there are no markings on her country roads
no signs that show the way back home
Because Otem's life really wasn't that long yet, there were still so many firsts that she got to experience on a regular basis. Often she would overlook them as being rather mundane, but a few stood out in her mind: the first time she was caught in a rainstorm in the Throat, the first time she flew, the first time she managed to scary her brother. Other things (the first time she stubbed a toe, the first time her brother scared her), were forgotten.
And today, in this place where just about everything would be a first, she still experienced something worth remembering: Otem had never ever cried like this before.
As her body collapsed to the ground, tangled and tossled against Maude's the girl realized for the first time how nice physical comfort was. Isopia and Vulkán didn't appreciate it, and so Otem wasn't really used to it. For a moment she wanted to recoil from Maude's embrace, but once she realized that the body heat coming off of the unicorn actually made her feel better, she allowed herself to slump against her newfound antlered friend, and cry properly.
"Is yours alive?" Otem sniffed one she was able to speak. Selfishly she almost hoped Maude would say no (why did her mom get to live?), but of course the girl wouldn't actually wish that. Not with how terrible losing her own mother was making her feel. She'd never wish this anguish on anyone, much less a friend.
As Maude mentioned writing a song which would include history, a history that she promised would include her mother, Otem felt an overwhelming surge of relief and love for the cream coloured filly. Yes! She wanted to cry loudly, yes! , for all Otem wanted in the world was for her mother to be remembered. She wanted her to matter and live on the hearts of more than just she and her twin. "Do you remember it? The parts you wrote already?" Otem snuffled, her tears slowing now and her breath becoming more regular.
Ultima
