Duvarları içinde - within the walls

Chapter 0

A/N - A little background story of how Mihrimah met her horse.

Mihrimah's dreams had been woven with the image of a majestic stallion, its mane like the pale yellow moon, eyes reflecting the wisdom of ages.

The stallion had beckoned her, a silent call that echoed through the corridors of her mind. Tonight, that call had manifested into reality.

As she stood there, under the tree on the vast field, interrupted by the distant sound of hooves. Mihrimah's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding with anticipation. She turned towards the source of the sound, and there, emerging from the shadows, was the very horse that had galloped through her dreams.

The creature was a vision of enchantment, its dark brown body shimmering in the sun. Its flaxen and pale yellow mane and tail blown by the wind.

Its dark eyes, deep pools of understanding, locked onto Mihrimah's stormy ones with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the reality. The air crackled with an unspoken connection, and Mihrimah felt the weight of destiny settling upon her shoulders.

Drawing on the courage that had been forged through countless battles, Mihrimah approached the horse cautiously. The ground beneath her felt, as if the earth itself was aware of the profound encounter taking place.

The horse stood still, a silent sentinel between the realms of dream and reality. As Mihrimah extended her hand, the horse nuzzled against her palm, a gesture both tender and powerful. In that moment, she knew that this was no ordinary horse – it was her destined companion.

With a gentle touch, Mihrimah climbed onto the horse's back. The world around them seemed to fade away as they set off through the field, the rhythmic beat of hooves synchronizing with the symphony of nature. The vast landscape blurred into a tapestry whispers, and Mihrimah felt a surge of exhilaration coursing through her veins.

The horse moved with grace, carrying Mihrimah through the silent plains. As they rode, the wind carried whispers, ancient voices that spoke of forgotten legends and untold tales.

The horse led her to places she had never ventured, through valleys cloaked in mist and over hills that kissed the sky. Mihrimah marveled at the beauty of the world unfolding before her.

Eventually, they reached an edge of a cliff. The horse slowed to a halt, and Mihrimah dismounted, feeling the cool stone beneath her boots. The horse stood beside her, its eyes filled with a knowing gaze.

Mihrimah was lost in thought as she thought about the battles the she would fight in. The horse nudged her gently, as if to reassure her that she was not alone on this journey.

As she stroke the horses neck, she realized that she had yet to give the stallion a name.

''I named my sword Yağmur, which means rain And you will be Toprak to my Yağmur.''

Toprak neighed in acceptance and reared.

With newfound determination, Mihrimah mounted the horse once more, and they continued their journey through the woods. The wind carried the echoes of a distant melody, a song that seemed to resonate with the beating of her heart.

Mihrimah guided her new companion back towards the Kayi Tribe. As she approached the camp, the familiar sights and sounds of her tribe came into view. The morning bustle had already begun, with children playing and women tending to their daily chores. The warriors prepared for the day's challenges, and the scent of cooking fires wafted through the air. Yet, despite the apparent normalcy, Mihrimah felt like a different person.

The stallion moved with a regal grace. The tribe members paused in their activities, their eyes widening in astonishment as Mihrimah and the horse emerged from the outskirts of the camp. Murmurs and whispers spread like wildfire, and a hushed reverence filled the air.

Osman, the tribe's Bey, was among the first to notice Mihrimah's return. He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and concern. Mihrimah dismounted, her every movement emitted a newfound confidence and purpose. The horse stood by her side, a silent companion that seemed to radiate a quiet strength.

Osman approached, his gaze searching Mihrimah's eyes for answers. ''Mihrimah,'' he spoke with curiosity, ''Where have you been? And what is this horse that accompanies you?''

Mihrimah met Osman's gaze. ''I have been on to the place that have been haunting my dreams the last couple of months.'' she gestured to her companion.

Osman's eyes narrowed, his skepticism evident. The tribe members gathered around, their whispers growing louder as they tried to comprehend the sight before them. Mihrimah took a deep breath, ready to share the revelations of her encounter with the stallion.

''I have been waiting for spring ever since, I the dreams started to come to me. As you know it was always the same dream.'' she started. ''Always the same dream in this time of year, where leaves starts to grow. I have even spoken with Sheik Edebali. Even he encouraged me to pursue the dream and its meaning.''

Osman studied Mihrimah's face, searching for any signs of deception, but then his stern expression softened as he absorbed the weight of Mihrimah's words.

''If this stallion truly is meant to be your companion, then we must heed its call. Destiny has woven its threads into the fabric of our tribe, and it is our duty to follow the path it lays before us.''

In the days that followed, the Kayi tribe embraced the changes that Mihrimah's encounter had brought. The stallion became a symbol of inspiration, a living embodiment of the destiny that awaited them. Mihrimah, now recognized as close subordinate, worked alongside Osman to strengthen the bonds of the tribe.

The horse, once a visitor from Mihrimah's dreams, became an integral part of daily life. It galloped alongside the warriors during training, its presence instilling a sense of unity among them. The children, once filled with awe, now played fearlessly around the creature, their laughter echoing through the camp.

Mihrimah, with the guidance of the Toprak, will lead the Kayi tribe through challenges and triumphs. The unique bond between them will grow stronger with each passing day.

Word count: 1002

Toprak means soil