Quietly interested in the shining scaled serpent draped between prongs in the stallion’s antler headdress, Africa watched with glittering eyes all the while Gaucho spoke to Megaera. She was not overly warmed by the bond which combined the two- unlikely companions, her instincts pinching wildly at flailing nerves beneath her sweat-damp, grey puddled coat. The wariness was well hidden by the loose hang of silken cloak which slipped easily across the subtle shift of her hips though, and the exterior she was careful to portray remained calm and collected. There was just something so unnerving about the snake; which ordinarily could paralyse a creature from the inside out.

Still bathed in the thoughtful bubble of silence, Africa’s pale gaze slipped from Mara as she began the weave herself lower through her makeshift tree towards the stallion’s dark face. Her brow lifted almost instantly, and her eyes softened, spilling tenderness towards Megaera who had a rather discomforted, conflicted expression straining her façade. Immediately the dappled Oracle thought that the influx of overzealous information might have been more a burden than intended. Perhaps Gods and magic did not exist where the chocolate mare had journeyed from- certainly Africa had been privy only to the fairy-tales bestowed by her mother back in Nyorm; there was nothing more magical than the moon’s grip on the churning tides.

Silas adjusted in weight in the dip of her back and Africa felt the careful clasp of his raptor talons reaching through the woven silk, and her ears rocked back to receive the deep steady purr offered to her alone. Perhaps Megaera had not before known of companion bonds either- and here were two very unusual cases standing audaciously before her. The most she could offer between the blunt phrases of her Sultan though was softly fluttering snorts; reassuring sounds that were mostly inaudible, and to smile gently in the same manner.

Eagerly (more so than Africa had foreseen), the other Pegasus mare accepted Gaucho’s invitation and the lonely wing clasped by her right flank lifted gratified- all across it, the lace of delicate feathers fluffed and prickled passionately. Megaera’s gaze swapped to find the young Oracle’s and was met promptly with a kind, considerate nod. A light-hearted chuckle breezed through slightly parted lips as the other answered her own question, and Africa glanced towards the snake- briefly, again rocking her weight between restless legs. It was then that again (at last) she spoke; voice cool, words with selfless intent. “I look forward to seeing you both at home, perhaps by dusk.” Perhaps the reason was obvious, but in the case of either not rapidly cluing into her disability, Africa added with a cheerful giggle, “An Oracle’s work is never done!”