good morning starshine; Esileif

[Fennick]

Fennick almost trusted the Valley’s cosmic fire wall not to burn Esileif to a crisp. The keyword there was almost. He trusted it enough to escort her through, but not enough to simply meet her on the other side. Hestia, the last newcomer he’d escorted across the border, had been just fine. So, technically, he was batting at 100 percent. Granted, if this didn’t turn out so well for Esileif his average would be greatly diminished.

Fennick plastered a smile on his face and tried to look nonchallannt. The giant barrier of fire that separated the Valley from the rest of Beqanna was insurmountable protection. It detected intruders with ill intent and scorched them to kingdom come. Trusted Valley members carried a brand beneath their left eye. Fennick’s brand stood out starkly against his black hide, a cursive V with flicking flames in the middle. Members and welcome guests, like Esileif, could theoretically cross unharmed.

“Here we are, home sweet home.” Fennick’s attempt at casualness may have been obvious as he smiled up at the fire. Still, you had to appreciate the attempt.

“Don’t worry about the fire, it won’t burn you.” To prove his point, Fennick stepped through in front of Esileif, just so she knew this wasn’t an elaborate trap to burn her to a crisp.

On the other side of wall, the Valley was business as usual. It was still winter, and a thin layer of ice and snow scrunched underfoot. It was cold this high in the mountains, and though Fennick had gotten used to it, the sudden chill after the warmth of the flame caused him to puff his feathers up around him like a giant cloak. He watched Esileif’s face carefully, wondering if she was about to run back to the field or the Gates. As much as he loved his home, loved the bracing chill of the air and the scent of the tall towering tress, he knew it wasn’t for everyone. Fennick looked around with soft appreciation.

"So, what do you think?