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It seemed to be a usual summer morning with the remaining hint of cool breeze of the dawn that gently brushed through the island of Jorvik. The sun was already high up, heating the air but not cooking the inhabitants beneath. The sky was bright and the ocean mirrored back its color. It was all peaceful with birds chirping.
Yet, a young woman watched the scenery with anxiety in her stomach as she stood by the window. Saga tried to eat her breakfast but she was too nervous to finish it. Instead, she looked out at the paddock that spread out beneath the window of the rented apartment she shared with Sabine for the time they were away from the oil rig. Their horses, a black stallion and a palomino gelding were grazing peacefully head to head, completely ignoring the noise of the Pride Festival that started just the day before.
Pride.
Her very first Pride since she came out as a lesbian.
Saga has kind of made peace with this part of her, but it was such a long way.
Once, month before, out of nowhere - or at least to her it seemed so - this topic came up among her, Sabine and Jessica. She immediately started to feel uneasy and nervous, not even knowing why. But when Jessica jokingly said Saga had a crush on Sabine she broke and snapped at her so harshly she surprised even herself. Saga fiercely tried to convince them it was not true, she was not gay, how could she even be, why would she be?! But word by word it became just more clear she just tried to deny the truth. Both Sabine and Jessica waited patiently in silence until Saga got rid of the storm in her heart. In the end she just collapsed on the ground sobbing helplessly, repeating the words "I'm not gay".
But she was.
Her memories were foggy but she could somewhat recall Sabine holding her in her strong arms while Jessica caressed her hair. She cried for a long time and just before exhaustion took over her she could hear them say:
"It's okay. Everything is alright with you. We accept you and you are safe. You don't have to be afraid".
The upcoming days the Soul Riders welcomed the news with open heart, Alex was glad not to be the only lesbian in the group. They even suggested to throw a party, but Saga felt it was too much.
Since then she kind of learned how to handle this, but sometimes she still freaked out. Although it was clear for her that Jorvik was a place where people accepted each other the way they were, she was still afraid she'd come across with a homophobic person and end up being hurt.
She gulped at the thought.
'Let's hope we'll get through this peacefully' she thought.
Heavy footsteps brought her back from her thoughts. She looked back over her shoulder and saw Sabine entering the tiny kitchen. The woman looked at the half eaten breakfast, then at the girl.
"You're supposed to finish that, you know" she said crossing her arms.
"I can't. My stomach feels a bit funny" Saga mumbled.
"I see. Still, try at least to have a few more bites. I'll get the horses ready." Sabine said and turned to leave the kitchen. Saga sighed and sat back to the table to try to eat.
An hour later they were already on the road to the party area on Moorland. Jessica joined them by the stables, while Katja decided to stay back at the oil rig. This event was a bit too noisy and colorful for her, she said without meaning any harm. As they trotted Saga felt her stomach tightening by each step. Her and Jessica's horse were decorated with rainbow colours - Khaan was simply too majestic to wear anything than his usual tack. The only thing he let them put on him as an extra was a little rainbow colored bow that was hanging from his bridle. Saga's horse had ribbons with the lesbian flag colour. Nimbus seemed to find them funny. Saga tried to enjoy the decoration as well but failed, instead her anxiety just raised even more.
As they reached the Moorland party area they were greeted by loud music and lots of people enjoying the Festival. They parked their horses at a designated place and tried to decide what to check out first.
"There's Anne!" shouted Jessica the moment she noticed the Soul Rider. "Sorry guys, off to get my daily dose of harassing her" she grinned and rushed away.
"Can we say she's Anne-sexual? She always gets too excited when she sees her" Saga said, trying to sound at ease. Sabine let out a chuckle.
"That fits her" she said. "Now let's have a look around. I guess Linda is somewhere around having a- would you just let go of my braid?" Sabine looked at Saga with an annoyed face as she felt the gentle tug in her hair.
It became Saga's habit to hold onto her braid when she felt too nervous at places or around people. It calmed her, but Sabine's nerves didn't really appreciate it. She couldn't help but think of a baby elephant holding onto her mother's tail. And she definitely wasn't an elephant.
"Sorry" she mumbled. "I'm just so afraid."
Sabine noticed the small tremble of the girl's lip. She took a deep breath.
"Okay. Tell me."
Saga looked up at her with teary eyes.
