The weary, soft tones of the palest dove rose like a feather pillow around her, rousing each ear forward to listen, but lulling her all the same towards the sweet embrace of sleep. It was a voice that had been missed terribly, a friend with whom to share the trivial pressures of a role so ill-suited. In truth, the one-winged mare had not realised the other Sultana’s departure from the throne, and as her mind idled between consciousnesses, she wondered how such damage could be done to a Dragon Queen. Sohalia caressed her with a touch warmer than the sunlight tumbling down around them and a silly, drunken smile slipped across her lips.

The blind mare’s words infiltrated hazy dreams, and at mention of her avian form she sighed – there was neither the focus nor energy to perform such a feat now. “Oh, fine sisters... I am!” she insisted, tongue lolling about foolishly in vain attempt to point out her wellbeing. It was no lie though, and thick, dark lashes danced apart to flash something like reassurance by each mare. “Carry on... Just want to rest a time.” Briefly she struggled pathetically to be free of the shackles binding her to the air (the roots which had so concernedly been given), and finally knees buckled wearily as the weight of exhaustion grew too much.

Silas, who had been circling watchfully above, began a steep decent towards his beloved and a shrill cry heralded his arrival. Delicate talons sought grip upon her bony fallen barrel, and a wary eye was cast about the group gathered. He had plucked enough of the group’s intention from the mind of his bonded before she had faded, and considerately he fastened his claws into Africa’s mottled skin. With a start she came too, and his thoughts immediately descended; wake now...

Ashen face lifted promptly from the soft bed of long grass – eyes wide and freakishly alert, despite the watery glaze of weariness across them. Parrot. the zephyr told her sternly, determined to have her cooperate without further ado. The mare was too tired to question motives or argue, and still curled upon the ground centred her concentration. From deep within she summoned the magic that would begin the shift. Minutes later, completely succumbed to exhaustion, the avian had lifted her light feathered frame to rest upon the back of the palomino as directed.