Unmistakable was the earnest expression melting across the sweet colt’s innocent face. Bathed in coal-grey, far darker than the silvery puddles dappling her own hide, Dust’s small features were animated with something Africa could only imagine to be bashful surprise. Her stormy maw reached towards where he paced eagerly to the side, and warm, tender breath spilt affectionately through fluttering nostrils. She was pleased that the effervescent youth would come; but more delighted still with the potential strewn across the youngest generation of aspiring shoulders. The dappled mare would certainly not let the boy down; she would tend to his needs and nurture him to the very best of her ability.

The heat of the day clung about her like a plague of ravenous locusts to a lone sapling tree. Sweat oozed and darkened the switch of her tightly canvasing coat, and flies bothered her pale face incessantly, tickling velvet smooth nostrils and harassing her pale eyes at each opportunity. The curtain of thick, wiry forelock flicked backwards and forwards as her only defence against the onslaught, and brisk snorts erupted frequently as she travelled.

Dust’s enthusiastic smile was refreshing. Not for a second did she find his nature or attitude overwhelming, off-putting, or anything less than admirable. In fact, as she watched his progress through calm, collected yellowy eyes, Africa felt rather like she was gazing into a mirror; that he was a small replica of herself- before her only recent stretch into maturity. The character he portrayed; the temperament which flourished like a blossom in snow-shroud winter was undeniably inspirational and as he quelled the flanking eagerness exuded (like she had done so many dozens of times in her life), the one-winged Oracle listened in quiet consideration.

“I think that having goals is great.” Africa reassured him soothingly as his voice wavered into hesitant nothingness. She didn’t want the colt to feel ashamed, nor like his aspirations were insignificant. As well as she could, the grey would assist his journey through life and more than anything she fancied the idea of witnessing his grand success- no matter what form that may take (her own had come with equal torment and not at all how she had expected or planned). “You can cross living in a herd off your list Dust.
See? Nothing is beyond the reach of someone with the motivation to achieve.” A thoughtful grin spread across wrinkly lips and her chin beneath dimpled with the kindly gesture. “I will teach you all I can. You are welcome by my side always.”

They had passed a great distance already and Africa was heartened that the gravity-bound journey did not dampen the spirit of her young pupil. She took great care to monitor his progress, energy and stamina, given Tallsun’s unrelenting heat. Whenever he needed to stop, she did so willingly- understandingly. Constantly the patient mare told him about the areas through which they walked- explained the climate, how such enabled unique flora and fauna to thrive; pointing out notable features in the landscape and filling his craving for knowledge with anything relevant that was packed so tightly inside her wizening mind.

When weary hooves collided with the parched red perimeter south of the fire pit which marked Helovia’s fierce heart, Africa knew they were nearly home. She paused then, and turned through the expanding heat of the region with heavier breaths than had been required by the shade of the Threshold. Seriousness had stiffened the tranquillity of her demeanour- and right away she was thinking of Aurelia, who she had not seen for over a week.

She had cared so deeply for the gold-flecked filly, but that trust and confidence had been eroded in a short space of time. Africa had been too swift to pledge commitment and care to the girl (foolishly), so much so that her heart now ached with disappointment. Unfortunately though, she was a sucker for punishment with a heart far larger and more open than someone cleverer might have allowed- and Dust filled her with a new wave of faith. She hoped sincerely that the colt would stay with her, though never would his legs be shackled.

“I need to explain a few things.” Her voice was as caring as it was concerned- and the following was for the sake of his wellbeing alone. “Dust, Dragon’s Throat has been through much recently, and at the moment we are recovering. I can give you more details at another time if you would like but for the time being I want my warning and advices to be the most important things you remember. The Unicorns who live in the northern Basin are unfriendly and dangerous. You must avoid them please, as is the request of our leaders Midas and Gaucho.”

Africa drew a long breath and smiled at last. That was the gravest of her concerns, but Dust’s curiosities seemed to lie with the lore of the land and growth by understanding- his interest did not seem to be cursed by the same oblivious ignorance which she had perceived in Aurelia’s. The grey did not readily believe that her new young friend would strive to indulge himself at the expense of his brand new family. “World’s Edge are our closest friends and the relationship is to be upheld. You may visit as you wish, but please be mindful that borders need to be respected. So too are we fond of the Outcast band- the Asylum.

They are the kingdom alliances.” She added quickly, remembering suddenly that Dust was well younger than his attitude depicted; that he lacked experience and wanted to learn all that he could. And so she said- “The Basin; those Unicorns, they are our greatest enemy.”

Africa fell into a thoughtful silence in case the colt wished to speak or ask about anything- relevant or not; the Oracle didn’t mind. She nudged him playfully and began the final leg to the border of the Throat.


For @[Dust] and then any one else.