Look down, the ground below is crumbling
Look up, the stars are all exploding
The lithe looking stallion's face snapped towards where Africa lingered uncomplainingly, waiting for his reaction to her company. Although her large honey eyes watched openly, with pending curiosity she made no further advancement. The stranger seemed wary, or bothered; lifting his wings in subtle defence as her the delicate tune of her voice graced his ears- perhaps she had caught him off guard. The young grey could not make out the myriad of blemishes and scars which possibly defined his lifestyle, from her more distant perspective they just gave his roan brown coat a more mottled look. Unafraid, but naturally respectful, she offered something of an encouraging smile- be it obvious or not, because she was a humble creature who presented no form of danger.

Silas too watched the stallion, regarding his fine structure and warrior-like body language through sharp, vigilant eyes. The scars did not evade the Zephyr like they did his four-legged mate mind you, and he likened them to other soldier's he had mingled with in the Throat. He had developed quite a keen interest in the army back home, the strategy of battle and the fulfilling sensation that such might offer. Unfortunately, Africa had not a violent bone in her slim, well defined body, and the one battle she had lost was never spoken of.

The air was terribly revolting as it hung, suspended through the motionless trees around the trio. Beads of sweat, hidden by the extensive curtain of fawn-tipped forelock, streamed in little rivers along the chiselled ridges of her long face, and even as the stallion approached, no air rushed forward to cool her.

Africa, did not expect the quite dramatic shift of his temper as the stranger drew near and lifted her face sharply; her lone wing too, and with them one long slender foreleg- a dusty white stocking drawn cleanly to its knee. She too, though peaceful and mild-tempered was a creature born of avian instinct, and though drawing swiftly into her own form of dauntless guard, her expression did not reveal anger or defiance. A warning rumble reached her ears alone, and she felt the protective grip of her bonded's heart embrace her own- his feathers bristled suspiciously, and he eyeballed the stallion from the branch upon which he had landed.

Suddenly the unexpected display of anger struck a chord within Africa; she realised that it was not intended at her, but on her behalf. Many had shown the same outrage for her apparent debility (though still none knew of the trauma which the Unicorn's had inflicted), and the young mare's outlook softened immediately before her concerned kin. Silas did not relax- he felt overwhelmingly devoted to the wellbeing of the transformed mare below, and would not risk for one second further demise of her darling soul. Africa's emotions switched quickly enough for the Zephyr to hold his position.

"It was my destiny. Unfortunate, though necessary…" She offered the stranger calmly soon after he had spoken, and dipped her face in solemn and kind favour. It wasn't that she brushed his disquiet off, or took for granted such fierce kindred loyalty, it was more that a steady bridge across the mental scarring had been painstakingly built, and the memory of those sickening seasons had been tied down to the very edge of her being. She shrugged amiably, and giggled ever so slightly to try to ease the friction building. "I am Africa." She introduced herself gently, easing any form of normality into their meeting to undermine her very obvious dissimilarity.