Theodosia looked on in alarm, watching Marie fling herself to the ground and burst into hysterics. She had forgotten to explain to her that an esk’s powers fade outside of their home, and with it their flowers and even their animal friends. Her mind raced for a way to console the poor thing, and she stepped forward, gently pulling Marie close with her long, dainty leg.
“Hush, my love, it’s alright.” She patted Marie comfortingly, leaning down to nose her on the cheek. “Swallowtail isn’t lost, he’s only waiting for us at home.” The peony lady looked around, glanci
Marie turned and opened one eye nervously. All around them were flowers, but they were nothing like the flowers she’d seen before. They were big, almost as big as her head, and came in so many different colors that she wasn’t sure if they were even real! She stared wide eyed, looking all around her, and then turned to Theo.
“These aren’t like any flowers at home!” Theo chuckled, watching her little sheep run between groups of flowers and peer at each one.
“These are called Hibiscus flowers. They grow close to the ocean, where it’s warm all year round,
“What’s a sand castle, mister Loam?” Marie seemed to have gotten over her initial fear of the massive Esk, and bounced around his front feet excitedly. Loam laughed and watched her run.
“A sand castle is much like your palace at home, but made of sand! Watch.” Loam leaned down and began scooping massive amounts of sand with his webbed toes, piling it high.
“That’s not a castle, that’s a hill!” Marie giggled, and did a little spin in place when Loam winked at her. He then turned and Marie watched in awe as a large globe of water lifted out of the surf, twirling in on itself an
Theodosia led Marie down a familiar, worn path through the flower field that they called home. It was scattered with stones and the dirt was smooth from years of use by both humans and animals alike. In the distance behind them stood Marie’s childhood home, the great white palace with its shining blue rooves. As they approached the edge of their field, Theo noticed Marie slow down and come to a stop. The pink lady paused and turned back, waiting patiently. The little white beast stared for a long time at her home, uncharacteristically silent.
“What is it, my love?” Theo turned and walked back
“My mama brought me! I walked really far, all the way to the end of the field, but then she said we couldn’t keep walking because where we’re going is just too very far! So she took me and hugged me close and then I was so warm! When I opened my eyes, we were in a place with flowers like I’ve never seen! Mama said they’re called high biscuits! Her flowers on her back were gone, though, and mine too! Even butterfly was gone! I was scared they wouldn’t ever come back, but mama said it would be ok and that butterfly would be waiting for us when we go home! So then we walked some more and there was more san
Theo and Marie walked for some time, but when the forest at the far edge of their fields finally came into view, the peony lady began to slow her pace. Marie, oblivious to this, continued until Theo called out to her.
“Marie…” The little white sheep paused in her bouncy gait and turned, tilting her head curiously. She bounced back to Theo’s side and peered up at the larger esk.
“What is it, mama? Are we there already?” Theo shook her head, looking out to the forest. When Marie noticed the trees, she did a little dance. “Is that where we’re going?