know yourself

Ao’s pale brows lifted as her moon like features lifted to the tall boy. They were roughly the same age, but he had a different air than most of their peers. Like he was a few strides closer to maturity than Aoede had achieved yet. Still, the playful banter she offered him was willingly embraced by the rose pelted man. He apologized for the startle, which meant her assumption of him was true, despite his size he was no real threat unless she started by giving offense.

His returned statement was mostly expected, but he didn’t seem all that enthused about being forced to chase her. "Well, I wouldn’t want to make you do something you’d rather not.” She added, taking a step back from the shore line. "Not that I think you’d be able to catch me.” Ao added with a mischievous grin. Besides, she knew she wasn’t about to get to those far off islands without permission. No matter how tropical, exotic, and inviting she thought they were.

The greenery from afar looked much more vibrant than what her home did. Or what used to be her home. The sands on the beaches were bright and white, soft looking compared to the pebbly stuff they stood on now. One day.

The young man asked if he was going to make him chase her as he gently probed for her name. "Aoede.” She replied with a warm grin. "Well then, Mr…” She trailed off and let him give his name, or not, either way she went on. "What if I challenged you to a race? Does that sound more fun?” Besides, the best look she was going to get at the islands was a trip further down the shore.

"Aoede Regni"