The dark gray mare beams as the golden offers a welcome, but it is the second part of Yael’s statement that truly draws Chalmette’s attention. She catches something distant in Yael’s tone, as if the accented mare had drifted off into yesteryear, and she finds herself recognizing the feeling much too well. After all, has she not been trying to fight such a sensation during the entire conversation? Perhaps here is a kindred spirit, someone who has already paved the way? Someone also who also seeks to leave her past life behind? Or perhaps Chalmette reads what did not exist, and Yael had just discovered B’kanna exploring innocently.
Regardless, Chalmette had just begun to open her mouth in response when Demian begins to explain the Valley further. Quickly she closes her lips, making a mental note to inquire further from Yael at a better time, before she turns her full attention to the stallion with interest. After all, to her already, he now represents the future (or at least, a potential path into the future). She does not need to dwell on past events at the moment.
But Demian’s descriptions of the Valley as a kingdom are brief, which, for better or worse, only manages to interest the steel gray mare further. Slightly puzzled as to the differences between a kingdom and herd still, she cocks her head. “I suppose a visit will be worth a thousand words,” she smiles in response, pausing for a moment after. “I do apologize if I bombard y’all both with questions once we arrive,” she adds as almost an afterthought, again feeling warmth creeping back into her cheeks.
Any embarrassment from her lack of knowledge soon vanishes, overtaken by genuine happiness as Yael not only agrees to accompany them but invites them to her home as well. So Yael wasn’t homeless after all, the gray mare makes a mental note. Perhaps that is one difference between herds and kingdoms – kingdoms have mares bring home other mares! Unable to contain a smile of gratitude, she glances at both mare and stallion and nods. They both seem so pleasant, and Chalmette could use some friends after her lonesome trek. Thus, she easily responds to Yael, her tone tinted with excitement. “Yes, I’d love to see your home as well. I’ve never seen a desert before… thank you for the invite!”
As they then proceed to follow the stallion, she finds herself thinking back to Yael’s prior statement. “So where did you come from? Your accent is quite beautiful.” she asks innocently, her dark eyes studying the golden mare with each step. “What drew you to stay in this land, out of all those in this world?” she continues, partially out of sheer curiosity and partially as if to convince herself to stay and not return to her past.
Yet, even the thought of the past draws up visions of him and she finds herself looking forward, seeking to distract herself. Luckily, her gaze settles back on the jaguar stallion, and once again, he draws her back to the present. “What about you, Demian?” she finds herself asking instead, having suddenly realized she knew nothing of his past either. “Are you native to these lands, or a past wanderer like us?”
Before long, the tall pines that lined the path gives way, opening to an expansive valley surrounded by white-topped mountains. The gray mare halts in shock, her breath lost in awe. She inhales deeply, enjoying the earthy scent of pines tickling her nostrils. “Your home is gorgeous…” she stammers to the stallion, trailing off in a momentary loss for words. Her eyes continue to study the stretch before them with wonder, following the graceful aerials of the eagles above to the waves lapping at the shore below and everything in-between.
“Thank you for the invite, Demian,” she finally manages to mumble after a couple seconds, still attempting to contain her awe. Luckily, he continues to speak, allowing her a few more seconds to catch her breath. “How many other members are there?”
(No problem! Happy birthday to your parents!!)
chalmette
SHE EXHALES VANILLA LACE