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06-20-2014, 04:38 PM
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The darker mare drew near. ‘My name is Inara. I hope you can understand my earlier… mistrust.’ The Starry-Eyed inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the unforgettable brackish scent of her homeland. She knew that paradise sat further inland, lush vegetation enclosing perhaps the purest waters of all the land, but she could not see it yet. Demure gaze traced absently the distant, rippling red horizon which seemed so flat and vast, extending in every direction she looked. It was home, wild and harsh, but she knew better; knew her desert intimately and felt the thrash of her toiling heart mellow, the aching sinew beneath mottled grey canvas unwind. The mystery surrounding Inara seemed to loosen; Africa’s long-suffering uncertainty began to evaporate. Her quietly interested eyes mellowed at once, and a warm smile eased away the mild, stoic expression upon her pale face. “No hard feelings...” The grey mare replied graciously, turning briefly as she spoke. She was not a hypocrite. Silas’ shadow passed across them again, it was smaller as he rose upon heaven’s spiralling thermals. As she stepped across the invisible borderline, pale hooves sinking beneath the familiar warm sand, The Starry-Eyed explained that the region was not as uncomfortable as Inara’s first impression might have assumed (many before her had glazed over with bewilderment, evidently put off by the waves of heat and waterless land). “We live on this peninsula, with feral ocean thrashing beach or cliff to each side. It is not so terrible though...” she hummed cheerfully, and smiled, “Towards the middle of the desert is an oasis, and that is where the herd lives. That is where we are headed.” Africa walked briskly She was all too eager to slip beneath the shading palms and other vegetation native to the Throat. Sweat lathered across her flanks and stained her dappled coat, and though the Tallsun heat seemed so easily to quash her energy, the one-winged soldiered on obliviously. “You are welcome to stay with us as long as you fancy.” Her voice held no trace of hesitation, and her lovely long skull bounced encouragingly. “Perhaps to fill in your time while you learn more about us, I invite you to undertake an apprenticeship of your choosing...” She paused, both stride and talk, to turn and find the other’s bi-coloured gaze. “...No obligation, of course. The finest of the Throat’s arts are covered under tiers- Sneak, Fortify, Mend and Craft. They are all overseen by a specialist in their field. Do any interest you?” Falling silent the Starry-Eyed continued. For much of the final leg of their journey afterward, she didn’t speak further, instead allowing Inara time to consider and process the invitation and her surroundings. Soon enough they were slipping between the first flimsy arms of palms and pink flowered mimosa trees. |