"I just... This is all so nerve wrecking, being there as an out lesbian... I'm not even comfortable with this word yet. It's all too new and I'm scared what people will think that I'm gay and now even this new outfit and my new hair and everything, it's just scary and there are so many people anyway" she blurted out as a few tears rolled down on her cheek.
Sabine waited a moment as she looked her up and down. Jessica made a new haircut for the girl, it was a short asymmetric undercut hairstyle and her outfit was a bit revealing as her t-shirt was showing off her belly and chest. Sabine's gaze lingered on the girl's curves a bit longer than necessary.
"You know. You really shouldn't pay that much attention to what people think" she said eventually. "You have a mortal life so unlike me, you don't have an infinite time to live. Think more carefully what you spend your moments with. And 'lesbian', ah girl... That's just a word. That's just a tiny part of your personality among the many other things that makes you, you. It doesn't define you, doesn't make you a better or worse person. It just shows you're not into guys, that's all." Sabine said shrugging her shoulders. "At least that's how I see it."
Saga looked at her for a while, considering Sabine's words.
"I guess you're right. It's just not so easy..."
"Never said it'll be easy to learn being at ease. Just keep on practicing."
"Okay."
"Any better?"
"Yeah, I guess" she said wiping her face.
"Good. Let's have a look around."
They walked around the party area - Saga still holding Sabine's braid anyway -, checking out the activities and goodies being sold by the booths. Then they walked to the shore where Linda had a few tables set up, packed full with brushes, paints and tons of variously shapes shells. She waved at them as she noticed them approaching.
"Hey, you made it here! Saga, what a lovely new haircut you got, it suits you so much" she said smiling. Saga blushed and brushed her fingers through the longer bangs.
"Thank you" she mumbled.
"Do you want to try painting shells? It's fun" Linda asked.
"Go ahead, it's gonna help you relax a bit. I'll go get some drinks and check on Jessica" said Sabine, nudging the girl forward. Saga looked at her frightened but then just sat by the table.
"Hey" Sabine stepped to Linda, lowering her voice. "She's kind of a wreck now, try to distract her."
"Yeah, noticed that. Will do my best" whispered Linda. She joined Saga showing her the items and already starting to tell a story about Jorvik's history. One of the best ways to calm Saga down was to distract her with stories.
Sabine decided to check on Jessica first as she didn't want her to get too carried away with Anne. There was no need to make a big mess. A little one was okay though, she thought. She looked around if there were any animals she could set free, but to her disappointment there were no pigs this time.
She eventually found Jessica and managed to drag her away for a moment.
"How is Saga doing?" asked Jessica. After all, she was concerned about the girl.
"Not too well" sighed Sabine. "She's kind of a nervous wreck, but I left her with Linda, hopefully she can get her out of that state."
"She can do literal magic on her. You should learn from her, it's more than clear Saga has some special connection to you. I swear she'd do anything if you tell her the right way. And, to add to that, I feel like you've started to develop some feelings for her" she smirked.
"Get out with that bullshit" snapped at her Sabine immediately. Jessica just kept grinning.
"See? You wouldn't react like that if it wasn't true. She's been attracted to you ever since the very first moment when you found her at Pine Hill Mansion, and that bond just grew stronger ever since. I can tell it's the same for you. So, you should just really let yourself carried away with the flow."
"And what good would that do to anyone? Remember I'm the leader of the Generals, and we have a job to do. Aligning us with the Soul Riders while teaching Saga how to create balance between us while she's everything but being balanced demands way too much."
"Yes. That's why you should let yourself being carried away. Believe me it'd bring you just more energy and Saga would be able to relax more if she could feel your tension goes away."
"Bullshit" growled Sabine.
"Just think about it. No rush, no pushing either. Just have some consideration" smiled Jessica and patted Sabine's massive arm. Then she just walked straight back to Anne.
Sabine sighed. She, having feelings for a human being? How ridiculous.
And yet.
She noticed that funny little tingling feeling in her stomach whenever Saga laughed or looked up at her with those chocolate brown eyes. The warmth in her body whenever the girl was sitting beside her, whenever she felt the radiating energy from her. More than once she wanted to just lean in and nuzzle her hair.
She shut her eyes and shook her head as she slowly walked. As if she could get rid of these conflicting feelings this way, as if...
"Hey, whassup? You're like someone being burdened by the whole world's shit."
Sabine looked up and found Alex grinning at her.
"Ah, and now even you" she groaned.
"Glad to see you too" punched her Alex in the shoulder. "Really, what's up? Something happened?"
