Chapter 29 - New Light

When she turned around, she saw the innocent eyes of the calf gazing up at her. Those big, soulful eyes seemed to say, "Please take me with you. I can't live without you. I want to go with you too."

Ravenna's heart ached at the sight. She crouched down and gently untangled her cloak from the calf's horn, her fingers brushing against the soft fur. The calf nuzzled her hand, a warm, trusting gesture that made her smile.

"Stay safe," she whispered, her voice filled with gentle affection. The calf nudged her hand again, its eyes filled with longing and affection.

She sighed, knowing she couldn't take the calf with her on such a dangerous journey. "I'll come back for you," she promised softly, though she wasn't sure if the calf could understand her words. But it seemed to sense her meaning, and it gave a small, contented huff.

But due to her new power of beast-speak, the Firehorn calf understood the meaning of Ravenna's words and gave a small, contented huff.

Its eyes sparkled with understanding, and it nuzzled her hand gently. Ravenna felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that her promise had been heard.

Ravenna stood up, giving the calf one last stroke on its head. As she turned to leave, the calf followed her for a few steps, then stopped, watching her go with those same pleading eyes.

She looked back once more, her heart heavy but resolute.

With one final glance at the Firehorns, who were now watching quietly, Ravenna continued on her way.

The calf stood there, its eyes following her until she disappeared over the sand dunes, a silent promise hanging in the air between them.

But the heart of the calf could not bear the pain of separation, and he started to follow her quietly.

His small footsteps pressed into the sand, creating a soft crunching sound that Ravenna could barely hear.

His mother, standing a short distance away, watched them with wise, understanding eyes. She gave a gentle nod, approving her calf's decision to follow Ravenna. 

The rest of the Firehorn horde, sensing the pure bond between the calf and Ravenna, also nodded in approval.

Their massive heads dipped slightly, a silent gesture of support in their journey together. 

After a while, Ravenna started hearing some soft footsteps behind her. At first, she ignored them, thinking it was just the wind or her imagination.

But as the sound continued, she realized it was the low sound of the calf's steps. Now, with her new power, she could understand the meaning behind the sounds.

Ravenna turned around and saw the calf trotting after her, his eyes wide with determination.

Her heart melted at the sight. She knelt down and opened her arms, and the calf rushed into them, nuzzling her with affection.

"You really want to come with me, don't you?" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. The calf responded with a soft, contented huff, pressing closer to her.

Ravenna looked back at the horde, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness. The Firehorns stood together, their warm eyes watching her with understanding and acceptance.

It was as if they knew this journey was important, not just for her, but for their kind as well.

She stood up, the calf by her side, and gave the horde a final nod. "Thank you," she said softly. The Firehorns responded with a harmonious hum, a sound that filled the air with warmth and solidarity.

She could feel his happiness and eagerness to stay with her.

Ravenna sighed, a mix of joy and worry filling her chest. She stroked the calf's head, thinking about what to do next. As she stood up, she noticed the calf's eyes still looking at her with trust and love.

She paused, putting her hand to her chin, deep in thought. "You need a name," she murmured, glancing at the calf.

She tapped her finger against her lips, her eyes scanning the sky as if searching for inspiration. "What should I call you?"

Her brow furrowed in concentration, and she crossed her arms, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. The calf watched her patiently, its eyes full of curiosity.

Ravenna smiled softly, a name finally coming to her mind. "How about... Aelion?"

Ravenna knelt down beside the calf, stroking its head gently. "Aelion," she repeated, savoring the sound. "It means 'first light' or 'dawn.' You are my first companion, the first one to show me pure, unconditional love. Just like the dawn brings light to the world, you have brought warmth and hope to my heart."

The calf let out a joyful sound, as if agreeing with her choice. Ravenna laughed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Aelion it is," she said, giving the calf a final pat before continuing her journey.

Lumina, floating above Ravenna's head in her orb form now, flickered her light brightly as if to say she liked the name too. Ravenna looked up and smiled, feeling the warmth and approval from her guardian.

"Looks like Lumina agrees with us, Aelion," she said, glancing down at the calf, who nuzzled her affectionately.