Nayl almost hopes that she would be accompanied by another Nerinian, but she isn’t at all deterred when no one arrives at her shoulder. For the time being she is content with only the company of Magnus and the towering volcano ahead. Clouds and steam roil around its edges, luring her thoughts to wonder what lies within; never before has she seen one. The sound of his voice, then a mare’s, pulls Nayl’s attention back to the current. Her roaming thoughts funnel as their company expands by one. Sweet and amiable, Lucrezia introduces herself and takes her place at Magnus’ side. They exchange glances and smiles, their eyes softened by the sight of one another, but not enough for Nayl to be led to conclusions of them. They are comrades, family, in this new territory. Together they have faced the Reckoning and survived. Together they have helped develop this land.
Lucrezia asks the inevitable and Nayl cannot prevent the flinch that moves along her at the mentioning of the Jungle. Her heart often breaks as she reflects on what it had once been and what it had meant to so many. If only she had the power to raise it from the ground and to recreate its splendor, but alas, there is no chance of such magic happening. Like those around her, Nayl is forced to adapt to her new surroundings and a new home.
”Yes, the sisterhood from the Jungle,” she finally admits after a reminiscent pause. ”As you know the Jungle crumbled with the rest of the kingdoms, but the hearts of the Amazons remained strong and reunited.” They scrambled like mice trying to find one another and recreate what they once had. Brash decisions were made and they combined their efforts to find solace and sanctuary as the world tried to heal. It was all they could do as their hearts were breaking. ”We’ve always been a strong group of women.” That will never fade.
Nayl doesn’t miss Magnus’ piqued interest when she mentioned the sisterhood. A curious smile almost plays across her lips, but she is able to subdue it and maintain a steadier façade that doesn’t betray her thoughts and realizations. ”We are surviving well enough,” it has been turbulent as of late but that has never truly stopped them, ”and everyone seems to enjoy our new home.” Magnus has been hungry for answers as he searched for them. He needed to know where they were and if they survived. Inclining her head slightly, Nayl can’t resist the temptation of delving deeper. ”Do you have any particular ties to the Amazons that you were trying to find us?” It’s almost rhetoric to ask him as his gleaming eyes divulge what she wants to know. Fortunately, for him, Nayl has spared him further research. She dangles information in front of his starving eyes, willing to admit that they will be strong again under her rule.
”Nerine is beautiful,” her head turns slightly to look at Lucrezia, finally addressing her question. Nayl doesn’t admit that she initially hated the land. It reminded her so much of the beach in which her mother and father’s corpses lied. The salty air stung her eyes and nostrils while her memories relived themselves in her sleep. ”We are far west of here, on the opposite coast.” It was a tiresome venture, but well worth the sights and smells. ”Feel free to visit,” and hopefully by the time they do Nerine will be thriving.
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