Sabine gave her a brief summary of her conversation with Jessica.
"You know, I do think you should listen to her. Conflicting feelings will lead to imbalance and confuse Saga even more as well. Just let it happen, let it flow through you, both of you. Maybe that's what we all actually need to finally get aligned."
"And if it doesn't work out? If it turns out we are no fit and we just create even more turmoil?"
Alex gave her a knowing smile.
"I pretty much think you know it won't happen. Besides, being worried about something doesn't really fit you, you got a fever or something?" she chuckled. Sabine just rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, just ask Saga if she'd join the Rainbow Parade later, I'll be there with Maya so I can look out for her. No, don't ask. Tell her. Let's push her a bit so she can get over her anxiety quicker."
"I hate to admit that's a good idea" said Sabine.
"See you there then" grinned Alex.
Sabine decided to finally get the drinks she was looking for at the first place and returned to Linda's tables by the shores. As she arrived she found Saga sitting there, surrounded by many freshly painted shells while she was listening to Linda's stories. She seemed like she retreated into her protective invisible bubble.
"Somebody has been really productive here" said Sabine as she put Saga's drink in front of her. The girl got startled a bit.
"Ah, yeah... Kind of? Linda was telling great stories and I didn't even pay attention to how many shells I painted."
"You had some fun then I guess."
"Yeah, I did" smiled Saga up at her.
And here was that feeling again, that little warmth in Sabine's chest.
"Have your drink and some food. I met Alex, she said you'll join her and Maya at the Rainbow Parade."
"No way I would!" Exclaimed the girl immediately. She almost spilled her drink she was just about to have a sip of.
"You will." Sabine gave her a stern look. "Don't make me use my commanding voice. Just go. There is no harm in it. You march down to Fort Pinta, have some fun meanwhile, wave a few times and that's it. I'll meet you at the beach."
"But..."
"No. You wanna get rid of your fears?"
"Y-yeah..."
"Then face them."
Saga opened her mouth but shut it eventually. She knew Sabine was right. Harsh tone, but right. She gave up with a sigh.
"As a reward, I'll do that lazy river thing with you. You've been talking about it for two weeks now, right? I'll join in."
"Really?" Saga's face lit up.
"Yeah. But Parade first. Also some food."
"Yes ma'am. Oh, by the way, I made this for you." Saga grabbed one of the painted shells and put it on Sabine's palm. The woman looked at it and her eyes went wide.
It was painted with a beautiful shade of orange, yellow and red, and on the middle there was Sabine's Dark Rider symbol. She didn't know why but it warmed her heart.
"Thank you. Great job" she said silently as she put it in the pocket on her chest. "Anyway, uh. Let's have some lunch? It's about time."
"Okay. Linda, you come, too?"
"Gladly. I'm starving!" Said the Soul Rider.
In the end, all of them occupied a table by one of the food trucks. They had some chit-chat and laughed around while having a delicious lunch.
"I think I'd join you guys at the Parade this time" said Lisa who arrived at the Festival only then. She had work to do at the Ranch for an upcoming Western Event.
"Oh?" Alex looked at her surprised. "I'm glad to have you around!" She grinned.
"Yeah, well. I thought it's about time" said Lisa blushing as she caressed a little pin on her shirt that had the colours of the bisexual flag.
"Dude don't tell me, I didn't even notice!" Yelled Alex as she slammed her palm on the table.
"Congratulations!" Grinned Linda.
"Girl that pin is so small I didn't even notice it, I will make you a proper outfit for the Parade. You can't march just like that!" Anne rubbed her hands together, already thinking of any possible outfit to create.
"I'll lend you a hand, too" grinned Jessica.
"Okay I'm getting frightened here" laughed Lisa.
"Then we have two first timers" said Sabine. "Saga is going to join as well."
"So glad to hear that! It's gonna be fun, believe me" smiled Lisa excitedly.
"Yeah, I suppose" mumbled Saga. She was still nervous about it. She tried to focus on the last bites of her meat and ate them mechanically. Sabine watched her from the corner of her eye.
"I'll be off for a little while" she said suddenly. Saga looked at her with a glance that said "you're leaving me now?!".
"Be back soon" added Sabine and walked away with quick steps. Saga watched her helplessly. She felt her chest tighten and she grabbed onto the fork in her hand really hard without noticing.
