a while Vihaan managed to put a decent amount of distance behind them. She nickered and carefully slowed her pace, before coming to a stop, and turning to the mare.
“We are safe for now,” she tried to reassure her companion. “I am Ajanabee, Stranger to this place. Understand some of the words belonging to those who live on these islands, but not all.” It was a clumsy attempt to explain, or so Vihaan thought, but it was the best she could do. “I am called Vihaan. I was born on one smaller island. Have only just returned with my maan – mother.” The dunalino had been scrutinising the path they had come along, alert to any signs or sounds of pursuit. Nothing yet. But Vihaan would not drop her guard so quickly. Darshan had warned her about the dark hearts of some stallions, and that they could be relentless in their brutish ways.
Content for the moment that they were, indeed, safe, Vihaan finally turned her dark eyes toward the mare, able to examine her properly for the first time. She could see no prominent physical wounds, but still, she asked: “Are you hurt?” And: “I am greatly sorry for this bad thing to happen to you.” Because she was. The journey she had taken with her mother had stirred up the embers in her heart, so that a great fire burned within her now, so bright and intense that it would stay with Vihaan for her whole life. “Soon, when you say, we swim together, yes? I know a place that is safe. I go with you there, to Luthien.”
Vihaan
the persistent
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