Months of mental preparation had built up to this day. Precious Hope decided a while back, that she needed to leave her home, her loving family, in order to grow and find her way in life. Her parents were the best parents she could hope for. A gentle loving soul for a mother. Mom was a purebred unicorn, with a family history of renowned healers. Dad, comical and never harsh, too, a unicorn. His family, sadly, unknown. He was fostered by a herd of unicorns, as one of their own. The two unicorns had the kind of romance ponies dream of. They grew up together, and have only ever loved each other. Two foals were brought into the world, to start a family. One, unicorn, the other...a uniwind! Though surprised, they saw the daughters wings as a special gift. None in the herd had the gift of flight. And so her name was fitting, to be Precious Hope. The Hope of the family, to bring a new chapter to their life.
Hope had issues though. Her wind side was relentlessly blamed for her inability to learn healing in full, by no body, but herself. Healing didn't come easily for her. It was explained to once when she was young, that only purebred unicorns, could be the wisest healers. A young foal had teased her for such, but didn't know the harm words could have. In place of being a powerful healer, she had the gift of flight. She did not resent this at all! However, her heart wanted to help others. Nothing would stop her from learning to be the best she could.
And so it was decided that she would search for a healer that could take her under their horn, and teach her their ways. For reasons of pride, she decided she would be able to focus better without the pressures and expectations from her herd.
The morning gave a perfect glow. This is the day! Hope lifted her satchel up in her mouth, and her mother helped slip it over her head. "Please, don't give me that sad look. We all knew this day was coming." Hope smiled gently. Her mother, telling her for a final time, that she didn't have to do this. "I will return before winter. I love you all so much. Be happy for me! And wish me luck!" With wing and face, she gave each a good long hug, before saying goodbye.
In that moment, I thought my heart might burst. Happy, nervous, and sad all at once.
Spreading her wings wide, she gave them a few flaps to warm them up. Learning to fly was something that she had to learn from someone outside the family. The feat too great for her to learn on her own. But she had caught on quick. Flying a second love to healing. Her heart skipped off, as she ran, beating her wings till the wind found its place under them.
A tear fell from her eye, but she dared not look back. It would make leaving, even harder.
Reply
