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The salt as it dried quickly through her murky, dappled coat formed little crusts that irritated sensitive skin beneath. The desert air, even so near to the coat, was dry and warm and sapped the moisture swiftly, leaving the surface beneath parched and itchy. Africa's hide flinched at the nuisance sensation, again and again, but she did not allow the disturbance to retract her attention from the gold dappled girl. Quiet, thoughtful eyes traced the looming figure of Aurelia as she too breached the crest of the dune, legs stilling close to where Africa now lay slumped in a puddled, grey heap. So fleeting were the snippets into the child's soul that she was not often able to read them- the little Pegasus was intelligent and she did not think that the girl held the same blissful ignorance which had been Africa's own downfall. There were notable differences she thought humbly with a gathering smile, and they became more apparent the longer time together was shared.
Although the newly appointed Oracle portrayed a rather blasé image, deflecting frequently the seriousness which flanked the world around her, troubles absolutely tarnished her heart; and the experiences which strained her soul created a level of compassion and understanding that the general population more often than not lacked- theirs was ignorance really. Africa knew well that it was the obstacles in life that crafted both attitudes and futures, and she had not allowed herself to be soured in the fashion which so many who had crossed her path, had. Free of negativity and sadness, the young one-winged mare strove always to conquer her demons.
"I-I haven't met any colts…" Aurelia replied, her voice twitching slightly as she spoke. Silently the mare waited for her much younger friend to finish, assuming of course the other wasn't fishing for Africa to fish. It was the exaggeration of the word colts which triggered her interest though, shrewdly she was able to figure the girl's crush was not of equal age. What she was not expecting was to find out the new Sultan, Gaucho, was the source of her childlike bashfulness- how ironic, she thought suddenly, that they both had shared feelings for their superiors.
Before Africa's felony, butterflies had swarmed with tickling wings in her stomach whenever Midas was near. Always she had found the black and white General (at the time) appealing- her immature heart infatuated and ridiculous. Times had changed though, and now steady respect had been set in place, both as friend and as head of their family-herd. "Oh?!" Africa gushed in mock amazement. She broadened her eyes and smiled easily at Aurelia's revelation. Personally, the dappled mare could not relate to Gaucho's allure, but appreciated her honesty and feelings. "Does he feel the same?" She asked next, continuing the conversation with a frail sort of maturity.
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[O] top of the social ladder, fell hard [Open - Africa]
