Falls

Nimet’s first glance at the Crossing isle is a disappointing one. It appears on the horizon, hazy through atmosphere at overcast skies, green and lush with life. Nim’s salt-dry lips twist into a sneer, and a flutter of uncertainty in her chest almost overshadows the Pull. This was absolutely not the place of her dreams, the place she has been called to. Her slanted blue eyes narrow with a flash of fury, but she knows it is too late to turn back now. She has walked, for countless days and nights, only to come upon this overgrown mud puddle in the middle of the ocean? This could not be correct. The land of her dreams had been pristine and golden, pure and clean under the merciless light of the sun.

She scoffs, but carries on. It will do no good to lose herself at sea. There is certainly more to the island than she can see from here.

But it is discouraging all the same, even as she tries to envision great waves of sand somewhere behind those trees in the distance. The green grows more vibrant as she nears, and soon she can see the pale strip of beach guarding the forest from the surf. Her swimming has slowed, and her motivation has faltered since the vegetation came into view, but she is determined to see this out. Soft sand rises to meet her hooves and she finally pulls her dark body out of the waves. ”Aptal arazi,” she scoffs again. A cool breeze whispers out of the shade of the trees, planting chilly kisses on her drenched hide despite the warmth of the sun.

She ventures inward, despite the unwelcome shade. She is both irritated and glad to hear the sound of running water, and when she reaches the cascading Falls, she laughs with disgust. ”Şımarık arazi,” she drawls, her voice musical even in its negativity. For a moment, she considers denying herself the fresh water the island offers; to prove the endurance of her people, and of her fine breeding in particular. But she thinks better of it eventually. To whom is she proving that she can deny herself the most basic of needs and still survive? There is no one around. Ridiculous, she scolds herself gently. Of course she knows she can survive almost anything. She doesn’t need to be reminded. She strolls to the edge of the pool, cool mist settling in little diamond drops on her midnight pelt, and bends to drink.