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What else could the woman-child do but keep climbing? She didn’t hurry, as Only did, choosing instead to take her time and avoid a slip that could break a leg or throw her over the edge of the mountain. She shuddered at the thought of bouncing the entire way down. Who knows where she’d end up? Every time he turns or asks whether or not she’s coming, the filly bobs her head, conserving her breath for simply breathing. It had been quite some time since she’d explored this hard, and she didn’t want to lose her air, knowing it was important. She listened as Only spoke about the peaks and discovering their secrets. Temples and nature and the like – she wondered what they would find. Only said clouds, but of course, that was the obvious answer. What if they found a better place to call home? A safe place? Or better yet…a place where she could have wings, like Averin? She liked the idea of having wings, but what would they look like? Would they match her coat? Would they be silver or white, or even black? Would they work right away, or would they just be … there? So many questions bounced around in her mind that she hardly noticed how high they were climbing. He speaks of hope, and Coraline grins, all the while astounded that his lungs have enough air in them to not only keep him moving, but to keep on with conversation. She was breathing hard now, despite walking carefully and slowly, but she didn’t mind – the beauty that surrounded them was beyond belief. She could see the entire world (or so she thought) from up here. The different herds, where the big gatherings were; herd trails. She wasn’t sure which one was hers, but she knew it was beautiful all the same. She wished she could share this view with everyone. As they reach the top, and the most amazing view she had ever seen, a sudden noise causes her to jump and slip, struggling to keep her footing. She sees Only fall and slide, each movement causing him more grief. She sees and smells the blood, and it causes her own blood to pump faster, heart racing at a treacherous pace. She moves to step closer, but he insists she remains where she is. Cold fear grips her now. What could she do if she was stuck where she was? She didn’t have the strength to run down the mountain and back up again before Only fell. She couldn’t fly or use telepathy. She didn’t even have the birds to deliver a message to her. All she could do was scream out and hope that someone was up here, stupidly, like they were. Maybe Pan’s Yeti would be close by! Coraline focuses on the only ability she knows she has – telekinesis. She tries to move the smaller rocks from near Only’s foot, hoping to be able to free it enough to get him to safety. Several rocks shift and move slowly, and she tries to use the magic to grip his foot, trying to lift it from where it is stuck. She is unsure how to maneuver it, as she doesn’t know how it is stuck, but she tries, hoping to do enough to save her friend. ”Speech” |
 | Silver chain from the pirate siren | Blue Macaw feather in mane | |
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