Stealing Sunlight

VALKYRIE She stood in the storm Solanis, with its startling hues, sun-like warmth and utterly enormous flora, was a region Valkyrie could not remember visiting since arriving in this realm between worlds. It was a gloriously dense forest nestled away to the west, as far from Halyven and Hope as the Rift would allow her to travel. This was why the vibrant region, along with nearby marginal areas like Siren’s Summit and Uwaritace, had become a welcome refuge; it was home. For many long months, she had concealed herself beneath the cover of giant ferns like a recluse, avoiding the notice of other horses and pretending that, otherwise, all was just fine; only her internal charade could not have been further from the truth. Valkyrie’s rocked resolve was still haunted by the curse: her frame was brawny and angular, quite without the fine, feminine lines she’d been born with and loved, there were additional pieces wedged between her legs, and her bold, sultry voice possessed now the rough, low tone of a man. It was a nightmare and thus far she’d been helpless to escape. Though vain insecurity had quickly consumed her, they young Shieldmaiden thought often of K’yarie. Reflecting over the journeys they’d embarked on together, and the like-mindedness that had filled her with a comforting sense of belonging. She’d not seen the celestial goddess (her idol in truth), since that day and loneliness gnawed a gaping wound in her heart… It was mid-morning, and so far, just another day. Though Drench had not eased, and its endless torrent still plunged to saturate the landscape, Valkyrie stood amid the radiating warmth and glow of cheerful solar flowers cluttered about the forest floor. She had come to value their presence, for they offered soothing warmth while every other aspect of life felt so bitterly, depressingly cold. As she dozed (she had become quite the sleeper), the soft murmur of whispered words brushed her ear. One swivelled forward, followed by her pale twin and roused further, the winged horse’s lashes peeled apart. With the tendrils of darkness still binding her step, she began to turn slowly, desperate to slip beneath the cover of the undergrowth before she was seen. But as she pulled one hoof from the ground and then began the same struggle with the next, the billow of purply mane between lush fernery across the way prompted her to stop. K’yarie? …the small admirer dared not utter aloud. Those ears which had pricked with sudden eagerness suddenly deviated backwards, nestling uncertainly against the swamp of white tangles, and her heart began to throb for the sake of her grim predicament. Nothing could ever be the same again. Aching to hide, Valkyrie clenched her teeth and worked harder to move. and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.

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@K'yarie <3