Perhaps a mere week had passed since last she had departed the Threshold, trailing the flight as she was bound to these days, her herd-brother Levi and their newest clan-mate Ilacta. It had been a swift union, the raven mare shaking their frill spiel off with rather a curt nod and swift departure towards her new home. Africa was not so bothered about being left to traipse through the vast wilderness of Helovia alone; to return home last but not least. Such had simply become her new way of life and there was little she could do to change that.

The one-winged mare and her guardian Zephyr travelled long through the night...

As dawn peeled away the murky darkness, Africa slipped between the first redwoods flanking the enormous forest which was the Threshold. She had returned so quickly not only to feed her social cravings, but because the luxury of shade- even partial was something a desert dweller coveted. Warmth lingered, swelling the air into a pungent barrage of fresh pine, sweat and staleness, and Africa did not find it terribly welcoming. That was Tallsun’s blessing on their ever shifting landscape however, and she continued uncomplainingly, sodden as she was after a long merciless journey into the north.

Silas soared through morning’s half-light, scouring the territory below for sign of movement, should Africa have let her guard slip; like so often she did. His passion was her wellbeing, and always his mind searched through impenetrable darkness for some union, understanding; the link that might one day bring their senses together as one. Already their souls; throbbing tender hearts were combined, and mostly that was how they reached out to one another- emotion was perhaps their most powerful form of communication.
As he sailed between the rugged old wood of the forest, the young Zephyr couldn’t help but notice a pair of horses- both apparently young, even from the alien perfective of an avian. The smaller of the two shared the gift of his beloved, two wings; his company without. Dipping and swooping towards them, Silas’s heart began to stir, to pound, in a vigorous effort to rouse the attention of his wandering companion.

Africa felt the strain of the little avian’s heart, its burning desire reached out for her and quickly she altered her path to follow the direction in which he had flown. Her step was careful and clean; the tread of one who had practiced the art of concealment many times, but that was not her purpose this day.
The dappled mare sent a soft, cheerful call ringing through the shaggy undergrowth as the sun’s bright cloak of light fell across the area- shafts of rich gold spilling through any unfilled space in the sparse, prickly canopy above. Silas swept towards her, warmth and affection spiling from his shining, black gaze and the little Zephyr landed comfortably across her back. Together they continued forward, towards the two figures which materialized before Africa’s intelligent amber eyes, not far through the trees ahead.

“Hello there...” Her naturally soft, sweet voice offered them as she and Silas paused a considerate distance apart from the pair. A tender smile was issued to each individually, her pale grey complexion showing nothing but the tranquillity which pooled inside. Africa could not tell how long they had been talking, but noting the young colt’s position she could only presume that they were still caught up in initial introductions.
After a thoughtful break, to let them continue if they wanted to, the young mare spoke again- in turn. “I am Africa, from Dragon’s Throat.”

Silas who still was perched upon his beloved’s sweaty back watched the strangers, noting curiously that they were as dissimilar as water and fire. The filly bore a coat as golden as the midday sun- he thought immediately of Fina, the fire-bird who he had met for the first time not weeks before and bristled aloofly at her memory. The creamy girl was leggy, and cloaked in hair beyond the youth which gleamed in her eyes- each of those legs, and her face also was a dark shadowy hue that he found quite striking.
The colt was dressed in a grey much darker than Africa. Silas noticed quickly the strange red glow of his eyes, and narrowed his own as he fluffed his feathers cagily in response to the unusual trait. The young Pegaus’s wings were still juvenile, but not weak and flaccid like a newborns- the avian could see easily that flight had already been mastered.

“I have come to extend the security of my family- my home to you both, should you be seeking that comfort.” Africa could see easily that the filly and the colt each, were perhaps too young and inexperienced to be roaming the tangle of forest at large. She did not presume for a second, all that had filled their lives mind due- keeping her thoughts and worries safely tethered to the pulse of her gentle heart.

