The sands welcomed me like a favored son. I stepped onto them willingly and without stumbling forward as a man whom never walked upon the softened texture might have. Nay, it felt right to breath in the heavy musk of rain and mist. A wave of orange moon rain was coming, thick, dark clouds were rolling in from the ocean. It moved to cover the throat in a blessed shadow – shielding it from the heat of an afternoon sun that lay hidden behind many layers of cloud cover. I smiled, another crack of dry lightning painted the sky with fury and light. A sheet of solid rain could be seen on the distant dunes, far off from the border – but close enough to taste its effects on my tongue.

Fina screeched, displeased by the turn of weather; she didn’t favor storms.

We halted at the border, knowing better than to spread a step further into a territory that was no longer mine. No longer home. I scanned the heaven, looking for a patrol that would surely be posted nearby – hoping beyond hope that perhaps Cera or my youngest child would come drifting in from the desert. I’d come to pay them a visit after all, check up on the happenings of their life. Too much time had passed since our last palaver.

Children of sand, and I was still their father in many ways. So many of my kin remained in the throat, leaving me to live in a distant land.

Minutes went by slowly, I was surprised that no patrol arrived to greet me; nay, not a single soldier trailed in from the sky or ground. Ivory locks flashed hard against my left flank, two pairs of eyes were drawn to the distant storm which continued to grow – we watched it in silence. Eventually I saw a familiar figure, darting in and out of the clouds. His body a handsome cream, powerful wings thrashing misty heaven aside. Fina had long caught sight of that dusty form, her sharp raptor eyes a boon to seeing distant things. She sidestepped along my body, waving back and forth in anticipation. The son of a general and leader noted our presence.

Fina cooed warmly, fondly spreading wings and beating their heat against the dry ozone. Tail flared out, shinning like a true rival to the hidden sun. Cera came soaring down moments later. Painted limbs stood their ground and unadorned crown rose to greet my middle child; my prodigy. A warm, paternal smile laced its way across lips.

The desert caked his body with a warm musk that was ever familiar to my senses; however, there was another fragrance lingering like a bad omen. Yar, copper. I knew the taste from battle and spar alike. Brows visibly narrowed, pools filtering some of the inner concern that was bubbling toward the surface. “Yar. I say hail to ye, son.” His scuff marks drew uneasiness, but it was common for all parents to worry of their kin. Fina chortled, demanding attention from the young diviner – smirk inched higher, tenderly I added, “She worries of ye.” We both did. Dark muzzle extends, attempting to brush across his velvet to solidify our meeting, “I’ve come to visit ye and Ranjiri.”

“How fairs ye?”

I listened to his reply quietly and without interruption. Truly I’m pleased with what he voices, it would seem my son had finally found a slot in this world; a place where he felt needed and appreciated. My grin is gentle and small in measure, though my eyes are soft with a warming pride. “There is no greater purpose,” I whispered. Previous worry was washed aside by understanding. Protecting those who hold a tender spot in spirit and flesh. “I’m proud ye have entered such a titled position; I’m sure ye will honor it.”

He didn’t elaborate further and I didn’t press for an answer. Let the boy tell what he would, when he chose – it was Cera’s right to share or remain silent. When his words turned toward Ranjiri and the mention of a son I visibly frowned, for a moment I was unable to contain my surprise. Jaws fell apart, slack and wordless, “A child?” I repeated, finding the words tight behind the folds of throat. Gaze narrows, though not out of anger, “I hadn’t realized she was with foal…” Brows raised expectantly, “Could we walk on? I’d like to see them.”

It felt strange asking for permission into a land that had been my birthplace and home for many a year. Yet, I’d given up the privilege to come and go freely – all for the sake of a god. He had also mentioned a quest and the desire for magic, “What quest did the sun grant ye? Perhaps I could aid ye in it.”

He had nearly completely withdrawn from me. I felt it, sensed it. Without words or the lack there of – I knew this boy. Who else had been around to nurture his early days? Had Cera forgotten the countless Tallsun afternoons we’d spent by the sea? Or hours upon hours learning to glide down the slopes of Thistle Meadow. Yar, I couldn’t mend the wounds in his heart, nor the bitterness. He wouldn’t forgive me, even though I’d asked for it. As a parent I would continue to reach out for as long as he allowed it. Even if it hurt us both. Because I loved him as a father would love a son. As my father had loved me.

I listened to how he hadn’t know little Ranjiri to be child – which gave clear indication that he also wouldn’t know the sire. Without replying I nod and start moving forward at his word, glancing over as Cera began limping painfully ahead. The Diviner answered my question about his quest, I remained silent for a moment longer before speaking.

Memories of a certain lass who could control fire came forefront, “I know of a woman who can harness flames.” Last I’d seen her, she’d been burning down trees and other manner of flora, “Her name is Aurelia, I last saw her on the floating island near the ocean.” Perhaps the girl could be persuaded to help, perhaps not – there was no harm in sharing the information. “and would flying do ye better?” He could hate me for caring and I could hate myself for trying and failing…and thus a circle would continue until one broke away forever.

Aye, I’d not thought of it. But perhaps Fina could indeed help him. Her feathers had caught things on fire before, I remembered how the living moss back home had twisted and burned beneath phoenix rage. Appearing to scream soundlessly as it crumbled to the ground, withering, dying. I turned one eye her way, “Would ye aid his quest?” Interest spiked, she prodded with rare keenness at the conversation that transpired by sorting through my memories. I silently translated his words in a language she understood. Those aqua pools sharpened, turned to him as a soft warble came forth.“Yar,” a small smile stretched higher, “She wants to aid thee.” Of course. Fina wouldn’t ever deny him.

What creature had harmed him? I wondered but didn’t ask. Cera seemed content to allow our walk to lapse into silence. I didn’t say anything more, or suggest anything else that would prove helpful to the situation. It wasn't long before he'd led us to our destination. The old magnolia. A tree that had stood firm against storms and all manner of tribulation. Fina took to heaven – climbing high and angling toward a familiar branch. There was sadness in us both, a bitter grief that was sour in our mouths. Even if we left the Falls today. Rejoined our family here in the Throat. Would it ever be the same? Would they even welcome us? I swallowed and gazed down at sand.

Finally we drew near enough for shadowed shapes to become clear. I looked up and saw Ranjiri. Beautiful as always, my sweet daughter. The siblings exchange scents and I’m forced to pause as an onlooker. She looks to me after Cera's introduction and I find myself frowning without realizing it. Her wings part and beneath is a little colt – fragile looking, but no less magnificent. For a moment I simply gaze at the three of them, Fina turns to me then, softly brushing my mind with her warmth and security.

Her confidences gives me resolve and a warm smile chases the shadows from my eyes and face. “Ranjiri. I’m glad to see ye is in good health.” Crown dips to the golden child of mine and muzzle stretches to brush across the tempting heat of her cheek, “and hail Ryuu,” tone softens, deepening into a velvet and paternal tenderness. He is a handsome fellow, carrying multiple horns upon brow – their spikes just beginning to procure. His pelt gives my mind no thought toward adoption or the like. For all I knew the child was of her blood and mine, (though it wouldn’t have made a difference either way.) “I’m honored to meet ye.” Crown lowers to his level.