2: Zoey

A quick bite and a warm, relaxing shower later, I scurried in between my bed and comforter. I brush my fingers softly over the area where the dove sat earlier. The remembrance floods my memory like an overflowing river. I've never seen a tame one before, not to mention lifting it up towards the sky. Urging it on like a lost little ladybug. I close my eyes and allow tiredness to soak through my skin. My mostly soundless nights were overtaken by a gentle dream.

I sat up in my bed. My surroundings vividly realistic. The moon's soft silver radiance flows into the room through a slightly ajar door. I'm sure I've locked it before coming to bed. I turn my head towards the side table and look at my alarm clock. Instead of red digits I could read a word on its small display. Follow. I must indeed be trapped within a dream. A vivid one for that matter. "Follow what?" I asked myself. The balcony doors swung open even more and in plain sight stood a pearly white stallion. The mare stands proudly before my eyes. I inched closer and touched her soft fur. She's truly extraordinary. "What's it girl? Do you want me to get on?" I asked her twin questions. She nuzzled my hand. I took it as a yes and slide on to her back like a pro jokkie.

I don't know how I haven't noticed it before, but a sparkling golden bridge laid stretched out in front of me. The road ahead lid up the night. The white mare gallops along the way. The night air is cool against my skin, enough to draw some buds. I shivered slightly under her touch. The stallion quickened her pace, as if she could feel my slight discomfort. The scenery is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. It seems that this 'Forever bridge' is taking me straight towards the stars. I'm enjoying the moment. "Close your eyes little one?" An airy voice asked me out of nowhere. Whose there? Who spoke? I looked around me confused. Can such a perfect illusion really take a turn for the worst? A soft laughter filled the air around me in that same airy tone. Peaceful, kind and understanding. Instead of feeling scared, a sudden calmness washed over me. "There's no need to fret, dear one. Trust me, I mean no harm to you," the voice spoke again. Is the mare talking to me? Under normal circumstances, I would have been freaked out, but this is a dream after all. Right? "You can talk?" I asked her curiously. Another soft reassuring laugh erupted from her muzzle. She continued: "That I can indeed. It's only fair to introduce myself. I am Courage." My mother raised me to be as polite as can be. With that in mind, I introduced myself too. "I am Zoey and it's a pleasure to meet you. Where are we going?" I ended on a question mark. "Close your eyes, little one and count to five. The quicker you begin, the faster we will reach our destination," she told me.

What an odd request? I thought to myself. I did as she told me, nonetheless. Closed my eyes and started counting.

One..

Two...

Three....

The air grew warmer. More comfortable. More pleasant. I dare not to open my eyes until I've reached five.

Four...

Five....

The smell of lavender and honeysuckle hits me. I pried my eyes open after a moment. The scenery that greeted me took my breath away. Completely. Where am I?