The path which Reef chooses to take as she departs from the Peak takes her through an open, sweeping meadow, where she finds herself uncomfortably exposed to the late summer sun. It is hot, and she quickly adjusts her course in search of shade, veering toward a thicket of greenery as soon as the ground levels out. The trees begin sparsely, and she zigzags beneath the pines to take advantage of their fragrant shade until she finds herself under a more consistent canopy, one which allows her to walk a straighter path. It is pleasant outside of the direct eye of the sun. She can hear water running nearby, a constant swell of sound, and the air smells wet and green.
She steps past a particularly thick cluster of trees and shrubbery and finds herself at the source of the noise: a waterfall rushes over the cliffs above and crashes down to pool near her feet, the runoff of which hurries as a river toward the distant sea. Reef draws in a deep, appreciative breath. She had been away from her beloved beach for almost a week, now, and has sorely missed the presence of water. It isn't the tangy brine of saltwater she breathes in, but it is refreshing nonetheless.
She is startled by a voice nearby. "Oh!" Reef gasps softly as she whirls to see who spoke. It takes a moment for her eyes to adjust from the sunflash coming off the water to distinguish the shadows underneath the trees. A stallion nestles comfortably among the trees, dark enough to be shade himself. His voice carries a relaxed cadence, and she takes a few steps closer to be sure to catch all he says, and to be certain that when she replies he needn't strain to hear her. "Yes," she agrees, lifting her gaze to survey the majesty of the grove. "This time of year especially, when there isn't much wind to ease the heat. This place feels so... private, like your own little secret oasis. May I join you?" she asks, casting about for a good spot to lie down near him, should he agree. "I'm Reef." |