To Forge the Bonds of Friendship (Vallora)

[Mihiya Darkmane]

The girl smiled at Vallora's easy laughter. It was nice to be with someone who she could relax around a bit. She was often wound a bit too tightly and Vallora was much easier to be with than the others she encountered on a regular basis.

"According to Briseni, my adoptive mother, I wandered around altogether too much. I still do, in her opinion. She says that the day Komali and I bonded was both the worst and the best of her life. I had a Strider, indicating that I was truly a Drykas, but then again, I had a Strider, meaning it would be much easier for me to get farther away from her," Mihiya replied to Vallora's statement. She thought on her recent wanderings. She had mostly stayed within the boundaries of Endrykas, but who knew when that would change.

"I never knew my father, nor did I know my mother. I can only assume my father lives still in Eyktol and I plan on meeting him there. As far as my mother goes, she died giving birth to me. Someday, I hope to travel to Eyktol and meet my father, perhaps as soon as this fall." This brought her mind in a full circle, to pondering on whether she should leave or she should stay. She sighed lightly, traveling was important to her, but staying was important to her tribe.

At Vallora's response, the girl nudged Komali forward and set off toward the edge of Endrykas, only looking behind her to ensure that Vallora was following.

[Vallora Salvari]

Vallora looked at the dark-skinned girl with curiosity. She wondered what it must be like not to know both her mother and father. It was hard to form the thought inside her mind. Her own parents had been a vital part of her life before they were gone, leaving her with her brother. It still ached to think about them, their death still painfully fresh in her mind. They had been so close, so close to reuniting. It did not work out as well as she had hoped apparently.

"This fall?" she questioned carefully. "You're not going to obey the marriage decree then?" There was no accusation in her tone - she could truly understand it. Vallora had thought of leaving countless times, but unlike Mihiya, she had no destination in mind. There were things she would want to see but she had no idea where to start. Maybe Wind Reach, her mother's home? She could go there and try to find her mother's family, giving them the news of her death. But she couldn't just leave. Xaven belonged in Endrykas and she could tell he was starting to grow fond of it - even if he didn't want to admit it.

With ease, Vallora hoisted herself up onto Talvael. Her luck was going much better than she had expected. It was good that she had encountered Mihiya by chance. She stayed a pace or two behind the girl, letting her take the lead.