Meadow

Above them a crow cawed its annoyance at them and Ember flicked a dismissive tail at it. She looked over her companion, smiling to herself as the other started to eat. The life of the earth creeped into the pale mare, bringing energy into the lines that cut through the grey of death. Ember could breathe again as she grew more certain she was not going to lose this woman to the crows yet today.

It was not the woman’s assertion that part of her was dead, that was apparent to Ember and needed very little explanation other than the answer. It was her name that had her eyebrow raise. Oh? And then a silence grasped her. Perhaps she had reaped her bounty, and knew you still had more to grow. The mare reached her nose out to the not-stranger, the kin she had just met. Her words were gentle and kind. When the veil thins, I am sure she will be the first to come over. If she is not clinging to this realm already. After all, it was the season when the barrier was thickest and the earth clung to what life it could, even as the poison of the water filtered through the grounds and some succumbed to the sicknesses. She watched the mare and the slightly odd behavior between her ears and her eyes. Concern etched in her features. I think… you both maybe more of something that the other is than you think you are…

Beltane’s sudden nearness and almost touching of her chest did not perturb Ember in the slightest. The space between them had vanished the moment Beltane had decided Ember could be trusted. There was little the grey could do that would send Ember reeling. Yes. she affirmed with a smile and a gentle touch of her nose to Beltane’s. Ember. Not only was it who she was, but what. A small light, with a breath of air a flame. She tilted her head at her companion. I know a place where you might find more kin. A place where I am sure your sister would love to frequent as well.