Of Lost and Found

"Oh, really? Well, then when was I here?"

Simon looked away at the tender salmon colored sunset that was barely visible through the thick trees to the north. He whispered softly, "In your dreams."

Emma’s stomach twisted in fear as she realized what he had meant. She tried to ask something, but her voice failed her. Finally, she managed to force a faint whisper, "So, it’s true? All of it? Everything I dreamt, is true?" Emma’s mind sunk into the Simon she’d known in her dreams. She had been in a battle, and had been wounded when an arrow pierced her leg. She had been unable to escape to onslaught of the enemy. Simon rushed over to her, and held out his hand for her to grab from high on a strong black stallion named Ylkinsereon. Emma grabbed his hand, and they rode off, her head on his warm shoulder, her heart gently smoldering as she closed her eyes and slid into a peaceful place with no pain, no suffering apparent.

"Emma?"

She shook her head and the image of her past dream slowly faded from view, like the fog in the morning sun.

"Are you ready?"

She nodded. She had no one who would miss her, no one she would miss in return. But now the truth shone through the lies she had so readily clung to; this was her home. This is where she belonged. Simon was standing beside her, holding the reins of two large stallions. The larger of the two was so black that it seemed to be made of darkness, with its liquid mane, and shimmery velvet coat. It had a plain black hide saddle strapped across its tall back, and a narrow bridle of silver and black was about its great head. This was her horse. Her Ylkinsereon.

"His name is-"

Emma cut Simon’s explanation off and strode up to the stallion and stroked its velvet face, "Ylkinsereon."

The stallion whickered softly and gently nuzzled her shoulder with its nose.

The stallion whickered again and Emma leapt up into the saddle, and shrugged off her thick red sweater; the day was still warm; and wrapped it firmly around her narrow waist. Simon was astride his chestnut stallion, a look of amusement on his face "I didn’t believe my Master when he said that Ylkinsereon would behave for you."

Ylkinsereon, in reply, snorted and scowled at Simon.

Emma smiled, as hope swelled inside her.