Storms Rolling In | Private | Ceto & Esmae

It started as a drizzle before the cool water droplets began to pound down onto the soft earth. Esmae glanced back to the damp crevices and stone, having taken shelter for the long night that laid ahead. What seemed to be an abandoned cave had beckoned her into the dark depths, dripping vines draped over the entrance. The dark trees had grinned onto the mare with their thorny tendrils reaching out while the rustling amongst the bushes seemed to follow her. She hesitantly walked in, weary but saved from the downpour that pinned her down. She exhaled a shivering sigh, her bones chilled to the marrow as she lit her lantern in front of her. The flickering light was enough, the small flame nurtured within the glass.

What she would give to be back under Sedo's warmth again. Or a damn blanket. In the thundering storm, Esmae had been separated from her herd of traveling merchants and bands, the tracks too muddy to follow. Left on her own, the forest seemed ten times more terrifying. At least with a herd, you had safety in numbers. When needled out from the rest, it was nearly easy pickings. Huffing, she shook her head, blinking away the stray droplets. Just the thought of venturing back outside gave her another shiver.

Resting her head down, Esmae closed her hazel eyes, attempting to level her breathing. As she counted her breaths, the mare listened to the pitter patter of the rain and sounds of nature. The wing beat of a passing bird to the fading chirps of crickets as they took cover for the night. She jerked her head upright at the sound of rustling, too close for comfort. Stiffening, she held her breath as she moved into action. Jolting to her hooves, she took a step forward over the lantern, her gaze searching. Something, no, someone was coming.

POST I ● word count 314