It was strange how peaceful life had become. Indah was used to making her own peace admist chaos, and had imagined that would be her lot in life for the rest of her life. As always, the world had other things in store for her, and ever since she'd reunited with her son, things had been changing. She'd met the ones who considered him family, and even if he couldn't bend enough to admit as much out loud, she knew Einarr cared for them. There had been new life, and she'd loved watching them grow, loved watching them even now that they were older and drifting toward their own paths in life. It reminded her of the joy of being a mother, though she'd never quite forgotten, and it made her a little heartsick.
If only Einarr had been able to be raised in an environment of only love. He'd been given precious little of it, though she'd done the best she could, and she imagined it still influenced him. He was getting better, though, and she knew who to thank. She already considered the informal herd her family, and cared for all of them, though some more than others.
It made her smile. This was what a herd should be. She should have never been afraid to leave her own behind, because in the end, things had a way of working out, even when you least expected it.
She crested a hill, and below, she saw a familiar shape. Delight seized her, a quiet warmth in her chest and glow to her face. Her friend from so long ago, Akahi, who had also found her way to the lands somehow. Indah had thought she would never see her again, and she'd mourned the loss of a confidante, friend.
Again, things had a way of working out.
She picked up her pace as she trotted down the hill, a smile soft on her lips when she called out, "Akahi, hello." as she came close enough to be heard.
