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.