The Valley was nothing like I expected. I thought there would be a treeless void in the earth where shiftless, wicked creatures lived and blood sacrifices were performed (okay, I may have been a little melodramatic) but the truth was much less eventful (although I think their Queen would prefer that we all think of them as monsters if only so the rest of Beqanna will fear them). There were trees, first of all, of a sort I'd never seen. Towering, massive pines that covered everyone who lived near them in the scent of sap. And the inhabitants were less demonic and more eccentric. The atmosphere of oneness was close to what I had found at home, and though I never felt truly at home in the Valley, I can't say th experience was rotten.

Except, of course, that I missed the Jungle.

My mother and my baby brother, oh how I've longed to settle down at night with them in our usual spot. And the humidity and the wildlife teeming around me, peering through vines and watching capybara play. Daring the crocodiles to leave their watery traps. Parrots squawking angrily at their nest disturbed. All of it has haunted my dreams. Visiting isn't the same as living.

And I also missed, more than I thought possible, a beautiful blue roan filly.

I have been home for several days before I catch sight of her, of Vi. Her approach makes my heart flutter and an eager grin appears on my face. That is, until she greets me with a less than enthusiastic welcome.

I bite back the hurt in my heart, and respond quietly. “Thank you, Vi. The Valley was all right. It was... different, I guess.”

I feel lost, confused. I'm not sure whether my friend is truly glad to see me. I spent many nights thinking of her, and now I wonder if she noticed the loss of me by her side.

Hush, I scold myself. This is Vi. She's shy and lovely and you care about her deeply. Like a... like a sister.

My thoughts are interrupted by a rush of words, and my ears flick forward in surprise and then embarrassment.

“Oh Vi, no, never. You aren't a horrible friend. I won't have you saying that.” I nudge her playfully, thoughtlessly, before drawing back shyly. I am certain my feelings are plastered across my face. I clear my throat and smile warmly. “I'm so glad that yours is the first face to greet me. I've missed you... and home, of course. Can you catch me up? How have you been? What's been happening? Oh, the Jungle feels so wonderful, Vi. It's so different than the chill of the Valley.”