Their trip was spent mostly in silence, with the occasional small talk passing between them. Not one to be troubled by silence – Alysanne spent the trip alternating between taking in everything she could about the world around them and keeping an eye on Kahlua. Although the other black and white mare kept a rather cheerful outer image, Aly worried about the sadness underneath. Twice, as they walked together, when she thought that she caught a particularly sad expression in the eyes of her new friend she reached out with a gentle touch – reassuring her, comforting her, reminding her that she was with a friend.

Thankfully, those terrible mushrooms were gone – relieving some of the distress from her friend.

And then there was a noticeable change as they entered Kahlua’s home. With the welcoming smile Aly could see that she was with someone that truly loved her home and felt pride in it. She had been given that impression back in the Threshold, certainly, but to actually see it was something incredible to behold. For Aly had never felt that for any home – she had never been in any place for so long. She considered Nocturne home only because her friends and family were there.

Little did she know who had also made the migration.

As they passed the border, Aly listened with interest as Kahlua mentioned building a wall to keep out intruders. The black and white Pegasus might wish for a peaceful world but she knew that there were always those that did not want peace. But the idea was rather interesting. “A wall! How fascinating. Out of what?” The only walls she had seen before were the ruins in Nocturne, stone held together by materials she did not understand leftover from a time long forgotten when humans were the dominant life there.

When Kahlua told her to stand still, Aly obliged but watched the other mare with a curious smile. She wasn’t entirely sure what to expect – maybe she was going to call for the other herd members – but quickly Aly realized that was not the case. She watched in absolute awe as Kahlua worked magic mists and created something so beautiful out of it. It took a moment for the Pegasus to realize that it was a gift for her. “Oh Kahlua! It’s so beautiful!” She lowered her head slightly, showing her acceptance of the gift. “I didn’t even know such magic was possible – you have a wonderful gift, my dear. Is it fragile?” Straightening up, she was positively beaming – she felt so touched by the gesture. “I feel like a princess.” She commented with a light laugh, ruffling her large wings the way she did when she felt truly content.

The headband was light, but she was unaccustomed to having something on her head – she imagined it might take a little while to get used to. She might even move a little strangely while she was getting used to it – worried as she was about having it slip off and break. Emerald eyes are focused on Kahlua as she spoke a truly heartfelt “Thank you.”

When Aly complimented Kahlua’s ability, she attributed it to a gift from the gods – to the Lady of the Moon. Well, she had just seen her new friend spin a glass band out of mist and air – anything was possible. “Wait, gods?” When Kahlua motioned to the sky, Alysanne could not help but follow her gaze – checking to see if there was something visible. But of course, there wasn't. “There are gods here?” It was a strange concept to her. Where she had come from there were strange creatures – elementals that could weave the power of any particular element, demons that clawed their way out of Hell to torment those on Earth and angels that descended to fight their fallen brethren. But gods? She was open to the idea and her tone was not one of disbelief – just curiosity. “I’m sorry, but that’s not something I’ve ever heard of.”

She had already seen so much that was new and strange to her; the concept of gods did not seem so far fetched. Perhaps they were like the elementals back home. Aly had the feeling that what she had learned so far was nothing compared to the secrets that she had yet to discover about Helovia. Were any as dark as those that lurked at Nocturne?

She fell into step beside Kahlua and another mare joined them soon after – Alysanne welcomed the stranger with a bright smile, inviting her to walk with them (for the Pegasus was excited to see the rest of this land). “Hello! Dear Kahlua here was just showing me around – I’m new to Helovia. My name is Alysanne, but please – just Aly. You’re most welcome to join us.”

As grey mare’s attention turned to the band on Aly’s head, Aly looked to Kahlua with such a proud smile. Never had she before been given such a gift and the other black and white mare was so endeared to her in such a small time. “Yes! She did. She has a beautiful talent.” It was an honour to wear it.

There were so many questions in her mind about World’s Edge and about Helovia as a whole. Although an invitation to ask had been made, she did not want to burden her newfound friends with all of the curiosity she felt.

Now that she had the company of two lovely mares – they made quite the monochromatic trio – she mulled over which of her questions to start with. Bright emerald eyes roam to take it all in as they move deeper into the territory. “Well let’s see. Where to begin? You mentioned that your leaders were Mirage and Thor and that the herd is called the Qian, yes?” A rhetorical question, she was rather making sure that she was remembering their conversation from earlier correctly. She hoped to meet the two of them sometime. Kahlua had referred to them as ‘the Dragon Heart’ and ‘the Gentle Heart’ – such curious titles – but she had also said they were kind. “What is expected of the members of the herd?” Were there jobs to perform? Expectations to hold up? She could see other figures around, could smell the scent of others on the air, and wondered jut how many members of the Qian there were – whether they were all as pleasant as Kahlua. It did not normally work out that way, Aly knew, but if they were a peaceful herd she would find it easier to stay here.

The coming of Brisa had put the subject of the gods right out of Alysanne’s mind as well, though it would undoubtedly resurface at a future point when the subject was brought up again. Her mind, at the moment, had refocused on Kahlua as she explained the different possibilities of what the members could do. It was good to know that she would not have to pick an option. Aly wasn’t certain how long she would be here. Her heart ached for her friends and family that were somewhere else.

As someone who did not entirely believe in fate, she thought her luck was incredible. The Qian were the perfect match, from Kahlua’s description and the first impressions she was gaining from her time her. Peace. Aly wanted nothing more than to live a peaceful life, to see those she cared for live in such a way too.

She wondered whether there was a darkness in Helovia, like there was in Nocturne. Were there demons here? If there weren’t, this was the safer place – she just knew it. No more hauntings, no more fear. A hope, flashing bright as it began, took root. For now, though, the conversation was on happier things. She would ask Kahlua about the darkness in time.

