My first impressions proved surprisingly correct as the two mares I initially chanced upon greeted me warmly. Alysanne; I nodded to the pegasus, only a little bemused by the her vigor. With whatever she shared with Kahlua stowed between her wings once more, I surmised my curiosity best left forgotten until a later date. Unfortunate. ”No need to apologize,” I murmured, the words nearly under my breath – embarrassed, perhaps? Overwhelmed, more accurately. Some vigor had returned to my stride, but I hardly possessed the alacrity of a younger beast. ”I am glad to have your name at last, however. I owe you all a debt of gratitude I hope to one day repay.” Though perhaps I could not do so with quite the joy both Alysanne and Kahlua radiated.

     Though I found myself content with the company of only the two mares, another joined our group shortly: female, pegasus. She wore a serpent like a crown. Interest piqued, I turned to watch more formally as she greeted the others. Aurelia. She seemed quite taken with Alysanne; I merely nodded to answer her greeting, supposing I was likely not quite to her taste (and all very well… the mind wanders where the body ought not). ”A pleasure to meet you as well, Aurelia.” I wondered if I would ever untangle these names when the time came again. ”My name is Ruske; I am only recently a nurse for the herd.” At least my reputation did not proceed me beyond those who had witnessed my initial state. One of my ears twitched nervously. I disliked the thought of being he, the sickly one. I ought to find some other way of standing out.

     Kahlua interrupted my thoughts with a question – surprising, given the motley group here assorted. ”What do you think of the walls?” I turned to peer at the ruined structure as she did. In truth, I had studied them little since my arrival. They recalled old ambitions perhaps too keenly, but more to the point, I disliked the sensation of walking in such a shadow, like the corroded skeleton of something massive – violent. They drew from me no sensation of joy, I could be sure. But did she wish to hear such an opinion? I stood silent as Alysanne spoke first, no doubt more qualified to voice an opinion than I.

     ”I think we’ve all had enough of walls” – and what about caves? I sensed a history unspoken, but rather than ask, decided to refrain from abusing the current topic. Perhaps, in later travels, I might inquire elsewhere… Caves. Had they been living underground? Then how had they eaten? Frowning, I studied the wall again, my thoughts in turmoil. But I found Alysanne’s opinion lacking – political, truly, but of little substance. Ever a man unable to control his tongue, I cleared my throat with a rumble. ”I cannot say I understand the history behind yours, or the use, but they seem an odd feature for a land dedicated to peace. One feels a certain dissonance in their presence and yours, Kahlua.” I fell silent a moment, ruminating. The next words burst forth of necessity, painful and almost hungry. ”Surely there is a better use for the master who crafted them?” Alysanne’s words implied the individual in question was Kahlua herself – or was it merely an aspect of royal attribution? I could not be sure, and so left my words vague. Thus falling silent, I studied the queen for a reaction – and the others as well. Warm though they seemed, I anticipated their response with some anxiety – I had known a few to be kind until provoked, and did not wish to wear out my welcome. Though perhaps it was better to know the nature of my companions outright, after all.