Meadow

She couldn't remain in the Badlands forever. No matter how much Azurah wanted to remain safe under the protection of her father, she knew it was time to leave. After the death of her mother she had become a shell, haunted by the ghost of the kindest dam she could have ever wanted. Arzela had been shy, often spending time away from the herd, thus having time to dote upon her girls. Azurah stayed longer than she should have to protect Elsie, but even her little sister was getting old enough to leave the nest.

The painted mare had stood on the shore of the Badlands for what felt like an eternity, as if her hooves had melted into the sand. Only when she finally leaped into the surf did Azurah realize the brevity of what was happening. She was leaving. She was going to go off and find a home for herself. She wasn't sure what she wanted, but it certainly wasn't to be found here.

She had truthfully never gone into the ocean before, preferring the still waters of the oases of the Badlands. She was tugged unceremoniously for a time, thrashing against the currents until she finally found her sea legs. The rest of her journey to the Crossing was uneventful, but no less tiresome. By the time she reached the shore, Azurah was convinced her lungs were filled with seawater. She dragged herself onto the shore, drenched and looking like a wet cat. Her ears were pinned against the supple curl of her neck, eyes wide as she coughed up all the salt water she could.

Her tail snapped irritably against her haunches, leaving lines in the wet hairs. She turned to look over her shoulder, staring off at Salem in the distance. There is a moment where she regrets taking that leap, wishing she was still standing weighed down to the shore by her hesitance.

But it's too late now.

Azurah takes the time to shake herself off before stalking down the shore. The Meadow was intimidating in a way she hadn't expected. The grass was far different than the crackled brittle grass of her home and it was all so...green. The sand was familiar enough at least, and she took to the south, wandering along the shore.