There was a time that Phae would have felt an anxious panic at being surrounded by so many pegasi. For all her life, Phae had been a flighty creature. She had flirted with men only to win their affections, so that they might protect as one would some shiny gem, or other precious item. Her only defense was to flee - and her abilities in that arena were almost unmatched. She was built for speed, and her life had relied on her God's given abilities more than once. But now?When had she changed? She felt no fear here, only a cool confidence. That must be the Grey's influence on her, surely. Even saying that she was a part of a mercenary group made her feel confident and untouchable. Or perhaps it was the spar she had recently won? Or, perhaps it was Stella...Her life had real purpose - a band, for they weren't quite a herd, and were too cold and distant to be considered a family, and a companion, to look after. She no longer needed to flirt with men for protection, but found that she still liked to do so.

As she moved, a stark figured moved out in the sands before her. While Phae presumed the Throat had many white pegasi amongst them, she recognized Sohalia for who she was, almost instantly. It was almost like looking in a mirror, really. They had similar body structures and were of a similar height.Had Phae been born with one more cream gene, they could nearly have been twins. An excited apprehension grasped Phae as the two neared. This was not like flirting at all...Phae did not know how to act around a mare, not really. I was just thinking about you! Frowning, Phae tilted her head inquisitively, coming to a halt before Sohalia. That was almost precisely what Levi had said, when she had come looking for him as well. "Oh?" She inquired uncertainly, hoping Sohalia's thoughts of her wouldn't end as dramatically as Levi's had.

High above, Stella circled. She was clearly still upset with Phae about being shushed and told to leave that evening in the Grove. But what took place there, was no place for a chick. No place for anyone except for her and Tolio....Still, Stella did not appreciate Phae's need for privacy, nor the fact that she had mentally barred her companion from searching her mind to see what had happened. Stella would not stray from her companion, but nor would she come down and be polite either. She was full of childish arrogance and entitlement, traits that Phae did not appreciate. Better get used to it... her mind warned her condescendingly.

Phae felt the blood drain out of her face, and had to focus steadily to keep her knees from trembling. She needed advice..to talk...maybe just to tell someone! From high above, Stella her tongue angrily, implying that Phae could talk to her, and not this other mare. Shaking her head, the sooty mare sent reassuring thoughts towards the bird, who sent nothing in return. "Uhm.." Phae began tentativley, "Is there somewhere we can talk? I..." But she couldn't finish. All she managed was a helpless look towards the white mare, hoping in some way she would understand.