ervain's honey eyes lingered on the stallion's face as he promised not to leave her side. He looked different somehow than when she had seen him last. His face was thinner.. and tired. She understood that much too well. Exhaustion accrued from the last three restless days washed over her then, her dark head drooping some as a result. The black mare gave a weary smile this time and shifted to stand side-by-side with him. Her head rested against his neck in a way that was more familiar than they had ever been in waking hours. Her eyes settled on the sleeping filly a few paces away and then slowly closed as she slipped into a doze.

A little while later, Vervain roused at the sound of rustling grass. She blinked slowly as her daughter clumsily got up from the grass bed she'd made. Velaris had tottered a few steps sleepily before realizing there was someone else there. She warily eyed the strangers before tucking into Vervain's other side to nurse. While she did, Vervain explained that her friend Nephilim was going to guide them on the last part of the trip since he knew so much about the islands -- definitely playing things up for the girl as part of the fun.

They passed the next few hours being peppered with questions about everything Velaris. They were a decent way into the Meadow when they did finally stop for the night. Vela tucked herself directly beneath her mother and promptly went to sleep. The two adults rested in an easy atmosphere together. It was difficult for Vervain to figure out how she felt in that moment. She'd always wanted for Nephilim to find her and bring her home, but the many months had changed something in her. Perhaps it was the fear of whatever had happened for Peyote to abandon them, or wondering if he would come back to take them away.

Vervain drifted off to sleep, wondering where Peyote was and what it meant that she wanted him to be okay.

vervain

mare ∙ mutt ∙ black brindle ∙ 16.3 hands
daire's daughter ∙ peyote's prize