kreios
don't you tame your demons, but always keep them on a leash Nymeria seems content to make our journey in silence, and I am grateful for that. While I do enjoy conversation, it is always easiest when I have my thoughts in order.
It seems only hours ago that I had decided to start a herd, and now here I am on my way to my herd land with a mare that is now under my protection. At this thought I turn back to be sure that she is beside me as I stop beside the river. I open my mouth to ask how she likes it when she speaks up, and I do not miss the genuine happiness on her chestnut face when she says it. I duck my head at the thanks, but we are only here because she’s agreed to accompany me and given me the rights to this empty place.
“Thank you for choosing me; it means a lot.” No one has ever really chosen me before, and while I know that she might one day wish to leave for the glamour that the Valley provides or the sisterhood offered by the Jungle, but for now this is enough for me. She’s here, and she likes it, and I reply to her touch on my shoulder by leaning to the side to momentarily press my white shoulder against her red one.
She asks about Orange Country – which I expect – and then about me – which I did not. Well, I reason as I try to decide what to say, it makes sense that she’d want to know about me, even if she’s the first one who hasn’t assumed to know me. Best to get everything out of the way, I decide, before I can decide not to say it.
“Like I said before, I also serve the Deserts -” I gesture upward toward the top of the canyon where beyond stretch the golden dunes of the light mythic kingdom. “I saw this place on one of my patrols, and thought it was perfect. No one’s lived here for ages.” That’s clear from the abundance of fruit hanging from the trees and the belly deep green grass, even this close to the arid desert.
“As for me, I grew up between the Dale, the neutral mythic kingdom, and the Desert.” I have to remember to explain what these places are, I tell myself, she is not familiar with them and I do not want to assume and make her feel uneasy. “My father ruled the Desert and my mother the Dale, but they have both passed; my father the most recently. He always wanted me to be great warrior like himself and my twin brother, but I do not think I am cut out for that life.” First appearances can be deceiving, I know, especially when I do not attempt to contradict those that assume because of my size I must be a fighter. My father, despite my efforts, never saw me as anything but he wanted me to do, and when I did not reach his standards as quickly as Kratos, I was labeled worthless.
It does not do to dwell in the past, I remind myself. Best to think of the future. “But I think that I will make a good herd stallion, if you are willing to help me.” I meet her eyes with a hopeful smile; she must have more experience with herds than I do.
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