The land is covered in sheer white. Visibility being no more than six feet if not less. Rain huffs and I coo at him, willing him to continue his path as my eyes roam the ground and the trees we pass by.

It’s quiet, and the low visibility along with the silence that covers the air is deafening. Amongst it, however, I find comfort. It’s a familiar feeling riding within the land. Searching for the familiar plants on my way to Skyland.

The stranger’s head bops in front of me, and he shakes it at what is his countless attempt at staying awake. He coughs, a raspy nearly airless cough, and I frown. His skin has lost color over the past hour. The cool morning air has assisted with his fever, but his condition continues to falter.

Rain stops walking, and my willing is no longer effective.

“Hold on to the reins,” I whisper. There is no need, but the other’s fragile state has me feeling that any louder, and he will break. I slide off Rain and tug lightly on his harness while cooing. “It’s alright, come on. I’ll guide you.”

He huffs, tugging away from my hold and taking a stubborn step back.

“It’s alright, Rain.”

After a back and forth the horse is convinced and following my steps. Every so often I look back at my companion making sure he’s stable. My eyes focus once more on the surrounding area until finally, a soft scent hits me. It’s subtle but alluring enough to make you want to follow it. As I continue with a faster pace I finally find the source—the Cieland flower. The violet and blue ostravia is facing me as its dark hue stem wraps around the bark of a tree. The stem closest to the base of the flower is extended out as if reaching out. I smile walking closer to the tree and looking for more of the plant’s blooms. More flowers are coming out from the vines that wrap around the bark, each facing the same direction as the first one spotted. Their stems never falter to reach out.

With my boot kicking some of the twigs and stray leaves out of the way, the soil underneath my feet is revealed. I crouch and collect the dirt in my hand. It’s dark and firm, with little to no stones. Pushing myself off the ground I stand quickly and grab hold of Rain’s harness once more. My pace much quicker as I head in the direction the flowers pointed, East where the sun rises.

The trees become less and the fog decreases until visibility is much higher. I go back and mount Rain.

“Hold on, Stranger.”

I receive a weak nod as a response before swinging the reins. Rain takes off, amongst the hill adorned path as we travel south, home.

The land is clear of fog, and the sun has nearly reached its peak when I finally spot the village’s wind turbine. The distant sound of farmers working can be heard amongst the waves of the lake that covers the entire horizon to the left of us. I smile, unable to sustain my excitement, but the cough of the male in front of me, brings me back to reality. I heave out my command to Rain and make the horse race down.

We enter the northernmost point of the village moving through the rice paddy fields. The women and men working peak up with eyes of curiosity, but I waste no time with pleasantries. Instead, I race down the fields and past homes until I reach a familiar old vine-covered house.

Children running around stop their game and run towards Rain as I bring the horse to a halt. I stop myself from berating them as I turn towards my companion. His now pale bluish skin leaves no room for questions as I help him off Rain.

“Someone fetch, Grandmother!”

One of the boys runs off as I carry the weightless lad into the house and place him down in the medicine room. I stand to turn, but a weak grip on my cloak stops me. Surprised, I turn and look down at the male.

“I will return, I have to find the herba-”

“I am right here, Tamen.”

I sigh with relief at the sight of my grandmother, a girl comes in walking beside her, Merideth. Mama smiles at me, and immediately I am calm.

“What has happened?”

I don’t hesitate to answer her question, “I found him during the storm. He was drenched and I was able to initially calm his fever with yarrow. He collapsed when I met him, and this morning could hardly stand. He’s been coughing, and lost his voice.”

She nods tenting to his forehead and pushing back his hair. The moment she does, she smiles. “He’s gonna be alright.” She turns to me with the same gentle smile, “The fog was thick this morning, go get some rest.”

I return the smile, knowing well she’s about to start her work. With a nod, I step out of the medicine room and back into the heart of the house.