Falls

The sea wasn’t endless after all.

And her brother’s dreams, more importantly, were true.

A quiet reverence filled the mare as she stood on the island’s shore, feeling the waves lap at her hooves. It was one thing to see them in the distance, and another to experience the islands with all of her senses. To smell the sea-and-pine air. To hear the ocean’s murmurs and the strident cries of gulls. To touch the smooth pebbles that lined the beach. To watch the sun-dried grasses ripple in the breeze.

To taste the salt of the sea.

And, unexpectedly, of her tears.

“I wish you could see this,” she said softly. “This moment should have been yours. You were so close.” Litae's throat tightened, and she fell silent. She focused on the sea instead, matching each inhale and exhale to the rhythm of the waves. And gradually, the grief within her loosened.

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself smiling.

Wind tugged gently at her forelock. A sparrow sang in the distance. And Litae let these things coax her forwards, following a faint trail worn by the passage of other hooves.

The grasses were tall enough to tickle the underside of her black belly, but parted easily for the passage of her white legs. A cluster of tall flowers stood beside the path, their soft pink blossoms hanging from the stem like fruit from a tree. Litae slowed, studying them. Each bloom formed a cup large enough for a sparrow to drink from, with a bitter scent that wrinkled her pink-skinned muzzle. Snorting to clear it from her nostrils, the tall mare continued on.

After a time she could hear the voice of moving water again, though the sea was far behind her. Ears quivering, she followed the soft hum until it became a muted roar - and emerged into a clearing where water seemed to fall from the very heavens.

“Oh,” the black tobiano breathed, tilting her head up to watch the Falls’ endless tumbling. A wistful ache filled her chest, and Litae let her sky-blue eyes drift closed.

For a long time, she stood there and listened to the music of this place - letting the truth of her brother’s dreams fill all the empty spaces he’d left.