Somewhere above, backlit by the clear bright blue of that particular day, the grim silhouette of a great bird unleashed forth the morbid caw of a raven, cracking the simple tranquillity which had settled rather consolingly throughout the old woodland which hedged the vast eastern rim of Helovia. Quickly; alertly, long charcoal grey ears lifted towards the sound and listened. They were followed swiftly by narrowing, ever watchful eyes, gazing upwards to scan the awning of flimsy leaves. The large bird was far above their heads, balanced precariously atop two splayed, bouncing branches right at the top-most point of an enormous pine. Africa wondered amusedly, as it bellowed offensively again, whether the frail sticks between its sharp claws would fail altogether, forcing the unbecoming creature to move on. She held no displeasure for such a bird- only its inappropriate timing, and the increasingly obtrusive tone of such an unrestrained voice, as she mingled in the little group below.

The filly was perhaps a young mare actually, Africa thought quietly taking a thoughtfully sweeping second glance across her, drawing gradually ever closer to the stewing pair. Perched awkwardly across too-long, gangly ebon legs the creamy girl looked rather like she was caught somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, dithering on the spot curiously all the while she watched her company. A somewhat entertained smile slipped across the dappled mare’s own silvery-grey lips as she absorbed the buckskin’s fresh, dynamic character shine through darting, unfocused eyes. She recalled the days, long ago, when she too had been similarly distracted; starry-eyed and dreamy.

Much younger, the dark grey Pegasus colt aired a coolness that Africa appreciated in someone so green in a world full of trials and tribulations- there was an ease about him, that she was drawn to; a freshness that she felt needed nurturing, as much as flowing water needed a course. She thought frankly to herself that the boy would thrive in the embrace of her family and flourish with the support of the Throat- if of course he chose to commit himself. She, herself had been untameable back when she was so small, with arrogant ambition and stars in her haze filled eyes; so sheltered had she been that her life had been aimless, her heart nomadic. Only when Midas had swept her up from these very woods had she found her niche, and now her being swelled with reason.

Lightly, Africa chortled at the boy’s curiosity; pleased with the forwardness of his innocent character- Silas returned the colt’s stare steadily, beady black eyes always watching. Perhaps she would take him beneath her wing, guide him and watch him develop. Again she passed her gentle gaze over the golden girl. Undoubtedly different qualities lingered quietly behind that remarkably, dark facade. The dappled mare would offer the same opportunity to her should she favour such.

Nothingness filled the space between them like a hungry plague and Africa found her weight leaning right, the left hoof to her rear lifting into a casual tilt as it was cleared of pressure. So too did she ruffle the sleek mat of motley chrome feathers lining her only wing and shoulder, lifting it slightly so that the steamy dampness beneath might attract the circulation of a rogue, exceptional breath of wind. With unlimited patience she examined the wingless, hornless girl, and a mildly affectionate expression softened the wrinkles around her honey, lash-rimmed eyes.

Dust spoke again, and while Africa didn’t understand the exact meaning of his statement, she figured it was his uniquely charming attempt to compliment them. Sighing playfully, she reached towards him blowing kindly all the while. Really, she had not spoken with many younger than herself- her kin back home were wise, well beyond her own years, and it was nice she thought to be able to relax her maturity. Perhaps, she anticipated, Luz and Dust might be a comfort to one another (and the young Zenobia), when the drain of adult responsibility bored them.

“Shall we walk?” Africa offered at last, noting that Luz seemed a little restless. She was a perceptive soul and could see plainly from the younger mare’s fidgeting, that standing around passing the breeze was of little comfort- and naturally she agreed in the sense that the sun’s raw, brutal heat was drawing a thick film of sweat across each of them.
Taking the lead with effortless confidence, she stepped forward to pass her tenderly quivering whiskers past each of their noses- a subtle gesture to reassure any nervousness should it be stirring in their minds. “Why don’t you tell me about yourselves?” Africa looked to the golden youth first and smiled warmly. “Where you have come from; about your ambitions and interests... I would be more than happy to answer any questions either of you have about this country, Helovia, as well.” Africa turned then through the hot stale air, wishing them to follow her through the labyrinth of shabby redwoods- in a southerly direction. She knew that the Deep Forest was not a long distance from this central part of the Threshold (it was also half way home should either wish such for themselves), and she thought perhaps it might offer them all some respite from Tallsun’s gravity. As an afterthought Africa quickly paused and turned her face to glace Dust’s way. “This is Silas who sits atop my back, we are bound together.”