"Hey, it's okay" Jessica patted her hand. "She's gonna be back in a moment. Let's get the horses ready for the Parade, okay?" she smiled. Saga nodded and took a deep breath to try to calm her nerves.
Half an hour later they were all ready to ride off to the meeting point. Saga stood by Nimbus, holding his reins tightly and looking around, trying to spot Sabine in the crowd. There were so many people but she thought it'd be easy to spot the towering woman. Yet, she just couldn't find her and it added to her anxiety.
Sabine was her anchor. Whenever she was around Saga knew she was safe. Despite all the torture the woman had put her through, it was Sabine who made her feel the most grounded. The most at ease.
And most strangely, whole.
Saga got so deep in her thoughts she didn't notice the person stepping behind her back. She literally jumped when fingers brushed against her arm.
"Whoa, it's just me" said Sabine. "Try to keep your soul in your body, would you?"
"Sorry, just..." she made a few gestures trying to explain herself.
"I got you this" Sabine interrupted her. Saga looked at the woman's palm and saw a bracelet sitting there. It was made of leather with a little horse charm that had rainbow colored mane and tail. "I know it's a bit too lovey-dovey but I couldn't find any more subtle one."
"What do you mean, it's so cute!" Saga smiled at her. She took the bracelet carefully and examined it more closely. "I really like it, thank you so much" she said looking up at the woman. Sabine noticed the faint blush that appeared on the girl's cheek and she had to admit it she was cute.
"Yeah, uhm... Put it on, I mean, if you want, then I'll help you on your horse" she mumbled turning her gaze away. Saga fixed the bracelet on her wrist happily.
Soon they were walking towards the meeting point. Sabine led Nimbus to make sure the usually cheeky horse wouldn't try to do anything silly. They joined Lisa, Alex and Maya who was sitting with her girlfriend on Tin-can's back.
"Hey" Alex waved. "Come and ride with us, Saga! Let's stick together. By the way I thought you'd also join Sabine" she winked at the woman.
"No way. Gonna find a silent spot instead."
"Weren't you coming to Pinta Beach?" looked at her Saga confused.
"Yeah, I'll meet you there. After I have my silence" she said while she checked Nimbus's gear one more time. "Okay, all fixed. Heads up, heels down, shoulders back, don't grab the reins hard."
"Yes ma'am."
"You forgot the most important" said Lisa.
"What?" Sabine frowned as she gave her a warning look.
"To have fun" grinned Lisa. "Let's go Saga" she patted the girl on the back and asked Starshine for a walk. Nimbus followed them automatically.
"Bye" waved Saga at Sabine then turned her attention to riding, trying to make sure she fulfilled all of the woman's commands.
"Really girl, just relax" chimed Alex. "We're here, we can take care of you. Also Nimbus isn't a horse that spooks easily, you'll be fine."
"Okay" she said then glanced at Maya who leant her head on Alex's shoulder and was asleep. "How can she doze when there is so much noise?"
"Oh, she's a master of that" Alex chuckled.
"Really cool."
As a few crew members came to help them stand up in line Saga felt her stomach tighten again. She touched the bracelet unconsciously. Here she was, among other queer people. Many, many of them. She looked around at the unfamiliar faces and as she examined them, she realised even though she didn't know these people she actually belonged to them.
She was one of them.
She was a part of their community.
She wasn't alone.
She was okay.
The realisation gave her a wave of relaxation, she could feel her shoulders drop and her jaw unclench. Nimbus slightly lifted up his head as he also noticed the shift in the girl's mood. Saga leaned down a bit to pat his neck and as she straightened her back, she made eye contact with Sabine who was a bit far away leaning against a tree, watching her with a half-smile and a proud glance. Her hand rested close the chest pocket that had the shell in it.
Saga got surprised for a moment and a different kind of feeling started to bloom in her chest.
A mix of warmth, excitement and longing, slowly washing together and flaming her up. The feeling got so intense she could feel her heart flutter and as she touched her chest she felt something forming in her palm. She looked down confused and her eyes went wide.
On her palm there was a tiny, blue-ish butterfly that sparkled with pure light. Her mouth fell open. Did that just come from her chest? She quickly glanced at Sabine who also seemed to notice the light-made butterfly. She frowned deeply then quickly turned away. Saga got just even more confused. Worry appeared in her heart and the butterfly disappeared with a silent hush.
