Together they watched the black and her gold, watched and listened as they walked by her side through the forest. A sense of serenity slowly grew within the mind of the stallion, a sensation that might have spread from the imagining of the lands he had yet to see, or maybe from the feeling of contentedness he could feel in his bonded. She was happy to be here, and that feeling soothed his own unease and reluctance. Lace caught himself almost relaxing where he walked, with the white tail swaying casually by the hocks and head nodding gently for every well-placed, graceful step. He knew it probably wasn't wise to let his guard down in the presence of Mirage. She was a passionate personality and a born leader, something he always had held a weakness for. No, with her skill in choosing words and interesting personality that was at once clearcut, sharp and ever elusive, he would do best not to trust her. He had no doubts that she would use him for her own purposes if she ever was given the chance.

But I still think I like her he admitted to the White. Fajira laughed quietly in the secret place where their souls connected. Spider-silk-on-black think too much she told him and stood up, balancing skillfully on his whithers as she stretched the wings with almost feline laziness. Sometimes it is best to simply follow and see, not plan so much. Worry when you have a reason, not because you think you have to. The lithe dragon flapped her wings and allowed herself to glide out into the air, greeting the gold once more with a purring melodious cry that sang of affection, admiration for the golden beauty and a peaceful serenity that was but an echo of the feeling that lived in her mind. Lace was given only a glimpse of the emotion before the dragon gently withdrew her mind from his, leaving only a soft touch to remind him that she was still there.

The grulla watched the winged lizards thoughtfully, without thinking matching his pace with Mirage's. As always the wisdom of his comrade had surprised him. She was probably right, but it was easier said than done not to think, to analyze and speculate about reasons, the meaning of actions and plan for future events. It was in his nature to think; not even the thorough drilling into a soldier he had received as a colt had been able to erase this trait.

He caught himself sighing heavily and quickly shook the masked head to throw away the philosophic mindset that was beginning to set over him. Taking a deep breath, he savored the scent of sun and earth and trees, tried to bring himself back to reality and the necessity of things. The stallion nodded in acknowledgment of the mares words as she finished talking, grateful for the description of the lands, however vague it felt. It was better than nothing, something to go by when he set out to explore. But that was, indeed, something he preferred to do in his own and Fajira's company. Better to see and hear with his own eyes, without the company of someone that might be prone to prejudice - Lace didn't want anyone to color his mind before he had a chance to create an opinion of his own.

For a time longer he walked with the shadow mare, allowing the peace of the day to guide his thoughts as she guided him through the forest. Eventually though he slowed down into a halt, a hint of regret appearing in the golden gaze before it was turned into calm determination. He would not follow her further than this. Not this time, not yet.

"It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Mirage" he said with warmth in the voice. "Perhaps we will come across one another again some day? I wouldn't mind delving deeper into the topics we have touched upon today, should you ever find the time." There was a mildly teasing tone to the voice of the silver coated equine as he glanced over at the mare, and a hint of challenge in his eyes. She was welcome to try persuading him again, if she so wished. Maybe she would be able to change his mind; maybe not. Either way he wouldn't turn down a visit, and should she need him he would at least listen to her before deciding what to do. For now though, his mind was still too filled with old ghosts, too occupied with guilt and shards of broken illusions to allow acceptance of the offer she had not made but that had hovered in the air during the entire time.
The soot-legged warrior stepped around slightly so that he faced a different direction than the mare. With a sorrowful sound the White bid farewell to her newfound friend and came flying towards him; Lace gave the strange black mare a final smile and nodded politely, then flicked the tail and leaped forward into a short canter with only the echo of words lingering behind;

"Until next time, then."