The Mother of Companions had not been seen for weeks- practically the whole of Birdsong, and it was with an apprehensive heart that Africa conceded the rash blue creature was unlikely then to return. Bemusedly she quelled the feeling of relief as it leaked intoxicatingly into her bloodstream; neither had been given a choice as to who would lead the Throat at their side and she'd never thought them well matched. She wondered fretfully what the God of the Sun would think of the events transpired, of the discouragingly slow growth of his herd and suspicious activity like that which had been brought into the open crudely by Ampere, about theft and deceit. Regardless of this, the one-winged mare was working studiously to stir activity through the midst of the herd, and watching all the while those who passed across the border. It was a struggle she could not manage on her own.

She needed to clear her mind; she needed guidance.

The time to call together the herd was again growing close. Much of Dragon’s Throat had been transformed already, it appeared to be more or less a clean slate- cleansed of all which Kri had imparted, and that of Gaucho the Wildfire and Midas the Gallant who had followed in the Resolute's footsteps. Though their legends would be whispered by generations to come, the boldness of their militaristic age had waned; and in their wake stepped new light and vigour, a scholarly cleverness where once only might and power had reigned supreme. Africa thought of Sohalia- wise, motivated, and a long standing follower of this land. They appeared to have much in common, though that might also have had the potential to leave a considerable gap in the defence of the land. Already though, the one-winged had vowed to work with the army, to better her skills and strive to lead them confidently should wickedness assault their border. She had some experience thanks to Midas (to her past), and she would draw from those pools to succeed.

Soft footfalls ventured inland, the lush emerald of the oasis rippling in the distance. The time to call together the followers of warmth and light was approaching quickly, and they would need to stand united, have to have a plan; guided always by the Sun.

The day was hot, the desert dry, and the only breath of wind spilt down from the north thick with the pungent stench of sea salt. Africa was glad to be back beneath the dappled shade of palm ribbons and pink speckled mimosa’s. Her sweat stained pelt seemed to cool instantly when finally the weight of the sun was lost, and her skull lifted with new buoyancy and eagerness. She had not seen the pale dove or her young Wakiya for a few days, and despite the gravity of the proposal in mind, the grey was truly looking forward to this next reunion. Flies bothered relentlessly about her fluttering nostrils, unfazed by the swing of her skull or sweep of long oil-slick hair as it danced beneath flame to the rhythm of her movement. Nearing the lake, the Throat; the epicentre of their universe, Africa began to search more thoroughly, for any flash of white or scent which might quickly reveal Sohalia’s location.

[Ooc: I wasn't sure if she knew she was going to be Sultana already, or if you wanted to play it out IC, before a meeting with the herd and the Sun God. It would be cool to announce all new positions, with the Sun God's blessing at once to make everything official! I can change anything you like.]