She was just about to tell the girls what happened when the Parade suddenly started and all the riders walked off the road. Visitors stood by the fences, greeting them and waving at them. Saga got completely distracted and soon she got carried away with the flow, forgetting about the butterfly and also about her fears. All the cheering and happy shouts made her feel ensured that she was safe. Nimbus just walked calmly, looking at the people by the road with curiosity while her rider couldn't stop smiling.
All the anxiety that filled her until then seemed to evaporate. She clapped her hands when fireworks were shot, occasionally waved at the standbyers and laughed at Alex who kept shouting. Even Maya woke up and laughed at her girlfriend. Lisa also enjoyed the parade, she waved with both hands at the people.
By the time they arrived at the beach Saga got so lifted up she didn't even want the parade to end. They looked for a spot to dismount their horses. As Saga got down she hugged Nimbus's neck happily.
"Thank you for carrying me through this" she mumbled. The gelding gently nudged her back with his nose.
"He did a good job?" A voice came from behind her. She looked around and found Sabine looking at her. Saga noticed she was already wearing a bikini top with shorts. The top's flaming red-orange shade really fitted her.
"He did, he was amazing and calm, and did you see all those people? And the fireworks! Just wow! And Alex couldn't stop yelling 'lesbian priiiide', I swear her mind got stuck in that" she laughed. "There were so many people, all of them cheering for us, now I actually feel a bit sorry we arrived, I wouldn't have minded if it'd have gone a bit longer."
Sabine found the girl's excitement amusing. She did remember the butterfly that formed in her hand though, but Saga was so cheerful she didn't want to ruin the mood.
"Told you it'll be okay. See? I was right as always" she smirked. Saga just rolled her eyes.
"Yeah sure, be happy with yourself" she laughed and playfully punched the woman's arm.
As there skin made contact a weird feeling of electricity rushed through the both of them. They looked at each other surprised. Saga gasped.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine" Sabine interrupted. "Let's go to the lazy river, before all these people gather there."
Saga gave Nimbus a candy and made sure he was safely tied up. Then she took off her t-shirt as she was already wearing a swim top since morning and put it in the saddle bag. They headed to the host and borrowed a swimming float that was big enough for the two of them.
"Are you sure we won't sink?" Saga was a bit sceptical.
"I thought you'd prevent that with your magic" Sabine looked at her. Saga gave her an are-you-kidding-me look.
"I can't use my powers that much yet" she whispered.
"You will soon. Now get onto this thing."
Moments later they were out on the water, enjoying the slow gentle of the river. Saga snuggled into Sabine's left side a bit. The sun was slowly setting, it painted the sky and the little clouds with orange and pink colours.
"It's really beautiful" said Saga. "Oh look, fishes!" She pointed to the right of Sabine as a group of fishes swam just right under them.
"Want some dinner?" Grinned the woman, showing off her fangs and claw-like nails.
" Ah, c'mon" Saga rolled her eyes. She was smiling though. As she leaned over Sabine to get a better view she almost lost her balance and happened to bump into the woman's chest.
"Sorry" she mumbled as her face turned crimson. Was that Sabine's breast she just...?
"Ah, my..." now the woman rolled her eyes and pulled Saga onto her chest. "Just stay calm now before you make us roll over" she grumbled.
"M-mh..." Saga was still blushing but just rested her head on Sabine. It was really nice. They've snuggled up before a few times when Saga was too distressed and she could find calmness in the woman’s arms only. But this was somehow different. They were out in public, keeping each other in a quite intimate posture... Saga felt her face burning but decided just to go with it. It was too good not to.
Sabine watched the girl as she buried her face in her chest. Oddly, she found it just so right, like it was meant for them to be together like that. Saga fitted in her arms so perfectly it made her soul and heart warm up. She could feel her fire magic flow in her veins with intensity, but it was different from what it was like in a battle situation. Instead of it being scorching and deadly, now it was the coziest warmth she'd ever felt.
They completely got lost in the moment. The gentle flow, the breeze around them and the silence that surrounded them despite the Festival going on full blast made them feel like they arrived in a new world.
A new world that was meant to be for the two of them only.
However, once the ride was over they felt like they woke up from a dream. Saga looked around a bit confused and rubbed her eyes while Sabine held her hand, making sure she won't fall over on the sand. Saga looked at her, her face was still flushed and her eyes were shining so brightly they've never before. Sabine felt her mouth going dry. She took a breath, trying to say something but a yelling interrupted her.
"Hey!" Alex waved from the distance. "Come and let's go to the docks, Bruce the shark is here!"
