Tempest was racing back home from the Grandfather Tree. After an encounter with the scout, Emmerich, she’d learned how to use her ability, drizzle and a survival trick. These would come in handy next time she was traveling the barrens. But what she didn’t know was that they’d be required much sooner. The rain she’d brought had stopped and the clouds vanished as the sun bore through them. The dry heat of the barrens returned, evaporating the water from the ground once again. Tempest moved her speed down to a light trot, to cover ground but not use as much energy as a full run.
The trees had start to dot the landscape as Homewood came into view. She was nearly home and had plans to head to her parents’ to tell them about her gift and ability. She didn’t think much of the landscape as she passed by it, but that was until one of the brown rocks moved and unfurled. Her heart startled with the rest of her as she jumped to the side to avoid whatever animal was coming to life. Tempest past it but then whipped around to make sure it wasn’t a predator that would sneak up on her.
It wasn’t a predator. What stood up and stretched out it’s gangly legs was none other than a brown noulicorn foal. Tempest paused her movements in surprise. What was a foal doing out here? She thought, looking around. There wasn’t another noul for a ways, so no parents nearby. She looked back at the foal to see it shake itself off and blink up at her curiously. Tempest trotted back over to the foal, seeing as it wasn’t a threat.
“Hello there little one. What are you doing here all alone? Where are your parents? You know, this is no place for a small noul like yourself.” Tempest told the foal.
Big blue eyes gazed up at Tempest and then looked around her. There wasn’t anyone else around. Did her parents not come back? How many times has the sun left and returned? Her throat ached and her lips felt dry. So she smacked her mouth and licked her lips as she looked back up at Tempest.
“I-I don’t know….I’m...tirsty…” the small foal tried not to cry.
Tempest felt a little bit of panic rise up in her throat. Oh dear, she’s found an abandoned foal in the driest place on Vykeli. But wait! Emmerich taught her the trick for atmos nouls like herself to use.
“Don’t worry little one, I can help with the thirsty part!”
Tempest stilled her body, fighting against the wild energy that fought to break out. It was thrilling and breathtaking, riding something so wild. Others would say it was like riding a bull. Tempest grabbed hold of it directing the wild magic up through her horn, it glowed blue, clouds thundered into view and large drops of rain began to fall upon both Tempest and the foal. It cooled their surroundings immediately.
Tempest dug a couple holes quickly, watching them fill with water she looked to the foal. “Alright, pick one and drink the water from it. Go ahead now.”
The brown foal wobbled up to one of the holes already full of fresh cool water and drank greedily from it. It felt so refreshing to be cooled down from the inside and outside. She didn’t know when the last time she had a drink or something to eat. The hole refilled as she stood there and she drank from it once more, watching the adult doe do the same.
“There, so much better...right?” Tempest asked.
The little foal raised her head, water dripping from her chin, she nodded. “Thank you. I’m hungry too.”
“Oh dear, I’m afraid I’m out of food for the moment, but Homewood isn’t much farther. Do you think you can walk the rest of the way?”
The little foal looked towards the trees and then back at Tempest. She nodded.
“Oh good. Let’s make sure we get plenty to drink first and then continue before the rain stops…. Do you have a name little one?” Tempest tilted her head and looked over the foal. Aside from dehydrated and hungry, the foal didn’t seem too worse for wear. Getting her out of the barrens was the second priority after the drink.
The foal thought about it for a moment and then shook her head. She didn’t recall a name.
Tempest pondered for a moment. This foal appeared to be female, quiet, well the quiet could be from being in the barrens too long.
“How about Cordelia? I can call you Cordy for short! Sounds like a cute enough name for you.”
“Okay, I’m Cordy,” the foal agreed.
“Alright then Cordy, we better get going before the sun comes back and scorches out backsides.”
Together, Tempest with Cordy in tow, continued walked back to Homewood.
WC: 821
