It is much to Tiamat’s surprise that the Pegasus mare is startled by her approach, recoiling away and her whole body seemingly tense with what could only be fear. The ocean mare’s eyes widen in surprise before her brow furrows in concern, an apologetic expression softening the fine lines of her face. The last thing she had meant to do was upset the stranger—she would never want to bring terror upon anyone—and her heart goes out sympathetically to the quivering mare. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to take long for the Pegasus to realize that she means her no harm, and Tiamat’s smile widens in happy confidence.

She doesn’t understand why the stranger won’t look her in the eye, taking it only as a sign of her meekness, and ponders little on it—her mind quickly moving to more wondrous things when unfamiliar words and phrases leave the stranger’s lips. What a peculiar language! Knowing only her own native tongue and way of speaking, Tiamat has never before heard of phrases such as “nay” and “thine,” and it entertains her quite joyously in piecing together what is being said (because she realizes it’s not a completely foreign tongue, just beautifully different).

However, the dancing threads of her attention are drawn primarily towards the floating dolphin, the horror and concern in her chest quickly loosening and giving way to astonishment. “She breathes air?” Her lips part in a little ‘o’ of wonder, white eyes wide and glistening with curiosity, “Wow.” She has never seen such a creature! One of her father’s ocean, floating—swimming—with ease through the air! It is nothing short of remarkable, and she finds her amazement difficult to contain as her long tail curves behind her, blue nostrils flaring as she reaches out to the dolphin—Ardere, the mare had called it.

It would seem that Ardere is just as curious and welcoming. Tiamat’s lips curve into a smile as she watches the dolphin drift towards her, bumping her shoulder gently. The ocean mare’s delighted laughter trickles through the air, eyes dancing beneath the forest’s emerald haze. “Well hello, Ardere; it’s good to meet you too! I enjoy the water as well,” her head tilts a little to the side as she looks at the floating dolphin, unable to get over herself and her astonishment, thoroughly enchanted by such a spectacle as this.

Fluted ears flicking back towards the mare when she continues, Tiamat’s eyes soon follow, pleased that the stranger—Laedere, they are strangers no more!—seems much more comfortable now. “My name is Tiamat,” the blue unicorn smiles before extending her satin muzzle in a gesture of friendship, wanting only to celebrate and grow in their companionship (ever trusting, ever innocent to the wiles of the world and its shadows). “It’s a pleasure, Laedere; I apologize if I frightened you earlier. I’ve never seen a dolphin that…breathes as she does. It’s amazing,” her gaze flickers back to Ardere for a moment.

Her curiosity and honest thirst for knowledge lights her features, questions and musings bubbling to the tip of her tongue, wondering how such a thing is possible. Are there more of these creatures in Helovia? Are there other water animals that can “swim” through the air, as Ardere does?

There is so much to discover, but Tiamat manages to refrain herself, not wanting to overwhelm Laedere in her excitement. “How does she do it?” She inquires when she looks back to the mare, her new-found friend, eyes doe-like and shining. But there is something that manages to sway her enthusiasm. It is only now when Tiamat notices the bloodied bandage, hanging loosely and flapping with every movement, and wounded wing underneath; her features quickly sober in concern. “Are you all right? Are you hurt?” She reaches out tentatively, her healer’s heart leaping and beating in her desire to help.


“Speech.”

     LIKE THE OCEAN KISSED THE SKY,
at the most beautiful place under the sun.