"Go" Sabine nudged her. "Have fun."
"And you?" Saga looked at her grabbing the woman's arm.
"I'll find Jessica. It's okay, go now" she said. Saga nodded a bit, finding a bit odd Sabine rushed her away, but eventually ran to Alex.
What was that slight tingling feeling of pain in their chest as they got separated?
Sabine didn't have to look for Jessica as she stepped to her the very next moment. The knowing look she had told everything.
"I feel lost" mumbled Sabine.
"You don't have to. You just found the probably most important thing in your life" Jessica winked. Sabine let out a huge sigh and leaned over, resting her forehead against Jessica's. A gesture they've always shared, even back then on the Dark Star.
"Still, it's a maze. I don't know what I'd do without you" she whispered.
"I know" Jessica chuckled as she patted the woman's massive arm. "But you'll be just fine."
_. _. _. _. _. _. _._
A few weeks later Sabine and Saga went on a trail ride in Goldenhills. They trotted through the forever autumn colored forests without rush, just enjoying the soft breeze that gave them a little break from the summer heat. As the evening was close they reached a hilltop right above Goldenleaf Stables. A few runestones surrounded the clearing.
"What a beautiful little meadow this is" said Saga. "What is that stone ring on the ground?"
"Legends says that's the exact place where Aideen landed centuries ago" answered Sabine as she got off her horse. Saga followed her and they walked to the stone ring together as their horses started grazing.
"Are you kidding me?" said the girl as she crutched down. "Is this actually true?"
"More than likely. I can't go any closer, nor touch it. I can feel its energy. You may though, you're not made of evil" said Sabine.
"You aren't either" Saga touched the stone with her fingertips. She could definitely feel a pure energy radiating from it. "You were created from people's suffering. Their pain and agony you have to carry made you do bad things. They say actions speak loud, but still, somehow I can't think of you as a bad person" she said as she slowly stood up and walked to the woman. "I really don't get attracted to just any people. Remember the butterfly that formed in my hand at the Parade? I realised you were its trigger. And the feeling I have for you, the butterfly is its manifestation" she said looking into the woman's eyes deeply. Saga blushed as she let her soft emotions wash through her and the next moment a small, shiny butterfly appeared on her extended palm. "I know what you're made of. I know why you did what you did. But you can still choose paths. It's all up to you."
Sabine opened her mouth but she remained speechless. Instead she just shook her head and turned her gaze away.
"I've been like that for thousands of years" she said.
"That's the past, you tell me all the time to look forward and not backwards. Now you're the one who clings to the past things too hard. You're the one who blocks away her future" she smiled.
"Look at you, using my own weapon against me" chuckled Sabine. "You have a point though..." she added silently and took a few steps until she closed the distance between them. She put an arm on the girl's waist and pulled her into her chest. Saga gasped as she felt the closeness of the woman and her vibrating energy.
"You are the first person in my eternity who sees me in a different way. Now I'll admit, I adore you for that. Even I'm grateful. It makes me want to protect you from everything possible" she said as she locked her gaze into Saga's. The orange in her eyes were flaming. "Would you share a part of my forever life with me?"
Saga was speechless. She tried to say something but she was so surprised she couldn't form actual words.
"Y-yes" she managed finally. "Of course I would."
Sabine's lips curled into the most gentle smile she'd ever showed to anyone. Her eyes turned into melted lava, but not into a deadly one. It was rather like the warm, cozy flames in a heath on an autumn evening. Saga got lost in them and in the next moment she felt Sabine's lips on hers. She gasped and grabbed the woman’s arm to steady herself. Sabine pulled back for a moment, only to lean in again and kiss the girl again.
They held each other and got lost in each other only to find themselves in the other again.
If they wouldn't have then probably they could have seen the runestones and the stone circle lit up with purple lights and the tiny, light-made butterflies dancing around them.
The island reacted to their unfolding love. A breeze swept through the mainland, bringing their energies to every creature. All the runestones lit up brightly, deers perked up their ears, birds sang their most beautiful song, horses neighed and kicked up their hooves.
The Soul Riders noticed the shift in the magic. So did the Dark Riders. Fripp and Mr. Sands were also aware.
At different points of the island, Jessica and Alex grinned knowingly at the same time.
Of course, Sabine and Saga felt it too. They held each other closely and pressed their cheek together. They were crying, they were laughing.
They were in love.