The Merry Makers spent the day sleeping, with only one standing guard. Few volunteered. Fatigue calmed even the greatest ambition.
The ride, was an awful one, all they saw were humans. All settled in small wooden pyramids. Each centred around acres upon acres of orchards.
Heather woke to the sound of horses rearing. She lifted her head and leaned over the roof. Merriam was at the reigns. She wasn't good and didn't crack the whip, instead being delicate, slow but eager. In love with the experience, as if savouring it. But that wasn't all.
Every stop was for her: The beasts were fatigued, they were sleepy or thirsty, she was tired, thirsty, the trees were wonderful, it was a beautiful day, on and on it went. She was determined, absolutely determined to stop and watch the world pass, for an oracle she was incredibly grounded, determined to be a part of everything. Twice she'd asked to 'sing' with the group.
An acceptable complication for an oracle or considering what Heather wanted from her husband. For an oracle, she was oblivious.
The only positive to Merriam was her intricate knowledge of herbs, she knew more off the top of her head than Heather had ever been taught about let alone learned.
The oracle's new best friend, Lindi, had taken the charge of keeping her happy and loving it. Eager to learn and Merriam was eager to teach. It would have been touching to see them together were it not a full-grown special division Black Air Raider being reduced to an apprentice… of a human.
The carriage stopped in the middle of what looked to be an apple orchard. There were expectant groans from those awake but no anger, there had never been, only Sarah had ever looked willing to hurt Merriam, a real-life oracle.
"I love apples." Heather heard Merriam say before disappearing.
Heather sat up, unable to think of what to say that would stop her when a thought hit her. She stood, her wings spread, growing downwards and filling the roof. She turned and jumped down to the door.
The door opened and she jumped inside. Shoki and Matthias were playing with baby Judge while Nomonda and Sarah slept. She pulled Matthias's hand and gently but unstoppably, leading him away from the carriage. His eyes suggested he wasn't sure he wanted to leave Judge but Heather didn't stop.
"What are you doing?" Matthias began but she brought her hand to his mouth.
"Just relax and turn around"
He hesitated for a moment before he took a quick breath and turned away.
She hugged him tight.
"Is this it?" He began but said no more, the wind showed her favour and she took to the skies.