Alina

“You are not careless at all Alina!”

Her laugh was like bells to the ears of the embarrassed girl and Africa’s words seemed sweet as honey. Alina had been prepared for a pat on the head and words in the line of “It is okay, but next time; think before you act, girl!” But the Oracle didn’t show any sign that she was offended and as much as it confused Alina it also relaxed her. With a happy sigh and a slight bow of her pale head the dove returned the older mare’s smile.

Alina didn’t notice the confusion in Africa’s eyes when she uttered the name Skuggi. The dove had no idea that most horses in the Throat knew the black raven, who had brought her and Virus to their new home, as Shadow and not Skuggi, but light would certainly be shed on the situation sooner or later.

Turning to Dust Alina’s eyes were once more lit up with glee and her smile broadened. She liked the young ones; longed for the day she would have one of her own. However she didn’t necessarily want a foal right that second; she was wise enough to know that she needed to experience more of life before she could take care of something as precious as a child. Dust was so well-behaved, though. He didn’t speak much; he seemed to be more of an observer which made the dove think that his mind was sharp. Only fools blabber away when they have nothing of value to say. Alina was aware that her own bubbly way of speaking could make her look a bit less intelligent than she wanted. But then again she also knew that she was being too hard on herself from time to time. And this was one of the things that she often scolded herself for.

Pushing aside her thoughts she turned back to Africa and listened carefully to her words. Her transparent expression made the girl a bit unsure. Alina had trouble detecting if the Oracle really wanted her company or was just asking for the sake of politeness. But the dove quickly decided that Africa was being sincere.

”I would be delighted to accompany you, Lady Africa, as well as you, young Dust!” She answered with yet another smile. However as Dust spoke she became a bit nervous. Her body tensed up and her emerald gaze darted between the two grays. The colt, whom she had just described as well-behaved, was asking a one-winged mare if they could maybe fly into the herdland. What if this was a sensitive subject to the Oracle? What if she was offended?

Alina forced her body to relax. She knew she was being too scared about offending people or creating negative emotions, it was a trait of hers that she was constantly working on. Calmly she let her eyes rest on Africa’s dappled frame; awaiting the older mare’s response.


bg and flower: locolobo.net