Diyrl flaps her wings vigorously before dropping to a lower altitude. She attempts to match Lerfaf’s flight flap for flap—eyeing his translucent wings almost enviously.
“Are you sure this is the way, Lerfaf?” Diyrl teases. “We’ve been on this course for several days now. With nary a sign of a portal to a world of magickal flying…Uhm…Equifrits anywhere. Are you sure you’re remembering things right? I mean, it has been a very very very—long time. Has it not?”
Lerfaf rolls his eyes but says nothing. Diyrl continues her teasing unabated. In truth, Lerfaf’s forced silence encourages her.
“Ah. Maybe you know the actual way there, but are simply stalling for time,” Diyrl yells against the wind. “You’re in no hurry to return to your world. To see what it has become. You’re taking us the scenic route. Perhaps, giving yourself time to think. Time to process what you’ll do once we arrive. Am I correct, Lerfaf? Is that what you are doing?”
Lerfaf whinnies loudly and rears up as if someone has pulled on a set of reins. He flaps his translucent wings and wheels to face Diyrl.
“I have had…More than enough…Of your cruel commentary, Diyrl!” Lerfaf exclaims through bared teeth.
Diyrl’s eyes briefly widen and then narrow to slits. Her mouth curls into a dangerous smile and she flaps in midair.
“This world is quite large,” Lerfaf continues. “I know, because I have traversed it many times during my self-imposed exile. I know exactly where we are going. As well as the fastest routes to get there. If you doubt my abilities as a guide…Perhaps, you would like to take over? Then, we’d be sure to never reach our destination.”
“Lerfaf, I was only teasi—,” Diyrl begins, but Lerfaf shakes his mane, and her voice drops off.
“You are always…Just teasing, Diyrl,” Lerfaf states. “But what you are really doing…Is taking out your frustration at your perceived shortcomings…On those who love you the most. On the very ones who would support you…No matter the cost or the sacrifice. You do it because you are afraid. And it is this fear which will drive a wedge between you and everyone you love. Then, you will have no one. Which I believe is what you secretly desire. To never love anyone or anything the way you loved your mate, your children, your queen, and your home.”
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Diyrl’s eyes once again narrow and she glares at Lerfaf-- without a trace of her usual wolfish smile.
“There is no shame in this, Diyrl,” Lerfaf continues. “I experienced the same emotions my first few cycles on this world. I ignored many an ill traveler in my quest to be left alone with my misery. And I saw several die…When I could have saved them. It was only after watching a young otherworlder crying beside his mother’s nearly lifeless body…That something reawakened within me. I did not wish to become like my sisters and brethren. Cold…and utterly dead to the world. But that was what I had almost nearly become. After the young one cried himself to sleep…I revived his mother. After which, I made myself scarce. I watched the young otherworlder grow up to be strong and brave. His mother lived for many years before he was left alone. I secretly cared for them. Bringing them little gifts of food and water when I noticed their stores getting low. And when his mother died, I stayed by his side. Until, he too succumbed to this world. And then, I slept. When I awoke, I set off to find other travelers. Throughout the years, I found many. But I will always remember that mother and son pair. They are the reason I know that to do good is better than to wallow in one’s grief. Had I not bothered to save the young traveler’s mother…He would have surely died. And I would have wandered as one lost…With no purpose. He saved my life just as much as I saved his. That is the thing about life. No one can survive on their own. We need others to give us a sense of meaning and purpose. And that is what my sisters and brethren forgot. What I am determined not to forget. You needn’t push us away, Diyrl. We are here for you. Now, and always.”
It is Diyrl’s turn to be completely silent. In the chariot’s flight harness, Adahlia shifts so that she can tenderly caress Diyrl’s side. Diyrl lowers her head so she can view both Sotet and Adahlia.
“Lerfaf’s right, Diyrl,” Adahlia confirms. “We do love you. And we are here for you. It’s alright. You needn’t be afraid. We won’t abandon you.”
Adahlia lifts her pinky finger into the air in a symbolic gesture; a grin creeping onto her face.
“I promise.”
A single large tear leaks from the corner of Diyrl’s left eye and tumbles through the air to the ground below. Diyrl lifts her head and continues flying without saying a word.
_
_
The tear which leaked from Diyrl’s eye tumbles toward the ground. As it passes through the air, it freezes and turns crystalline in form. Once the crystal slams to the ground, it shatters. Immediately, the crystal fragments begin to grow—forming a much larger structure. Before long, a glacier-like mass stands tall amongst the endless sand dunes—its icy peaks glinting in the light of the dual suns.