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Far below, the dense forest was cloaked in thick, impenetrable darkness. So exposed had Africa felt within its labyrinth of fencing trees, that a hefty sigh of relief escaped the pinch of her soft black nostrils; such a weight removed from her young shoulders, and she sailed still higher through their haven. Regularly, the tentative horse tilted her face sidewards to examine the progress of Ahi; she cared deeply and would not see him suffer unduly. There was a multitude of areas upon which they could alight, if his ill health became overwhelming, and undoubtedly together, they would be quite capable of holding their own defensively should the need arise.
Silken streamers of cloud were finally visible, aglow by the soft milky glow of the moon above them; the tips of Africa’s wings brushed through them with each beat, curling flimsy strips wildly as she passed. It was not enough though. If Ahi cannot see what beauty is sprawled below us, I will show him the stars! A playful smile dithered the corners of Africa’s black lips, as she glanced towards Ahi. Now she could see him, no matter how dimly his coat flushed in the pallid glow. Pressing her wings once more, all the while careful to match the stallion’s own pace, the dapple grey lifted into the sheet of hazy white and her wings shattered the tranquillity, with flurrying wind busts.
By now she imagined they were passing above the invisible boundary marking the ‘Heart’ against the ‘Meadow’, though it didn’t matter if she were wrong. Breathing deeply, the freezing air filled her lungs and she coughed with delight, exploding from her cloudy penitentiary. It was not that though, it was a comfortable lounge where the flighted could frolic; free from the binding chains of gravity. Above them the spattering of glittery stars lit up the night sky, and Africa’s pale warm eyes sparkled fancifully. She held their position above the cloud line for the remainder of the journey, hoping that Ahi found as much peace and satisfaction there as she did.
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It had been a long day, and Africa had meant to be home much sooner than midnight. But it was around that time that the thin cold air became laden with the hopeful scent of dry dust; of desert. She tipped her wings gently downward and in the same moment swept a thoughtful look over Ahi. The pang of tiredness was seeping through her worn muscles, and she could not imagine how the misted brown stallion was faring by that stage. It would be a well earned rest tonight, though Africa would not do so, until she had ensured her guest' safety and comfort. She descended quickly through the swirling currents above the desert, the warm air rising to clash with the cooler at high altitude.
Dipping and swooping elegantly, the mare sank from the sky, and immediately the air blew warmer; thicker, and the taste of dust across her tongue began to blend with salt. Ocean licked wildly at the feet of cliffs surrounding the Throat’s encompassing desert, on all sides but to the north. Africa’s hooves were ready, waiting at the end of long outstretched legs, and they met the slippery dune noiselessly. The sand beneath had detained the suns warm from the previous day; even at this late (or early as it were), hour. She remained comfortably perched across the dune while Ahi followed her in, landing too, finally within the protection of his new home.
A pleased smile lifted her expression in the darkness. “Welcome home Ahi.” The oasis was not far, the powdery pollens borne to well nourished parent-plants filled her nostrils, though Africa waited patiently for her brother, watching curiously with the hope of finding him still alright.
"Thinking. Speaking. Acting."
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[O] [FINISHED] She Caught a Falling Star [Ahi/Healer/Open]
