Shining orbs grew amazingly big as his hooves carried him into the sanctuary of Home Wood. The air crisp yet fresh filled his lungs deeply as he danced in the air rearing upward followed by a spin. Then he turned his head back to Ayala with apologies, "Oh I'm so sorry Ayala. Are you okay?"
Being a Scuttle Scoot wasn't an issue for her feet were sticky able to cling safely though, drastic movements were a hindrance. Her heartbeat frantically racing as liquid eyes opened to the light peeking through clouds, "Its alright Tsarine. Honestly, it is. I think though now that our stalker is miles back I'm going to leave you be and do some exploring of my own. I'm from the barrens so Home wood is foreign to you as it is me". Nodding after a quick lick of her moistured eye she lept to an overhanging leaf sliding to the ground. Then she paused looking up at Tsarine, "By the way... I'm not being rude here but, please take a bath. You aren't in that great of shape".
Tsarine blinked toward an outright comment from a Scuttle Scoot or whatever she was, "Um... okay. Let me find a place to soak" His words were bitter almost hurt though she might have a valid point. He'd lost count how much time the ruins claimed as their own. He still couldn't get over how blatant her words were gnawing him down to the core. Turning his head, closing his eyes, he listened to the magic of the wood. The subtle breeze, voices of serenity, water. WATER! His thirst grasped him by the throat forcing his legs to move. Heading toward the source he followed the winding river as it grew in depth. Then he jumped in till he felt the water's coolness caress his sides like small moving brushes. The feeling was invigorating leaving his senses cleared of the murkiness of the ruins. Apparently it had been unheard of to actually live in the ruins. This boggled him because it was his history. He lived, breathed, and became the ruins. Which reminded him he never got to tell Fawn of his discoveries. The strange dried leaves hardbound filled with alien images and language, his bucket, vials, broken sharp objects. He had dug out so many things now trapped in the darkness of the ruins. Perhaps they would be there if he ever returned?
After his vigorous soak, he drank deep of the crystalline lifeforce he only dreamed of on fairytales. Afterward, he climbed up the riverbed till his hooves brushed grass once more. One vigorous shake left him fully cleansed as he finally felt "clean". Just how long had the ruins assimilated him into one of their own? History. It was behind him now with his parents' demise.
Making his way back he searched for Ayala without drawing out attention. "Ayala. Are you still here?"
Her head popped up from the grass blinking at the mention of her name, "Certainly. Oh, you took my advice. Good, you smell wet not hindered by murkiness. You should dry in no time". Looking up at him she paused creeping out of the grass, "So, are you planning on seeking out that tree Fawn talked about? I've heard about it actually. Might even have an idea where it is". She motioned toward the distance, "After you get yourself settled in here, I'll help you find your magic".
Tsarine blinked wondering what changed her attitude. An offer though opened a door which he graciously accepted, "I'm a bit confused but, yes I'll go with you to the tree. If I have any hope of returning back to grab the artifacts I need better protection".
"Precisely. I'm just extending you some help in a world you know nothing about, simply put." She concocted a smile on her small little muzzle being genuine. "Then she looked surprised, "What are you doing, Tsarine?"
The young buck noted something odd growing within the tendered grasses beneath the base of a tree. His muzzle brushing against the strange leaves, "The ruins had plants but nothing like this. I think... I think this magical place is growing something special, Ayala".
Ayala scurried over tilting her head, "I've been pretty much all over Home Wood while you were cleansing yourself. This plant seems to be something that's popping up everywhere. I wonder, maybe you should tell Fawn when you see her. If she has her magic I'm sure she'll know what it is."
"It's done then" he spoke confidently plucking the plant from its nesting place, "I'll take it with us till we find her".
"Alright," she blinked wondering why he just took the plant. Who was she to judge what was going on in the boy's head, "Sure let's see if we can find Fawn". Leaping out she scurried upon his leg to sit idly on his rump. "Ah yes, much nicer indeed".
"Definitely" he smiled, "If I don't see Fawn, I will when we get back from the Barrens then". Nodding his head he motioned toward the barrens with Ayala's help. It might take a moment, even a decade but, he would learn magic.
~Fin
Tsarine WC: 865
