https://www.deviantart.com/kiireGathered around the large Esk were three others. They were smaller than the light-furred Esk, but tall enough to look Ilirium and Lillium in the eye. One had striking purple markings and a dark mane. The one beside her was a purple-tinted Esk, a little smaller than the rest. Pulled behind them was a sandy-furred Esk with kind eyes. All four of them quieted their talk at the approach of Ilirium and Lillium, and turned towards them.“Hello, friends,” Lillium says, giving them a small bow of their head. “Have you heard any news?”“Arabella and I just got here,” The smaller, purple-tinted Esk says. She nods towards the black-maned Esk that stood beside her. Arabella bows respectfully in response. “We were in the crowd, but we don’t know anything other than what you do,” She says, her voice sympathetic.“But,” The sandy-colored Esk pipes up. “Zeebo here was just talking about what they saw,” They say. The largest of the four nods their head slowly, looking up into the distance. Lillium follows their gaze.“I saw Vetru disappear over the peak of the hill earlier while Caravan and I were resting,” Zeebo says, nodding their head towards the horizon. “But I haven’t seen them return.” Unease trickled up through Lillium’s gut. That was where they’d seen Vetru leave, but they had hoped that the Wanderer would have returned by now. With a fire this big they could be anywhere, and they could easily be cut off from the rest of their guests.“All four of us were just discussing what we would do,” Zeebo explains. “We figured we’d split into two different directions, looking for survivors.” The three Esk gathered around them nod. The giant, elephant-sized Esk seemed perfect for such the job.“But if you’re looking for Vetru, I would try that direction,” They add, nodding their head once again to the east. Lillium nods.“That’s where we’ll go, then.” Lillium looks to Ilirium and Molly on their back, who both nod. Barn makes an affirming noise from Lillium’s shoulders, showing his approval.“I’m sorry we couldn’t be much more help,” Arabella says. “Zaria and I will continue looking and will let you know if we see anything,” She says.“No, no, you’re very helpful. Thank you all,” Lillium says, looking over the four Esk. “We’ll let you know when we find Vetru,” Lillium says, trying to keep their voice steady. The eight Esk give each other polite goodbyes before Zaria, Arabella, Zeebo and Caravan spread out into their respective directions. Lillium takes in a shuddering breath when they were left alone.The flames were high enough to see on the edges of the hills. Walls of tall flames licked at the air, leaving a path of charred destruction wherever they travelled. They topped the hills like a burning crown, consuming them with each passing moment. Lightning split the sky behind the flames with a boom of thunder, and Molly jumps on Ilirium’s back. Ilirium nudges her soothingly.“What if we don’t find them?” Lillium says, their voice tired. Barn cuddles into their shoulders, patting them gently. The stress was beginning to get to the usually calm Esk, and they found themselves unsure.Ilirium knocks their forehead into their mane, trying to give them some comfort. “We’ll find them,” they say, voice quiet.“They’ve got to be out there somewhere,” Molly agrees. “We’ll find them!” Despite her shaking legs, the tiny Esk tried her best to be encouraging. Lillium looks at her warmly.“Let’s find Vetru,” Barn pipes up from Lillium’s back. His tone is hopeful and unwavering. The words of encouragement were enough to lift Lillium’s spirits, and they take one last deep breath.“We have a starting point, at least.” Lillium says, their voice steadying. “We might as well try to look on that hill on the horizon,”There was a murmur of agreement from Ilirium, Molly and Barn. The last place that they had seen the Wanderer was the only hillside that wasn’t consumed fully by fire. It allowed them a little glimmer of hope that they might be able to track them after all.Lillium and Ilirium, and Molly and Barn with them begin their trek up the hill, running quickly against the ash-covered grass. With the flames towards their backs and the smoke ever-growing, they knew that they were racing against time. They passed Esk after Esk, trying their hardest to escort as many animals they could get away from the flames, or transport those that they could not.Their paws beat against the ground, picking up speed as they neared the crown of the hill. Spilling over the other side was a long path free from fire and ruin, and the four Esk knew that they had found their chance. With a last look at each other, Lillium, Ilirium, Molly and Barn disappear into the smoke.They could only hope that they would find Vetru in time.
Frenkle