Winter is really the only season he finds disagreeable, so he rather enjoys the fact that the days seem to grow even hotter, to herald the arrival of the summer months. But should the snow cap the ground and cold settle into his bones at this very moment, a newfound internal torch would continue sending warmth radiating through his body.
Her very presence on this journey to see Beqanna’s newest changes lends itself to the impression of utter contentment, even joy, within him (though, for whatever reason, he still refuses to admit this to himself, let alone aloud to her). A flicker of another unnamed emotion ripples across his senses as he recalls the start of their little jaunt just a few days ago.
He had sensed the influx of energy hunting for a means of expression, but he also noticed how quickly she stopped it in its tracks. Neither were sure of what exactly was being cultivated in the forest, but he found himself somewhat disappointed in her restraint. Still, it failed to dissuade him from making his request.
Ever the coquette, she had chirped with laughter at his invitation, teased him cheekily for his clear captivation by her natural charms. He answered with his same amused smile that had become part of his repertoire of responses for her. He could have made light of her accusation, he could have said anything, really. But he did not know how to give a voice to his feelings or his intentions, so he just waited.
In the end, she agreed to join him and, with a careful but electric graze along his body, had set them off toward the destination of her choosing.
The echo of her deliberate touch still lingers as they wind their way north along the river with him now a few steps ahead of her. As they pass them, he recognizes a few of the landmarks from the most recent events on his timeline. The lush greenery of the meadow that rises at the peak of the opposite riverbank’s incline. He casts a long glance at the frozen glory of the catalyst for his personal crusade as they skirt its base and eventually pass it by.
This sets him to thinking. Sure, he is curious about the older lands that have reappeared, wondering if they are remotely similar to those he knew in the past. But is he looking for something else? It would be of benefit to know more of Beqanna’s people, they could offer insight for the things that ail him. Perhaps someone out there has been around long enough that they could fill the gaps in his knowledge of Beqanna’s history.
Or maybe he’s just looking for a home. He does miss the privacy of his own little province, but do such places exist anymore? He does not know what type of hierarchical structure will take shape in this next chapter of history, nor does he know if he wishes to give his alliance to a single ruler (or matched pair, as it could very well be). Would he be willing to live under someone else’s command?
He comes to a stop, the feathers of his wings tremoring with the currents of his silent musings and the sudden indecision that accompanies them. Yet again, he grasps for some semblance of rationality behind his course of action. Maybe the truth is that he is still looking to rebuild the lifestyle he was used to. Old habits die hard, after all. But he catches a glimpse of Adriana and her outward appearance alone is enough to remind him that time marches along regardless of how desperately he wants to cling to the past.
The hills of the Dale lie just ahead of them and as he debates whether to follow the path he can just barely discern among their swells, or continue moving along for whatever waits further to the north, a cloud shifts above him and a sharp, metallic glint catches his attention. Curious, he moves in to investigate and finds a lone flower resting among some greenery with no apparent attachments to the other plants. A strange flower, what with its startlingly white petals spattered with glimmering gold spots. Bemusedly, he calls Adriana’s attention to it.
“Something else I’ve never seen before,” he gestures to the flower that lies at his feet then looks toward where the path to the Dale disappears from view. “Perhaps we should head that way?” His eyes gleam with the reflection of his high spirits as he lightly presses his shoulder to her body. “Maybe they will have more pretties for the pretty..” His head drops low to pluck the flower from its resting spot so that he can nestle it among the tendrils of her mane..
@Adriana
they're still just outside the Dale, but anyone can jump in at any time :)