Swiftcurrent Creek Look for the girl with the broken smile.

Tag for reference. Open!

She woke in the pre-dawn hours next to @Akavir, compelled to vomit. She didn't, thankfully - but as she carefully extricated herself from his warmth and toddled on off, Ibis realized that she might have some explaining to do. She hadn't told him anything of her adventures prior to their meeting. As she wandered towards the northeastern edge of the massive vale she found herself unable to stop; she told herself it would be a quick wander to clear her head, that she'd be back before he noticed. An hour later, she was hiking the mountains.

Just a quick walk, she told herself. Find some herbs to help settle her stomach, maybe if she could - breakfast in bed for Akavir. But that too was a lie; she didn't pass by anyone on her way, and by the middle of the afternoon had given up on speculating her return. She'd make it back whenever she felt like it. A little bit of time to herself was allowed, she reasoned, because of the truth bombs dropped on her the day before; but then a piece of Ibis' guilt rose up to threaten her and reminded her: You're leaving Reiko alone!

The midday heat was stifling, even though the summer weather wasn't due for another few weeks. The big blue sky welcomed her as Ibis wandered alongside the abandoned river territory; she watched fat clouds drift overhead and couldn't help but wonder if any looked like her. That one! No, that one - with the little trail. A mother and her cubs. A sigh penetrates the bubble of quiet around her, and she looks to the riverside, sulking as she picks her way among the reeds and wildflowers growing there.