Indira stood at the edge of the Barrens, as still as could be. The little foal by her side did the same. Even Fleet was still. Very quietly, she instructed the foal. "It is even more dangerous than it looks out there. But just know, we must go into the Barrens to heal Vykeli. But we can't just do it on a whim. It has to be with a purpose. You have to be prepared. It's savage out there. There are blackhorns, and dire rats, and all sorts of things that could hurt you. You must respect how dangerous it is."Aisling nodded, solemnly. She didn't need to be reminded that she herself had nearly died out there. It had been some time since the day Indira had found her. In truth, Aisling didn't remember much of the incident. The nannies told her about it all the time. How Indira, and other from Homewood had saved her. It was still a mystery to everyone involved how Aisling had gotten to where she did. But Indira told her it was because Grandfather Tree had a plan for her. Doubts about her origins often niggled at the back of her mind. Was there really a plan? Was she really part of it? But those doubts seemed much further away when Indira was near. She didn't return to Homewood often, though.
Indira looked down at the foal. "Today, we have prepared. We have supplies in our packs, we have a plan. And, I'm with you. Grandfather Tree has given me gifts to help, and to help protect us. We'll go on a quick mission, so you can learn about the Barrens, and your duty. But we will be safe." She smiled. It felt so strange to be educating a foal. Indira hadn't really pictured motherhood in her future, but Grandfather Tree had put this little foal right in her path. Clearly that meant he wanted her involved in her education and upbringing. Vykeli needed more Noulicorns dedicated to the cause, and perhaps this was Indira's way to ensure there was one more. And, of course, if Aisling had died in the Barrens she would never have received a gift, never been able to do anything to heal Vykeli. A body that small would hardly have even nourished the ground. Purpose seemed to burn within Indira. She'd met others who made her path clearer, and Grandfather Tree had made it even cleared when he'd blessed her with more magic, more status. She was an adept now. No longer did Nouls of Homewood glance at her with skepticism when she said she was going to the Barrens. When she said she was a traveler, and her home was nowhere. And now she had this chance to take a foal on their first trip. Well, Aisling had been in the Barrens before. Possibly even born there, but this was different.
Today their mission was simple. They were just going out a little ways, perhaps three or four hours of walking, and they'd plant the seedlings they'd brought. Water them, ensure all was well, and then return. For Indira, such a journey was nothing. Aisling, however, wasn't accustomed to the intense heat of this place, and the effort it took to make it. It would be a good lesson, but not an easy one. "'Alright little one, lets go. Pace yourself."
Fleet kept to Indira shadow, not wanting to take on more heat than needed. Aisling began walking at an easy pace, Indira nodded to her. "Good. Conserve your energy. Don't run when you can walk." Aisling smiled back, but remained quiet, trying to practice what Indira had been teaching her. Don't waste effort.
Indira could feel Fleet in her mind. The jack hop seemed proud. But of who? Her? Or the little foal. Without Fleet, Aisling would never have made it back to Homewood ... That was certain. As Indira walked, she kept a close eye on the foal, doing her best to ensure she wasn't getting too hot. Sweat dripped off of them both, but that was just what the Barrens did to you. It was good she'd learn how harsh it could be now, in this controlled setting.
Ailsing's feet ached, and her top side burned. But she didn't complain. Indira had told her this would be hard. But that in order to heal Vykeli this is what she'd have to learn to deal with. She couldn't just stay in Homewood forever. So she persevered. Sweat dripped down her face, her mane was stuck to her neck, and still she walked on.
Indira judged that they were near their destination. In the distance she could see the rock. She knew it well, and used it as a way point often. It cast an impressive shadow, and would give their seedlings a break from the worst of the sun. She glanced again at Aisling, who was trooping on. No complaints had come from her. Indira was impressed. The foal was doing well. A few more trips like this, and she'd be prepared to face Grandfather Tree when the time came. "It's up ahead Aisling. We'll do our work, rest quickly and then return." Aisling only nodded. Indira could feel Fleet's emotions. Pride, a little concern. Fleet hadn't been sure Aisling was ready for this trek, but it was clear that she was.
Arriving at the rock, Fleet hopped to work, digging a narrow trench for the seedlings. "Without Fleet, we'd have to work much harder. A familiar can be your best and closest companion out here Aisling." Indira did her best not to take Fleet for granted. The jack hop could do some things so easily that would be a huge burden in Indira. In mere moments, the trench had been dug in the shadow. Indira pulled the seedling out of her pack, and deposited it, nodding to Aisling to do the same. The foal struggled, but got the seedling placed. Fleet set to work filling the soil back in.
"Now we must water them. I come by this place often, and will see to their care, but you can give them the first water." Aisling struggled to uncork the water she carried, but she managed it. She didn't want to disappoint Indira. Seedlings water, she hoped it was time to rest.
"We will rest for a time, and then head home. You've done quite well so far Aisling but sometimes the way back can be even harder. The foal nodded, not wanting to think too hard on a harder trip back. How had she managed to survive out here before? It was scorching, even in the shade. Her feet her. She was sure the sun had burnt her. Suddenly, she felt cool. Her eyes widened, and she gawked at Indira.
"Grandfather Tree blessed me with this gift. I can cool us while we rest, to make the way back easier. Only Grandfather Tree can give gifts like this. But they must be used for the good of Vykeli. I can cool us now so we can go back to Homewood, to rest, so we can do good works again. It would be wrong of me just to use my gift to make us feel better though. Do you understand?" Aisling nodded, reveling in the cool sensation. She knew it would be over soon.
Indira allowed the party to rest for an hour or so, before judging it the right time to head back. "We done good work today, now we just need to return to Homewood. Are you ready Aisling?" The foal nodded. Indira couldn't help but smile. Perhaps Grandfather Tree had sent this foal to her for more than one reason. Could it be that Aisling was meant to travel with her in the future? Only time would tell, Indira supposed.
The way back felt many times longer than the way out. Part of Indira wanted just to remain in the Barrens, and not have to face Homewood again so soon. But that was impossible with a foal in tow. She couldn't keep the little thing alive out here. Not like she could keep herself. She glanced balefully at the empty expanse all around her. She knew there was more work for her to do. But perhaps the most important work right now was ensuring Aisling could undertake work of her own in due time.
