Open Leaving Endrykus, a journey begins

[Ellanore Arkeia]

The snap of canvas and the low murmuring of chatter was all that could be heard in Endrykus, for the light was just rising and the stars just fading.

Second day of spring: 513 av

Ellanore looked out upon the fields of Endrykus as she snapped closed the last buckle of her saddle bags, the city of tents had shrunk over the last season and the eerie cold of death hung among her adopted peoples. Neirand threw his head back and struck the ground, a cloud of dry dust swept up around them. I know, we shall leave soon. But she couldn't help but feel like she was abandoning these kind men and women in their time of need. But she had to move on, her body sung out to find a bondmate, and as much as she would have been overjoyed with a Drykus bond, she just did not feel that.. spark. She ran her hand over the withers of her Kavinka, and along his mane just appreciating her friend and this calm before she set out.

Elle took a deep breath, inhaling the essence of the city, warm spices, hot metal, the musty smell of horses.. and so much more, her nose tingled and her eyes slid shut. If she were to be completely honest she was afraid of what was coming, leaving this beautiful and friendly place, into a dangerous and unforgiving wilderness.. by herself. She opened her eyes, the light now shining upon the land. Holding onto her Yavas she swung onto her stead. He sway back and forth, back hooves stomping and his head flicking up and down. Ellanore smiled, she was glad her friend was ready.

With little to no coaxing she egged her horse on, he weaved his way through and around tents, tradesmen and children with a grace only someone who knew the current layout of the city could. She would wave and smile to her friends, stopping when someone wanted to hug or kiss her and wish her luck. It wasn't long before Neirand had become impatient and started to jig-jog. Giving her stead reign, he cantered down the main road of Endrykus toward the entrance of the city. Pulling Neirand to a sudden stop on the very edge of the city, Elle, Shifted upon his back, her light green tunic falling upon the saddle, she shimmied her head out from the fabric and threw her snout to the wind, twitching and sniffing, imprinting all her memories to those smells. Her eyes slid shut again and she let out a sad howl.

Goodbye and thank you.