Neteyam

War Is Over

Viryn shivered under her shawl, the heavy rain had soaked her to her skin and she was unused to the constant harsh wind blowing at her. Merq'ena next to her did not fare much better, the two girls were flying through a storm. The crashing of waves from the churning ocean beneath them did not ease their concerns. Viryn leaned closer to Kri and patted his side. They had been flying for days, the last time they stopped to rest was miles ago since there was no rock hovel large enough to provide even one of their ikran enough space to roost. "Just a little longer boy, then we'll find a place for you both to rest." Ni'ri shook her head splattering the water that hand clung to her out and onto the girls instead. Merq'ena yawned in her her palm, the dark circles under eyes showing the lack of sleep they were all enduring. Viryn looked forward, her head gear shielded her eyes from the string wind and heavy rain but the raindrops clung over the insect wings so it was difficult to see anything.

"Want to try again?" Viryn asked Merq'ena. The taller girl cracked her neck and sat up. She pressed her thumb and pointer finger on the two buttons around her throat. "Hello? Can anyone hear me?" The two waited for a response but still didn't get anything. They were too far out of range. "Great." Viryn sighed and wiped the water drops that clung to her jaw. She made both shawls to have hoods which was a good idea at first, but the storm continued for hours and now the extra fabric clung over their heads. But then Merq'ena noticed a cloud in the distance. "Look!" Her voice barely could be heard from the thundering rain. Viryn followed her hand and saw that one cloud was brighter than the rest. Hope for the chance the storm may be ending welled up in them. Viryn could feel Kri's tired body. He was exhausted and being pelted by rain like they had never experienced before weighed down on hime. She knew he also carried so much more weight with her luggage strapped onto him. "Almost there, just hold on a little longer." They flew towards the cloud, the brightness seemingly to get closer and closer with each flap.

The clouds parted and the rain slowly faded away. Viryn's eyes widened at the sight in front of her. Land, small sandy lands that scattered across a large distance with cool blue water that lapped at its ends. "We're here!" Merq'ena cheered with a hoot. Viryn laughed as relief settled in her. "Look there, let's land." They rested their ikran onto a large stone pillar. It was far away from the islands but it would be suitable for them to rest and drink. "That's my good boy." Viryn cooed as Kri ate the meat she threw him. She pulled down her hood and ran her hand down his neck. There were small bags strapped around him filled with all her possessions. She reached the one by his wings and sighed. Opening the bag she was able to pull out a wooden loom with the project on it soaked. "Great." There was a large piece of canvas attached to the loom haphazardly. It was being embroidered using string and beads to be the image of the tree of souls. Viryn ran a finger across the surface and lifted it to inspect her finger pads. The dye had leaked from the rain making all the colours mix and lighten where she did not want them to.

"Hello?" Merq'ena tried the channel again. "Can anyone hear me?" When there was no response Merq'ena kicked a rock. "Maybe they're waterlogged. Remember the Olo'eyktan-." Viryn caught herself. "Jake, said that they might not work well after swimming." It seemed that they arrived near the later part of the day. The sun was warming their ikran and providing them with ample light. "Easy girl, rest. You might not get to in a while." Ni'ri pushed against her rider. The two ikran were tired and fatigued from the long flight. Viryn took off her shawl and laid it on an open part of grass. "Do you think we should ask? Maybe they saw them come this way?" Merq'ena did the same before lying down. "Maybe." Viryn reached into the pouch by Kri's neck and felt the gun inside as well as the ammo she had stashed when they left. "Good boy, rest." Kri cooed and later down. His eyes blinking a couple times before fully closing them.

Viryn threw Merq'ena a dried piece of meat and sat down next to her. "We made it." Viryn smiled as she turned her head to feel the sun. "I'm glad for it. A couple more days and I would have gone insane." Viryn looked around the area. There didn't seem to have any dangerous wildlife nearby. It was peaceful, but it didn't compare to the forest. "I'll keep watch. You sleep." Viryn patted Merq'ena's arm.