She pondered the options available, was curious about it all, save perhaps the warriors. Well, perhaps there was a degree of curiosity there as well – but not enough to make her want to seek one out and try her hand at battling.

“I’m glad to hear there’s no steadfast requirement. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying. My son… well, I miss him.” And here, the moment when her smile faltered. She had mentioned her potential-temporary status to Kahlua back at the Threshold and still it gnawed at her. There was uncertainty in her voice as she spoke about it. Every step they took, she felt like she was growing attached to this place. If she left, she’d be trading missing her family for missing something new. Her son was safe, she knew that, but what sort of mother would she be if she just gave up the idea of seeing him again? There was a whole life back in Nocturne.

But she must not be rude and forget where she was - in the company of two lovely mares. Her smile returned, with uneasily at first but soon returning to its usual brightness. “Though I do appreciate the hospitality, and hopefully I’ll find a way to repay you all before I leave.” How, she did not know. A million thanks, if nothing else. The subject stirred the curiosity she felt about her two companions – they were already considered friends, so amiable were their natures, but she knew so little about them. “Have you two lived here for long?”

But then they came to a little clearing between some trees and once more Aly was amazed at the talent her friend had. “Magnificent indeed!” Aly echoed Brisa’s praise – stepping cautiously towards the statues but too wary to get too close. It was glass, like her headband and the wall, but the substance was still new to her. It reminded her of ice – and she knew all too well how fragile ice could be. After examining the bear, she turned to see the look on Kahlua’s face. The heartbreak that had been experienced was so close; a little fracturing was to be expected. The Pegasus re-joined the pair, offering an encouraging smile that paired well with Brisa’s nudge, before focusing on the grey mare’s words. Yes, a change in topic might be just what is needed.

“Enjoy? Well, I used to be able to heal, though the magic seemed to have been tied to the land I came from. Apart from that… what I really enjoy is learning about those I meet and, of course, plants – I’ve been studying them all my life. Though I feel like I’ve got a lot more to learn now that I’ve come here.” The amount of new species was overwhelming, but it was evident from the bright smile in Alysanne’s green eyes that she delighted in the pursuit. She had recognized a few specimens, here and there, but for the most part Alysanne had found herself in an incredible world where everything was new and fresh. “Our talented friend here is a crafter – one of the finest in Helovia I wager.” A bold statement, but surrounded by the clear, dazzling sculptures – how could Aly believe any different? And she did believe it, with the utmost sincerity. Alright, perhaps she was a little biased but Kahlua deserved the praise. “But what about you, Brisa? Have you thought about being an apprentice?”

Her attention had not yet lighted upon the herb garden nearby – which was all well and good, because she might forget herself and go to explore it. The world she had been first introduced to was one composed entirely of her father, herself, and the plants in the forest they lived in. It was a connection that she was unlikely to lose, even in a land as foreign as this.

Though perhaps it seemed small, the comforting touch that Kahlua offered her after Aly mentioned her son meant so much to her. It surpassed all her expectations, finding Helovia and finding her – and Brisa too. She was thankful for the move in conversation, dwelling on Arty would cause her to break, she was sure.

No, no more tears today - for her or for the mares in her company. Despite the lingering distresses in the recesses of their minds, Alysanne was truly happy to be here. She had no idea whether she was ever going to be able to accurately show them just how much she adored her luck. It would be good to linger here, to rest but also to see whether this would be a safer home for her family than the one she had left. Maybe she had wandered all that way for a reason?

As it was explained that Brisa had only arrived a month ago herself, it did not seem all that surprising that she had not found out where she could contribute to the herd yet – such decisions and discoveries took time. “You’re going to do wonderful, Brisa, whatever you decide. Even if it takes a little while to find your niche, it’s out there. Maybe we can learn about healing together.” Warm, encouraging smile accompanied her words. Not everyone could be a warrior or even a healer - but she liked to think everyone had a part to play. Kahlua could weave beautiful objects out of glass and surely Aly and Brisa would find they had a talent or two for something. After losing the magic she held previously, she'd be starting over again and would be happy to have someone else there learning with her.

It was so easy to move on from the time she spent travelling, from the loneliness as she searched for her family. She felt comfortable here, in the Edge and in the presence of Kahlua and Brisa - both of whom made her smile with their comments about how they hoped she would stay. “Helovia does seem so wonderful – you’ve both shown me that. I promise that I will come back.” The idea of leaving made her sad, especially in the company she was in, so she shook her head and dismissed the idea for the moment with a bright smile. “But let’s not weigh ourselves down with such talk just yet. I’m not going anywhere today. And today… well, there’s still so much more to see! I’m so excited to explore more!” Having not missed the way Kahlua looked at the cliffs, when Alysanne suggested moving off – her head motioned in the other direction. Surely there were other sights, other faces, that they could discover. Everything was new to her here. Right down to the language (how puzzling the term 'frostfall' was to her).

But before they could move off, she wanted to make sure of something. A look of honest concern in those emerald eyes as she glanced between the two mares. “I hope I’m not keeping either of you from anything? As much as I want you two to be my guides, I can always explore on my own for a time.” Though it was certainly not preferable to be on her own, social as she was, Aly rather disliked the idea of being a burden in any way. She would not hold it against either of the mares if they had something else to attend to. There was no thought of slipping quietly back out through the border and the Threshold – her travels left her weary (more mentally than physically) and she would never dream of leave without saying goodbye.



ooc: thought this might be a good set up for the thread ending in either of your posts, but if you guys have other ideas or want to keep going we can do that too! Definitely won’t be the last time they chat <3