𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐒 {spirit animals}

2. Wild Horses Run Free

The black mare galloped through the valley, her sleek mane shimmering in the bright morning sun. Ebony hooves thundered against the tall grass, jumping over the occasional fallen tree at tremendous heights.

        Her rider gripped the reins tightly, directing the mare down the pathway that would lead to a familiar clearing. Wind whipped against her face while her long golden hair flew through the air.

        Ylva loved riding horses at the crack of dawn, when not a single other human was in sight. It gave her a sense of freedom and exhilaration, almost as if she was flying through the forest, never to return.

A few times, she really had thought of riding off into the unknown. The mare, Asphodel was certainly strong enough to run far enough away no one in Eura would ever find her again, but that wasn't really an option. At least, for the moment. If the next few months went as Ylva planned, she was leaving this place for good.

       That's when she'd really fly away.

       Asphodel continued to race through the trees, slowing down to a trot when Ylva looked down and saw her other jogging partner slightly out of breath. She unmounted the black horse, and knelt down next to Khione while the arctic wolf caught her breath.

       Ylva ran a hand down the wolf's soft fur, who gave her an affectionate nudge of her head. Bright blue eyes glanced up at the girl to let her know they could continue on their way.

       "And what about you?" Ylva said, standing up to stroke the mare's muzzle. "That was a pretty fast sprint back there, you alright? Or would you like a moment to rest?"

       Asphodel gave a small whinny, and made a motion to continue. Smiling, Ylva climbed back up the horse and the trio continued on their way.

      They were heading towards the part of the valley where villages lay. It was this time of day where the people of Eura were out and about, heading to their respective morning activities. A few shot quick looks at Ylva, though none bothered offering a greeting. She kept her head down, not bothering to wonder about what they were whispering about.

        No doubt something about her mother, to start off with. Followed by offhanded comments on the late Hunter's girl who still kept that wretched wolf. Or the girl whose been wasting away at her life for years. If only they knew, Ylva thought. If only they knew.

       Or maybe today was Ylva's lucky day, and they weren't even whispering about her. There had been a few murder cases floating around town, so maybe a spark of fear was drawing everyone's attention away from the girl with the black mare.

       Khione gave a small growl, of which Ylva was sure was saying Ignore them. She didn't need Khione to tell her that, and was already directing Asphodel down the path farthest away from the town.

       They continued for a while in silence, other than the sound of horseshoes against the rich soil. They were nearing a familiar intersection where Ylva had to make the daily decision of whether or not to go down that trail.

       Khione made a whining noise when they got there, making the decision for Ylva. She sighed, the wolf had always been far braver than she was.

      "Are you sure?" She asked her companion, hesitancy dripping in her voice. The white wolf answered by taking the lead, straight down the path. Taking a deep breath, Ylva followed.

      They reached the location that Khione wanted to be at. If the wolf had any say, she'd spend every moment of every day here, but Ylva couldn't let her do that. Her feeble attempts to help the animal weren't much, but she couldn't let Khione continue to torture herself any more than the wolf already did.