Frequently the dappled Pegasus would turn her head to the side to check on the progress of each horse in her company- adjusting her steady pace accordingly.

The filly and young colt appeared to follow their humble guide obligingly as she led them away from the Threshold and the chorus of bustling activity therein. Perhaps it was they who struck lucky when Africa had stumbled upon their meeting; or maybe it was she who was now all the richer for meeting two such genuine and aspiring children, who she imagined would thrive and blossom into fully fledged students of Dragon's Throat in due time. The dappled mare had already sworn her allegiance to the effervescent pair, whether they understood such commitment or not, and she would stand by them for the length of her life- as long as they never harmed the bond which was now so tightly tied upon them.

She listened with a deep, dutiful respect to the somewhat entertaining ramblings of the sweet, easily distracted buckskin filly, a patient smile curling into her relaxed maw. The girl was an unusual sort, certainly not marred by fate's cruel hand at this point- her innocence and blissful appreciation of the world around her (or the trees), was brilliantly refreshing, and Africa more than enjoyed her bubbly company. She thought as the conversation moved rather rapidly along, that Luz might find the oasis to be exceptionally exciting. The flourishing centre of the brutal desert territory was thick with well-nourished flora; most of which could not be found in any other place. Although harsh in so many ways, once adapted, any could prosper in the magical sanctuary- and always there would be family to support the newly joined as they settled in.

Dust too followed along cheerfully, like a breath of fresh air; clean and pure, when the day cursed heat and sticky, heavy humidity upon their weary shoulders. The little Pegasus seemed to relate a little more easily to Africa- she thought, glancing back to smile affectionately in his direction. Perhaps it was that somewhere back through the pages of history their blood had been bound together, and so their spirits and hearts. Regardless, Africa felt an indescribable closeness to the colt which warmed her to the core. Apparently Luz held some deep appreciation for his easy-going stride also; she seemed to fizz and froth in his company, as though an aura of contagious confidence clung about his tiny body as an invisible aura. The dappled mare was pleased that they seemed so easily to click. Life would be harder for the filly, and she might need his friendship more than ever- she was without flight; her hooves bound to any surface lying in her path, and the desert was unforgiving for those bound by gravity. Africa knew this. At least she would find luxury in the Throat's heart beyond any other realm's capacity in Helovia. It was paradise in disguise, and others who were wingless had survived.

Luz tripped suddenly, and Africa's heart skipped as it lurched forward with the clumsy girl before she caught herself. "Are you alright?" the mare smiled soothingly, pausing their journey so that the gangly-legged filly could right herself accordingly.
When she was certain that Luz was alright, and ready to continue, the one-winged mare lead them on, and soon enough they were nearing the southern perimeter of the forest. "Would you both like to return with me to Dragon's Throat now? To see if my home suits your needs?" Of course it was no contract they were signing, no pledge which sacrificed their future to the grizzly hands of a tyrant ruler- no, both would be welcome to leave if they found no satisfaction there. But alternatively, if they chose to remain and grow into the family, they would be embraced and cherished; guided to exceed even, their full potential.
Enduringly, Africa waited to hear each response. Should they agree to come, they dapple grey would turn that way immediately and present to them their home; if not, she would divert right, and travel east to rest in the comfortable shade of the Deep Forest while they played in the vast natural wilderness.

After Luz and Dust had spoken, Africa began again to walk, this time turning to Dust though. "It is your turn now. Tell me everything about yourself, your hopes and your dreams." There was so much information pooling across the tongue of the one-winged mare, though she held it for now- plenty of time for lessons and adventure would follow should they seize Africa's offer.


OOC: In your replies, let Af know that they do or do not want to go to the Throat. If yes I will organise for your ranks to be updated to Dragon's Throat (-as an ooc note, let me know if you want be a ‘foal', pupil, soldier or citizen and that is what I will ask for ^_^). If not, I will organise your rank to be updated to Outcast.

If either of you don't want to go to the Throat I will put a post up, in the Deep Forest to continue their thread for however long you want. Hope that all made sense!


For @[Luz] & @[Dust] <3