[open] i was reminiscing just the other day

[Altissima]

Tarian had told her about the crocodile that he fought - and she still only half believed him about that being real. So says the way her warm violet eyes roll when he brings it up again. Starros and Areane aren’t around to be fascinated with the idea. Although Altissima knew that Beqanna was full of magic, shapeshifting into other creatures was something she had little experience in witnessing. How that was any less realistic than her ability to bend and shape light, or Areane animating rocks and sticks, she couldn’t say but it just was. The mention of hot springs encourages a soft chuckle from her - the glint in his eyes matched with warmth in her own as she continues to follow him. Altissima doesn’t point out that in this sticky, humid air a hot spring would likely be more of a torture than a pleasure (no matter how fond of heat she was). And she cannot help the entertained smile that tugs at the corner of her mouth when she catches Tarian looking around. Checking for threats, or simply hoping that they’d find someone they could talk to about staying? That mindset is not something she really understands - for Altissima, permission isn’t needed for her to begin thinking of this as their home. They could stay here until someone told them otherwise. So when they’re approached by a pale mare, and asked if they’re looking for someone, it doesn’t occur to her to say they’re looking for the ruler to see if they can stay here. The smile that Altissima offers is nothing like the warm ones shared with Tarian in private - but she is trying to be friendly, and eager to ignore thinking about how she suddenly doesn’t remember the last time she spoke to someone outside of her family. Maybe it would make more sense to allow Tarian, with his experience in living in kingdoms, take the lead but that doesn't really occur to her either. She steps forward to stand beside Tarian as she speaks, close enough that the feathers of his wing just brush against her blue-tinted sides. “We’re actually looking for somewhere for our family to live. We’re from Loess.” There’s no need to elaborate, she’s sure - considering how close Tephra is now to being an island. “I’m Altissima, and this is Tarian.”

image by yoricade