in a sky full of stars

[Vela]

"WHEN YOU'RE SOARING THROUGH THE AIR, I'LL BE YOUR SOLID GROUND. TAKE EVERY CHANCE YOU DARE, I'LL STILL BE THERE WHEN YOU COME BACK DOWN." Vela had heard the call of her sister. Her decision had not been a conscious one. Vela had always wondered, but never wanted something like mortality.  However, her answer had been instantaneous and instinctual and only a heartbeat later, she was tumbling. Her fall was brief - equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. At first, it was quiet. Vela was accustomed to the quiet. Space was the very embodiment of quiet.  But the sounds came trickling in and then increased to an unfamiliar roar.  She could hear everything.  The sound of the wind tangling in the trees along the shore.  The sound of the waves lapping against the wet sand. But before she could process how overwhelming the sounds were, she became aware of her other senses.  The smell of salt heavy air and distant decay.  The feel of the cool water rushing around her fetlocks. It was overwhelming. It was wonderful. It was terrifying. Vela couldn’t help but feel she’d made this decision too impulsively, and for a moment regret flickered deep within her mind. But she was determine not to waste this gift - this life she’d been given. So with an unsteady step, the star mare lifted one leg and made to take her first steps upon this mortal earth. V E L A

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