Page 150 of Black Wing and Shadows
“ESME!”Sometimes she really caught meoff guard.
There was a stable on the outskirts of the city, where we could obtain horses to ride into town. However, Zane told me, we would either fly or rove. Nikolai revealed that he lived near where we were landing, and he would simply walk to his father’s home.
Sadie lived on the west side of Ashwynd in the countryside, so instead of her getting a horse and traveling so far, on the way to Ashen Vale, Korra would drop her off on the other side. The primary goal was not to bring the fliers into the middle of the city. They were accustomed to Drusearons flying in and around, but definitely not large fliers.
“We’re approaching!” Zane announced.
We all dived low at the last moment, trying not to bring attention to us. My stomach felt like it was trying to become one with my heart. Esme’s talons landed with perfect grace, throwing a dust of snow in our wake.
“Rate your ride five stars or the next landing won’t be so gentle,”she purred.
I choked a laugh out. She caught me so off guard with that. The other Riders whipped their faces to me. I reached up and rubbed the scales on her neck.
“She told me to rate my ride five stars, or the next landing won’t be so gentle. So, everyone knows, I give Esme ten stars!” I told them before giggling more, and they all chuckled.
She stretched her leg forward. I threw my right leg over and slid down her massive tree trunk of a leg. Zane was there with his hand stretched out. I grabbed his hand, and he pulled me into his arms.
“Welcome to your new home, my love, my Anam Cara, my Auri,”he caressed down the bond.
My eyes locked onto his,“I am soooooo nervous.”
“Pep talk time, my little Rider—they will love you, you are amazing, and funny. If someone doesn’t love you, then something is wrong with them.”Esme purred down the bond.
As I turned to give her a look, she shot into the air with Korra, Daphne, and Inna. Sadie gave all of us a wave as she rose into the sky.
“Hey Nikolai, as you know, you are always welcome to the welcome home dinner,” Zane said.
“Yes, I’ll see how my pops is doing.” There was a sense of sadness when he’d said that, suggesting there was much more to all that. He looked at me, “Cadet, behave and do us Riders an honor in the palace.”
“Geez, Nik, don’t scare her before I get her home,” Zane bantered.
“Ah, it’s not too bad. I’ll more than likely be there, I have to go into town to let Landon’s parents know anyway.”
“Yeah… It’s always rough when it's one of us.”
I looked between both of them, worried I may be in over my head. Nikolai gave a nod and headed off down a dirt road. Zane, Remus, and I were the only ones left on the field.
“Of course, Remus, you are always welcome, but I know your parents would bury you if you didn’t have dinner with them tonight. We're going to head out. You know where to find me.”
“As always, I am sure I will stop in. Be safe,” he said. He sprang his wings out wide and took off.
“And it’s just you and me now,” Zane smirked.
“That it is,” I smiled.
“Do you want to go straight to the palace, or do you want a tour?”
“Can we do a short tour on the way there and then finish the tour maybe tomorrow? I am exhausted.”
“Anything for you.”
Zane’s arms slid around me, firm and steady, before his wings unfurled with a snap that stirred snow from the ground.
“Hold on,” he murmured against my ear.
“I already am,” I whispered back, though my pulse had been a drum in my throat. He’d never actually flown with me, though he roved me several other times. I imagined it would be similar to flying with Esme.
With a single beat of wings, he rose in the air. My heart skipped. Difference and similarity blended. Only his arms held me. The ground dropped away, the wind cut sharply, and we soared low over Ashwynd. The city unfurled beneath us like a living map. Cobbled streets twisted amongrows of stone buildings, and smoke curled from chimneys. Carriages were driven over frozen ruts, iron-rimmed wheels striking sparks from the stones. Merchants’ calls rang out from patched awnings, bread, wool, and roasted chestnuts were offered to the city.
