A/N: So…three and some years later I've come back. Please note that this chapter has been revised. After aging Dom, I realized the plot wouldn't quite fit where I needed everybody to be. Keeping them younger will definitely help the story not get super-confusing! So please (re-)read this chapter! :D

When she opened her eyes it took her a while to remember what had happened. The girl was in a meadow with a little brook near her and a herd of wild horse. For awhile Lucy just watched; the gears in her head turning as she thought about what the mother had said.

She sighed "Why do all decisions have to be so difficult?"

Well where would the fun be if they were not difficult? A voice answered.

Startled, she jumped up, silently drawing a dagger from her sleeve.

I did not mean to frighten you, horse-daughter. I only wanted to answer you question. As the voice continued to speak, a horse walked towards her. Your mother is one of my people. I promised her that, had I the time, I would help you find her, and so I will. However, I cannot directly interfere in the affairs of men. Therefore, I must help in a roundabout sort of way, as you all would call it. Do you know how to ride horses, Lila Lucia?

"I, I do," the girl stuttered, shocked by the easy communication between the horse and herself. "Might I ask why you're asking me this?"

Her tail flicked as she laughed. I ask you this so that I may help you in my own way. I have a few gifts I wish for you to have. However, once I give them to you, you mush go.

"I understand…I think"

I expected as much, little one, considering your parentage. So, here are my gifts, in addition to those given to you by the Mother, the Green Lady, Weiryn. First, a map and a compass carved by the Winds themselves. Second, the power to Sing your Will. Third, I will grant you a companion. Her name is Eclipse; she was orphaned as a foal. A midnight black horse came over, a white crescent-shape between her eyes. I believe that you two belong together. Now, I cannot tell you who your mother is, but I can lead you to your godsmother. The Mother has already spoken of her to you, so you know her name. Should you be in any sort of trouble, pray to the Horse Lords for help—call Bian's name. That is all I can say to you. But now, you and Eclipse must ride. I am sorry I cannot tell you her name, child, but we must follow rules for the sake of your kind. Good-bye dear one. And remember! Bian will guide you if you call for her! Eclipse will find your godsmother, she knows the way!

Lucy hoisted herself into the saddle and kicked Eclipse into a gallop. When she turned around to call out her thanks, the horses were gone. Facing forward she listened as the animals spoke—beavers about the crisp fall weather, hedgehogs about the warm burrows, and birds about the migration south. However she soon realized that the People were not the only ones speaking, but the Naturaleza were as well. A tall pine spoke with an ancient, thundering voice, violets spoke in happy whistles, and bushes spoke fearfully of the coming frost.

On they went, the two, for many hours. To pass the time Lucy thought of the gifts she had received from the others. The two fans, both steel-weighted, beautiful, and deadly, the bow and quiver given to her by Weiryn, and a Gift she did not quite understand—all the Green Lady and Goddess had said was that she would be able to save the lives of those around her, should she be properly trained.

While Lucy thought she didn't notice that the sun began to set, or that it began to grow a little chillier. In fact, she did not even notice when her eyelids began to drop. All she did notice was that her saddle was suddenly very comfortable—and that was the last thought she had before she was enveloped by dreams.

"Excuse me? Are you alright?" A man was shaking her, gently yet firmly. "Please, you need to wake up. Coren, get my cousin down here now! Tell him a girl needs help!" Suddenly the ground disappeared beneath Lucy and she felt a pair of arms carrying her.

"Dom? What's wrong?" It was another voice and, based on the pitch, this was a woman speaking.

"I don't know Kel. I found her laying across her saddle. Evric—one of the new boys in the stable—is trying to convince her horse to come with us. I had Coren run to get Neal, but he still isn't down here." That was the man holding her that spoke.

So his name must be Dom, Lucy thought. Well I guess I can be nice and wake up for them. After all if they wanted something from me they would have already taken it. She opened her eyes slowly, looking up at him. He looked to be about twenty-five, with blue eyes and floppy brown. His skin was tan, his beard cropped short. Deciding she didn't like being carried, especially by a complete stranger, Lucy tugged on his sleeve.

"Excuse me, sir, please put me down." It wasn't a request.

His eyes widened, "Of course." He set her on her feet gently. "I apologize for that, but when I found you slumped over your saddle and not waking up I was worried. So, I brought you back here to be healed by my cousin."

She nodded, taking it all in. "And where exactly is here?" Lucy looked at Kel through her peripheral vision, taking in her breeches and tunic, noting that she appeared to be around twenty years old.

Dom laughed, as did Kel. "You somehow managed to find your way to Fort Steadfast, in Tortall, near the border of Scanra."

Lucy looked around some more, before crinkling her eyebrows and looking back up at him. "Do you think you, or whoever is in charge here, could help me?"

Keladry answered, "We might be able to. What do you need?"

The girl looked up at the adults and took a deep breath. "My name is Lila Lucia—Lucy if you please. I am looking for my godsmother, but I don't know where she lives or what she looks like. Also, I don't know who my parents are. But I do know my godsmother's name!"

Dom smiled. "And what would her name be?"

"My godsmother's name is Alanna."

Another quick note! SO, I had pretty much decided that this story just wasn't going to happen. Actually, when I uploaded my newest project, I nearly deleted this and "Prophecy of a Daughter". But something kept me from doing it! When I went to look at my story stats today, I was absolutely shocked: I had three hits for this story! That was more than enough reason for me to decide to work on this again! So, to you three people (or one or two, depending on if someone[s] went back and forth between the chapters), THANK YOU! Seeing someone read this has made me extremely happy! And now to work on the next chapter…

P.S. For future reference Dom is 26, Kel 19 (this is after her adventure in Scanra, before Raoul and Buri's wedding), Yuki is 20 and Neal is 25. Also, there will be some romance in here (I already know who Lucy will end up with!...unless I change my mind XP). I'd love for people to guess who Lucy's parents are though, as well as who the three people who know she exists (hint: One is Alanna, but her mother [obviously] knows and a third person who will be revealed later!).