Typically, the saturation of sunlight spilling across the desert terrain was like a warm cloak over Africa’s back. Even while other parts of Helovia were descending into the bitter clasp of winter’s tight fingers, the Throat retained its warmth for the most part- the night’s chill factor, when darkness spread like disease across the dunes, could rival the highest snow capped peaks of the north. Tinged red by the terracotta dust of her home, she swung around to face Tesande as she began to speak. “Aaawe, lass. Never say never, if ya want it bad enough you’ll find a way.” Nodding quietly, Africa agreed. Those words were the bare-naked truth of the matter after all.

Her friend smiled warmly, and the young dapple grey returned one larger, allowing it to leak gratitude into her soft, feminine expression. “Have ye thought about goin an’ talking to the boy?” Tesande asked earnestly, and Africa nodded guilty- she had such a gentle approach, a trustworthiness that the young Pegasus found almost entirely irresistible. “What harm could that do?” Neat black-rimmed ears were pricked and listening intently, engrossed by the easy flow of their conversation, and so too were her kindly pale eyes, trained to the other horse.

“I suppose you aren’t aware of the rumours; of the tension throughout Helovia because of the Unicorns who live far to the north.” Africa paused thoughtfully as though waiting for confirmation that she should continue, even though Tesande had arrived fresh from her travels barely half a day ago now; naturally she should be oblivious. Lowering her face a little and leaning closer to her company, she continued with a much softer tone. “Our leader, Kri, held a meeting perhaps a month ago. She told us that there are racist folk out there, who should be avoided at all costs. Kri said that we should be travelling in pairs whenever we aren’t at home.” Her eyes widened matter-of-factly as she declared the last bit, Tesande needed to know too after all- no one blessed with wings was safe.

“Voodoo is a unicorn.” She concluded after a dramatic sigh. That summarized all of the angst which Africa had ineffectually tied to conceal for the better. She felt inclined to confide her secret in her fellow adventurer though; the grey was a credulous fool by nature. Again she shrugged. There was little else to say really; certainly if she were brazen enough to step out with the insolent intent to break her superior’s confidence, she would have her head chewed off like the young stallion Levi a small while ago. Africa feared Kri, and that healthy respect would prevent any such wayward behaviour. Or so she believed.

The dappled mare turned then, and began to shift through the dry slippery sand in the direction of the leafy-green oasis, in view not far from her little cave. She figured, at last, that Tesande might need to rest awhile or freshen-up before any real touring of the Throat. “I will take you to the lake.” Africa announced cheerfully, her head bouncing to the bright rhythm of her words as she thrust skilfully through the substrate. “Is there anything you would like to know? About our home or our family?” She smiled innocently. She was a simple soul without that grand intelligence of some who shared the oasis, but she possessed a genuine desire to help. “Or anything?”