The Edge Games...
Open to anyone and everyone.

A series of games hosted by the Edge.

"Silas, I want to attend..."

Lilac eyes narrowed circumspectly as they peeled away from the dimpled skin of the bright red raspberries still hanging between green, wrinkled leaves on the bush. They fell swiftly upon the endearingly credulous gaze of his beloved with apprehension pooling within. It had been only a week or so since the unannounced arrival of her suitor; the master manipulator whose heart sang ever louder than his brain. The residual effect still pulsed through her thoughts, pain, guilt, confusion – all of which she had overcome for other reasons barely a month before.

"I am ready."

Silas sighed deeply – ever the stanch guardian, keeper of her delicate heart. He would never disable her or hold back the free, frivolous spirit within her, that he loved so dearly; and this opportunity to feed her confidence and play like in times of old, was indeed an opportunity he could not deny. The glossy black feathers thatched across his breast prickled as a solicitous purr resonated below. Of course.

A blend of nervous excitement coursed through Africa’s slender frame and the fire curling through both her long mane and tail seemed to flare in answer. Admittedly she was terrified about facing the world she had tried so hopelessly to hide away from; but as time drew on and memory of her mistakes began to blur and distort, strength and clarity returned to her mind. "Well we better get going. The invitation was left weeks ago." Her voice frothed enthusiastically, her dappled pelt flinched and quivered in anticipation, and pastel, bright gaze electrified in the golden light of the morning.

They had only that day and one night left to travel!

Perhaps only hours later, Africa had cleaned out their den comprehensively (the prison cell that she maintained with meticulous care), collected a few supplies and an amulet into her satchel just in case, and had fastened that just below her left elbow – of course with the help of her obliging companion. "Let’s go!" she grinned broadly, unable to contain the bubbling excitement through her core, and the pair set off south to allow the northern ice-fields an extra-wide berth.

---

The forest skirting Word’s Edge was not completely unfamiliar – Africa had visited the home of the Qian on two occasions before. She walked with a measured stride beneath her gliding keeper, tension brewing like a plague through her soul; but she wore across her face a misleadingly valiant mask, and a smile that gave no hint to the turmoil lurking within. There was no sign of the great glass wall which had once marked the borderline of the beautiful territory, though pretty glinting fragments of the region’s prized material were strewn all around little visible pathways. It never occurred to her as she paused for a moment to run her lip inquisitively, imprudently, along one fine edge, that these were the remains of that wall.

"Ouch..." The dappled Medic skipped back from the glass with eyes set upon it suspiciously. Blood dribbled from the cut and it stung just a little.

A small while later she was standing amid a sea of hot bodies (to begin with she had been off to one side), exhilaration and fervour resonating like rolling thunder around them. Africa soon forgot about her reservations – the atmosphere was contagious. She likened it to the buzz about Sky Island! One mare stood at the head of the gathering, it was Kahlua the Sunshower who the one-winged had met thrice before. A mirthful smile slipped across her maw, as Silas settled himself comfortably beside the lulled flames at the top of her tail. The painted queen (who incidentally reminded her of her Ascended king, Midas...) introduced her guests to the game, and in good time sent them away with a clue.

---

"We have to find something brown and sticky..." she translated for Silas as they strayed south back into the forest through the Edge, and her shining eyes were trained to the littered floor, searching – but for what? "Oh... and a fake green stone!" Africa had some idea in mind regarding the latter – in fact, and without mentioning aloud what she was looking for, she narrowed her focus. It took a solid hour before they found the green treasure – it was not as obvious or abundant as she had first imagined it might be, but soon enough she and Silas had returned to the curious rocky tail to hunt for the first item which had been on the Edge Queen’s list.

You aren’t going to find it under there... Silas mentioned casually, swifter in thought than she and already flapping towards their prize where it lay, slung above their heads. He collected it with a careful grasp and the Edge citizen collecting for them took it carefully. "Yes, I know..." she answered distractedly, quite taken by a creature lurking beneath a rock, now upturned. She flipped another beside it, but only a hoard of scuttling grey slaters burst out from beneath. With ears pitched intently forward, the dappled mare returned to the first and picked up the small bizarre creature between her lips. "I want to keep it!" She whispered, casting a clandestine glance by the official behind them, and turned to stash it safely in her satchel – with a mouthful of half rotted leaves, dirt and the little rock to make it comfortable.

Do you think we will get extra points for finding two brown sticky things?

The zephyr furrowed his ornate brow at her and ruffled his feathers. He was sure her pet was not part of the agenda.

If you are lucky... maybe.

Africa