The new season patrols had been set, and while she was delighted that Silk had been chosen to be her partner this time, Africa felt overwhelmed by the prospect. There was a new stress wrought through delicate grey features, a nervous apprehension that stemmed from the arrival home of one far better suited to the life of leadership than she; than even the Transcendent in all truth. She had spent little time home for this reason since in recent days, instead using the jovial atmosphere of Sky Island to bandaid her worry; sparring (a feat completely uncharacteristic) and generally avoiding the faces of her herd. She was a coward perhaps, the Starry-Eyed had never denied it, and as the threat of her overturn loomed ever closer (or would it be Sohalia?), the more alienated she made herself. Rumour travelled quickly, and word that one so fine had graced the sands of the Sun once again could only mean one thing.

Africa chose not to venture back home that afternoon, it pained her terribly but she could not face the reality of it all. She had asked her bonded to return in her stead, to find the dragon-winged stallion and bring him to the Rotunda- far, far away from Gaucho.

It was cooler there then she had expected. Gnarled shadows fell thick across the trail she paced, and a light breeze brushed the sweat slick across her agitated form. Africa shivered uncontrollably, though she could not tell whether stress or the low climate was the cause. Her only wing clung tightly to her mottled grey barrel, and nervous eyes swept this way and that, harried by the rustle of leaves, or the croak of a courting frog; even the flutter of bird’s wings stirred her paranoia. Of course no one is looking for me... She scolded herself harshly, snorting, and shaking heavily beneath plumes of red desert dust. ...and even if they were, I can’t fight destiny, silly. It saddened her to think that her role might be so easily lost, and she wondered timidly if she would not be better simply standing aside; she had never felt confident leading, never thought she was well enough suited.

He might not even want his title back, she mused, gulping, because the suggestion (to her), was as ridiculous as the paranoia ruling her life. UGH... enough! The Starry-Eyed paused suddenly and eyes glanced down to find that she had worn a deep rut along the trail. Sighing deeply, she tried to push her reservations to the side. Where are you? Thoughts searched for her absent bonded, but for the moment his mind was closed.

(@[Satanic Silk], permission to powerplay Silas. Open to any of course!)

salsolastock | uplifting-stock | two-ladies-stocks
foxyfirewings & larfsalot @deviantart
subtlepatterns.com