35 Searing 121
“Really? This is where the line in the sand is for you? This very spot right here? You couldn’t have done this a little closer to the stable?”
It was difficult to be upset with her horse – a dappled gray, exquisitely colored with a ridiculously wide stubborn streak – for they really had only known each other for a little while. Sporting the noble name of ‘Reign’, the gelding had the regal attitude to match. He did what he wanted when he wanted, regardless of what she wanted, and currently she wanted him to continue walking with her and he had decided it wasn’t to be the case. The jaunt out of Kalzasi was meant to be a bonding experience but she wasn’t sure how much actual bonding was occurring.
In truth, it was a wonder it had taken her so long to get a horse. Having walked a good portion of the land in her time, the young woman knew many a thing about getting from one place to the next. That part had never been a particular problem and walking had been enjoyable, efficient and cheap. Aria had no family to speak of so there was nothing tying her to one location or another. Doing odd jobs here and there for money, she wasn’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination but she was frugal enough to be able to afford a few nights at inn when she sauntered close enough to a town or village.
As she traveled and time had slipped by, something began to gnaw on the brunette a bit. Always having been a solitary creature, molded by the experiences of her childhood and being shipped from one orphanage to another, a few things had been forged deeply into her being. From an incredibly early age, young Aria had understood that the only one she could count on, was herself. Others were a distraction and would always be a disappointment. Even relationships with other orphans she found challenging, knowing either her or they would be relocated at the whim of another.
It was a lonely existence.
Her first years on her own, the solitude was incredible. It was everything she had hoped for. Having had no privacy within the orphanages, being able to do things on her own, make choices and simply commune with nature had been a life-altering experience. Slowly though, as the months passed, a small desire for companionship of some sort creeped in. It wasn’t overt in the least, appearing in her in minor but significant ways. Finding herself drifting closer to towns whereas before she would simply give wide berth, for example.
Once inside towns, the clues continued, such as actively seeking out taverns and engaging in people-watching. Towns previously had served the sole purpose of purchasing supplies but gradually, their appeal became wider and arguably deeper.
That wasn’t to say that Aria wasn’t familiar with companionship. There had been one. Only one. Not long after she had departed the last orphanage in Kalzasi, Eldis had found her. The Siltori man had been kind, taking the young girl under his wing and teaching her enough to ensure her survival, such as how to use a blade without stabbing herself. The skills he taught her were wide and varied, but after a few months, once she had begun thinking that there were people she could trust, he too left her behind, reinforcing her belief regarding taking care of herself.
Tugging gently on Reign’s lead, an idea flashed through her mind. Reaching into one of the saddlebags, the young woman produced a small canvas bag with a few apples and cherries she had purchased. Grabbing a knife from her belt, she quickly sliced through a smaller apple, dividing it up into several sections, and waved one in front of his nose. “Mmmmm…yummy appppllleeeee…..just take a few steps and it’s all yours.”
The gelding sniffed at the offered fruit as she carefully stepped away with it, trying to entice him to move a bit. Giving a frustrated grunt, he finally gave into her wishes, bridging the gap between them and capturing his crunchy prize. “Good job, Reign…let’s try It again,” she encouraged.
This dance went on for some time, each with the horse less and less apt to comply, regarding the young woman with curious eyes as she begged, implored, cajoled and otherwise pleaded for the animal to do as she asked.
If her continued journey was going to be anything like the little training session, she was going to need a lot more apples. Probably a bit more patience wouldn't hurt either.
Shoving a piece of the fruit into her own mouth, golden eyes gazed over the outskirts of Kalzasi, sighing gently. It had been one of the 'homes' of her past, although her situation then had removed her from having any particular knowledge of the place or the goings on within. That was part of the beauty of being able to come back, not being stuck with preconceived notions and being able to learn anew. What was it like there? What were the people like? Aria had no answers, but she couldn't wait to find out.
