the starwind blew right through me | apollyon Posted on January 26, 2026 at 03:10:22 AM by Zestial
It wasn't her first time leaving home: this is what Zestial repeated to herself with every pump of her legs as she swam across the channel. She'd left the Arch before and walked plenty around her home island, enough that she felt confident enough to venture further. Anxiety had not pricked her deeply enough to deter her, nor had any thought of condemnation from her parents.
Wouldn't the thick salty scent of the ocean cover up any other scent anyway? It always seemed that way to her, she noted with a wrinkle of her nose. She could just say she went swimming; it wouldn't be a lie exactly. With this in mind, the silver smoky black waded out into the shallows.. and then beyond.
With every swimming stroke, Tinuvel fell further and further behind while the Peak-- or rather the Crossing as a whole-- came ever closer. It was her that was coming closer; Zestial knew this. Yet her mind's eye pictured the island inching closer while she swam in place, stirring the ocean's currents into being with her own hooves. It was enough of distraction or motivation to bring her ashore.
Once rested, Zestial did not dare linger longer than necessary. The young sabino knew, even as new a mare as she was, she would be safe among the ladies who lived on the mountain's slopes. However, the thing she wanted the least was for her future to be decided for her. So, the shape of her darted quickly south along the sandy coast before she could be claimed by them.
From the eastern coast of the Crossing, Zestial followed a river west. This was the path she knew (and could remember) to the Falls. Her mother had told her about them this last summer. The girl had been so eager to visit the place. Yet, with the coming of winter and her mother's enlarging belly, any trip to the Falls had been put off indefinitely. It had vexed the girl to no end to not be able to go, but the reasons had made sense enough at the time.
Zestial heard the waterfalls before she saw them. Her eyes popped wide when the tower of water finally appeared, a wide pool at its base from which the river sprang. Amazed, the young mare watched the sight for several moments. Her mouth still parted with surprise, Zestial's thoughts immediately returned to her mother. She'd have to pretend when they came here together. Guilt twisted low in her chest.
This was amazing, and Zestial knew this would be a favorite place of hers, but.. would it have been even more special with her mom here? Distracted by sight and unmoored by her train of thought, Zestial saw and heard no one else near the water. Yet.
Zestial
Replies:
divine violence - By apollyonFebruary 1, 2026 at 04:39:29 PM