lost that rhythym and you never came back

She was nearing a year old and while her siblings were off finding themselves, she still felt lost. While she actually spent most of her time with the adults, she really never let herself go out and have fun. How much trouble could she get into if she traveled a bit north for a few days? Her brother Tachi had left not long before her on his own little adventure, why not do the same?

Gathering up her courage, the plum and cherry-colored girl set off in a northeastern direction from the maze. With a small satchel of herbal remedies strapped around her shoulders, it put her worries at ease as she passed through the dragon's blood grove and the ancient oaks. These familiar surroundings weren't much for her to stop and investigate until the trees began to gather closer together and more gnarled. Shadows lengthened and spooky noises echoed behind her. Urging her to quicken her pace until the trees spread out once more, she was welcomed with a heady scent of cedar.

The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon and toss beams of glistening rays through boughs as she slowed her pace. Slightly winded and tired from lack of sleep, Rheum followed a creek further northeast until the rumble of a waterfall caught her attention. Both ears flicked forward as her brilliant yellow eyes searched for the roar of cascading water. Faintly, at the edge of her scent as her nose twitched, she could smell a pack but their scent was fading quickly. Odd to her that someone would want to leave such beautiful lands, Rheum was glad she could wander freely.

Approaching the falls, she stopped in her steps to admire the scenery. Water droplets splashed against her chest and cheeks as she stepped closer. Beneath her, the ground was a soft bed of grass, tender between her sore toes as she leaned over the edge of the pool that lie at the bottom of the falls. Distracted by the sudden shimmer of her reflection beneath her, she was caught off guard by the jump and plop of fish attempting to make their way up the stepping falls. Amazed once more, Rheum took a few more steps back so she could investigate more of her surroundings.

Word Count: 381/1500