At first she thought them to be stunned. Pale eyes watching dotingly as each of her family took their own time to savour this plate set before them. Africa too had been captivated initially, taken aback, completely speechless. The pretty healer, Alija turned her focus from the island for a moment, whispering as though entirely awe-struck. Some were silent, displaying their interest quietly and with modest reservation. The one-winged didn’t mind at all, and followed the path of wandering eyes to admire the surroundings again.

When at last Sacre spoke, she nodded eagerly and glanced by the fox who was crouched by cloven hooves, silken black threads draped a little around him. She wasn’t sure for how long Sky Island would exist, and having had the time already to explore a little of its wonder herself, Africa did not want to hold the herd here waiting for long. “We won’t keep you long,” she smiled warmly after Tandavi too had expressed her desire to explore promptly after the colt-Sleuth. The Starry-Eyed was referring also to Sohalia who she was certain would find their group soon.

There was the scrabble of hooves crossing the first stretch of gravelly desert sand nearby, and Africa looked towards it quickly, expecting wholly to see the snowy dove stepping to join them. A smile lifted her gentle expression when she saw however, that it was Rei who approached them, and the speckled mare’s effervescent voice danced forward in greeting. She went on further to describe the sheer ecstasy of flight- something which Africa had only recently been gifted, and she nodded with brisk enthusiasm (seeing the perspective of those with no wings perhaps more easily than any other). It’s a thrill to be in the sky indeed... she mused quietly as the herd interacted together for the moment. There seemed little reason to but in.

Without delay, Sohalia’s elegant form swooped down from the skies. As she landed and moved to stand close, the dappled mare snuffled softly in tender greeting and dipped her long skull graciously. As the white mare spoke, Africa asked gently and silently for Silas to gather those missing- from Sky Island, and afar. His black body swept away, soft star-glitter falling in his awake.

---

“Welcome to Sky Island,” the Starry-Eyed beamed fondly, when the herd, her friends and family, were gathered at last in the miniature version of their cherished homeland. For some, she knew, this was the first encounter with the God’s of Helovia; their existence and their generosity. She continued, demure voice light and bright, but only loud enough to fill their private plot of land. “Let us first honour and praise the God of the Sun for this divine gift after the Darkness, and also thank humbly the Moon, the Earth and the Spark.”

She paused then thoughtfully to offer Cera, or any other in the group, a chance to further the devotion.

“You might have noticed the disappearance of the Mother of Companions.” She smiled softly turning her face a little so that kind creamy eyes could rest upon the lovely features of Ampere’s successor. “Sohalia has been blessed by our God, and will stand rightfully as our second Sultana.” Already golden dragons danced across her crowned brow, and Africa was so glad to have her white sister and Astraeus right there beside her (far more comfortable then she had been beside the outspoken blue mare). The herd was blossoming, expanding, and a grand new direction awaited these loyal followers of the flame.

“We were recently visited by Midas the Gallant, our Sultan of old.” Considerate gaze swept across the newer faces, those who had not known Dragon’s Throat under his reign (and that of Gaucho the Wildfire). “He has been called to serve as Czar of Hidden Falls, and Seele the Necromancer, leader of the Asylum, is his Czarina. Naturally our two families swear friendship and alliance.” Africa had paid them an impromptu visit recently (revelling in the company of her so cherished brother), and their numbers swelled far beyond the Throat’s intimate clan. “We invite you to visit them to the north. Be respectful of their border always, and please welcome their members warmly, and treat them as our own when they travel to our desert.

An agreement has also been made to enable both herds’ Sneak classes to steal from each other's ranks. This will provide excellent opportunity to further your skills without causing conflict with distant neighbours.” Eyes searched quickly for Sacre, the Sleuth, and the two budding Informants beneath him, Satanic Silk and Destry. “No formal captives will be held, and no items kept, of course...”

Africa paused then and drew a deep breath.

“Recently Sun Physician Andromeda and her Apprentice Sikeax, were sent on assignment to World’s Edge. They presented a bag of herbs, a token of friendship and good will.” The dappled mare glanced around the group to locate those mentioned with a smile. “Please, treat their members kindly. Hopefully the foundations have been set in place for another prosperous alliance between our two families.” Then, her expression stiffened a little as she thought of the Basin, the conflict- the fragile and most bitter relations still standing. “Aurora Basin.” Soberly she looked across at Sohalia and offered a subtly pained grimace. “Treat the Unicorns of the snowy mountains cordially, and with extreme caution. They cannot be trusted and we will not endeavour to befriend them for that reason, and others... they have proven only that they are sly, and more recently in the Threshold, rumours of their racism were confirmed to me. They are not welcome in Dragon’s Throat.”